Mackie rises to 5th in Americas

Top Barbadian surfer Dane Mackie is rated fifth in the Americas, following an impressive showing in the 16-and-Under division of the recent 2013 Ripcurl Gromsearch National Final in California.
Mackie, 16, defied foggy conditions and chest-high waves at Upper Trestles, California, to improve his rating among international surfers.
The event was won by American Pat Curren, who also won a trip to compete in Australia.
The finals were contested among 64 surfers after four qualifying events around the United States.
Mackie, a goofy-footer, displayed consistent and impressive wave-riding among highly rated teenaged surfers to earn his spot.
Mackie, who is sponsored by LOST Enterprises, Vestal, Arnette, Fin-S, Digicel and the Jada Group, is the current Barbados Olympic Association’s Junior Male Athlete Of The Year. He is also the winner of the Surfer Of The Year Award. (PR/EZS)