Pictured:Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 23, moved up one spot from No. 5 to No. 4 on the ASP WQS this past week for his runner-up performance at the ASP 6-Star Local Motion Guaruja Surf Pro.


HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Monday, October 5, 2009) – Patrick Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 23, nearly claimed the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6- Star Local Motion Guaruja Surf Pro, earning a second place finish behind Brazilian talent Renato Galvao (BRA). The impressive result by Gudauskas moves him up one notch on The Grind from No. 5 to No. 4 overall.

Gudauskas, who is currently the second alternate on the ASP World Tour, has been one of the most consistent surfers on this year’s Grind and has been hunting down an ASP WQS victory throughout the year. Unfortunately, Gudauskas fell just short of a win in Brazil, but his solid performances allowed him to nab the extremely valuable ratings points on offer at the premier event, significantly helping his cause towards qualification for next year’s ASP Dream Tour

“I really wanted to win here,” Gudauskas said. “I did a few semis and finals this year and really wanted to win a event here in Brazil, but Renato (Galvao) got good waves and I congratulate him for this victory.”

The dedicated regular-footer’s Final appearance at the ASP 6-Star event was no easy task, defeating an international field of talent including current ASP WQS No. 9 Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA), 24, andAustralian up-and-comer Jayke Sharp (Sandy Beach, AUS), 21.

“The waves in the final improved a little bit and we might have had the best waves of day,” Gudauskas said. “It was a great final for sure. I really want to win an event this year so that’s my goal until the end of the season, so I’m not really thinking too much about my rating.”

Gudauskas will continue his quest for a spot on next year’s ASP Dream Tour with the ASP 6-Star Oakley presents Rio Surf International which runs from October 5 through 11, 2009.