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Fog Fails to Cool Competition at Quiksilver Pro Day 2 Talk back on the Surf board |
Quiksilver Pro 2001 - Epic Day One
04.30.01transworld.com Glassy three-to six-foot waves and summer-like conditions made for some explosive, competitive surfing on day one of the Quiksilver Pro, the first stop on the Professional Surfing Tour of America's 2001 season and a one-star rated WQS event.
"It's flawless," exclaimed Booth, describing the conditions. "It's three-to six-foot Lowers, it's got good shape, and there's no one out. You can't ask for anything more than this. It's just insane." Booth's final tally was 24.75, besting hot California groms Wiatt Simmons, Darryl Goodrum and Chad Hendrick. Another ASP and domestic surfing tour veteran, San Clemente's Jim Hogan, also advanced out of the first round on waves he's surfed his whole life. "The conditions are great today, and it's good for all the international surfers to get a taste of Trestles with four guys out," said Hogan. Asked about his strategy, the 37-year-old veteran said, "Coming from the trials, you want to make sure to get some momentum and don't burn yourself out. Just try to improve with each heat, and when I get to the top guys, hopefully the waves will stay the way they are. That's gonna be a crucial factor." Conditions improved steadily throughout the day with "Santa Anas" (warm offshore winds) and temperatures reaching 80 degrees, although the water in the lineup was a chilly 60 degrees. During many Round 1 heats, the crowd was treated to an awesome display by Mother Nature, with a constant barrage of clean six-foot sets pouring in, a dream come true for the contestants. One of those, Heat 14 winner Chris Del Morro, 18, of Palos Verdes, Calif., called it the best contest surf he's experienced in two years. "Every time I turned around it was like I was at J-Bay," said a stoked Del Morro, a regular-foot who took full advantage of Trestles' long rights. "I felt like a died and went to heaven, except for all the tents on the beach. Perfect size, perfect walls, and glassy. I sat about 15 feet to the south of the other guys. There was that west bowl that I picked up on the shoulder every time and it worked perfectly. I got in the cycle and kept going." Other winners included Hawaii's Braden Diaz and Quiksilver Surf Team Manager Todd Kline. Diaz, in California for sponsor responsibilities, was an alternate and waited most of the day before a slot opened up in Round 2. "Luckily, I got in the second to last heat of the day," said the Hawaiian. "These are perfect conditions for a contest. I don't hang out here that much but I've got a good board and the waves are a little sizeable, so it helped me a lot." Kline, a former full-time pro surfer, entered the contest on a whim and ended up advancing with a first place showing. "Three weeks ago, I almost withdrew from the contest," said Kline. "But I figured, if I'm going to be on the beach all day watching the waves, I might as well surf. And of all the events on the PSTA tour, I decided I wasn't going to miss Trestles. With the weather and the surf and Quiksilver and PSTA being involved, I don't think we could have painted a better picture than what we've got here today. It's a dream come true. It's so good I'm keeping my suit on and surfing after the last heat today!" Tomorrow's featured heats will feature top ASP pros Taylor Knox and Shea Lopez, three-time world champion Tom Curren, big wave chargers Mike Parsons and Peter Mel, and hot up-and-comers Fred Pattacchia, Chris Ward, Dane Johnson and Travis Mellem. PSTA partner Surfline is forecasting today's south swell to increase further tomorrow, then level off and build again for Saturday's final heats and the Air Show. For more information, event schedules and TV airdates: www.psta.tv **** Day One Results ****
QUIKSILVER PRO @ TRESTLES
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