The surf world is buzzing as the $125,000 Honda Element U.S. Open of Surfing presented by O'Neill stormed through Huntington Beach, CA, this past week. The contest was the biggest WQS event of the year with hundreds of pros and amateurs battling for prize money. On Sunday, August 3, Florida's Cory Lopez dominated, winning the competition and a hefty oversized check worth $15,000.
The 30-minute final was an all-star event featuring the talents of world champ Andy Irons, WCT top-fiver Taj Burrow and dark horse WQS ruler Bobby Martinez. Cory lead from the start and despite a late charge by Taj Burrow, held onto his lead with a series of huge floaters and snaps. Taj remained in second, Andy cruised into third and Bobby Martinez vanished into fourth. "I'm just so stoked right now," said Cory about his win. "There were so many people on the beach and hearing them cheer got me really motivated. This was the biggest crowd I've ever surfed in front of."
In the weekend's other events, Kekoa Bacalso of Hawaii took top honors in The Lost Pro Junior. Australia's Chelsea Georgeson won the women's event and Taylor Jensen from Imperial Beach, CA, took the Longboard title. This was the largest surf event ever, with more than 300,000 surf fans hanging out at the pier.
Taj's book sits on the shelves of bookstores near you ... just waiting for you to rescue it from its hidden spot amongst books on the Taj Mahal.
Golden child Dane Reynolds has left long-time clothing and wetsuit sponsor Rip Cur, for Quiksilver. Dane signed a multiyear contract and can now be seen rocking head to toe Quiksilver gear, in and out of the water. "I'm stoked to be part of such an amazing team," said Dane about his new sponsor.
DVS is thickening its already strong team with three bangers. World Tour veteran Pat O'Connell joins the team, as well as Mike Todd and Jon Rose. Rose can also be seen on the hot MTV show Surf Girls. Jon was a judge and called out the girls ala Simon from American Idol.
Taj Burrow's Book Of Hot Surfing has hit bookshelves. The book features over 170 pages of tips, tricks, photos, stories, drawings and interviews. This book is a must have for any fan of Taj's amazing aerial antics or chick swinging capabilities.
In environmental news, SeaWeb, a marine conservation organization, and the Ocean Wilderness Network, a nonprofit coalition of regional and national organizations dedicated to protecting the ocean, launched Less Than One, a California-based campaign calling for greater protection of the ocean. The Surfrider Foundation is part of the Ocean Wilderness Network and has been playing a big part in this campaign. The campaign highlights how little of our ocean is protected (less than one percent) and urges California residents to act now to protect our seas and the life within. For more information, go to seaweb.org.
Bron Heussenstamm and Dave Pinto will attend the University of Southern California in the fall of 2003. Both were accepted to the university and are currently taking up residence near the school in Los Angeles.
Rip Curl released the world's first stitchless boardshorts. Teamrider Mick Fanning says, "They feel really light to wear and fit incredibly well. They're the best boardshorts I've ever worn, mate."
Ozzie Wright will display his vast array of artwork and sculptures at the Volcom store in Los Angeles. His creations will be on display until October first. Check out Ozzie's art on the walls of 126 South La Brea. Call 323-933-2442 for more information.
Bill "Beaker" Bryan riding to his tenth world skimboarding title at the 27th Annual World Championship of Skimboarding in Laguna Beach, CA.
On July 31, the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, CA, will add a few names to the list of legends (honored in cement in front of Jack's Surfboards). The Walk of Fame is located on the corner of PCH and Main St. The inductee class of 2003 will join honorees from the past nine years at a gala dinner at the all-new Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. Inductees include surf pioneer Mike Doyle, 1989 ASP World Champion Martin Potter, local legend Chuck Linnen and Marge Calhoun, winner of the 1958 women's Makaha International Surfing Championships. Also to be inducted: Surfing magazine photo editor Larry "Flame" Moore and genius inventor Tom "Y" Morey.
Volcom rented out a beachfront house in Newport Beach to accommodate its traveling team riders. Houseguests include Jay Quinn, Matt Bemrose, Zahn Foxton, Kamalei Alexander, Tom Dosland, Stephen Kohne, Nick Guilarte and Travis Beckmann. Look for the Volcom House Habitat story next month in TransWorld SURF.
Flea is healing from a break in the elbow area. He broke himself surfing a two-foot beachbreak in Mexico, but should be back in the water in late August.
Kelly Slater was featured in a full-page interview in the July 13 edition of New York Times Magazine. Kelly fields questions about his new book Pipe Dreams, Pam Anderson, Baywatch and other topics. Kelly was also spotted filming for an upcoming ESPN segment at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, CA.
Matix Clothing and Lakai Footwear announced they are starting a surf team. The first team rider is none other than Anthony Petruso of Malibu, CA.
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