06.13.01
by: Scott Bass
Surfer Magazine

Today, under slightly overcast skies, the first official heat of the OP PRO 2001 took place. Contest Director Bernie Baker chose the peeling, hollow walls at Lance's Left for the lucky four women involved. Surf size ranged from 3'-5', with an occasional 6-footer rolling through.

An onshore wind picked up midway through the heat, putting a bump on the wave faces. Nevertheless, Layne Beachely didn't let the less-than-optimal conditions stop her from snagging the biggest set waves and carving them to the channel. Beachley's wave knowledge and tact led her to the winner's circle in round 1, and she walked off with the $2500 for her efforts.

Layne Beachley

"The conditions were pretty poor. You have to adapt and change your strategy in conditions like that," explained Beachley. "Basically you have to slow down and really read the wave. You can't just throw caution to the wind. You have to take it easier, and employing a cautious approach to the bumpy conditions paid off."

Following Beachley in order of finish was Serena Brooke, Rochelle Ballard, and Keala Kennelly.

Serena Brooke

Rochelle Ballard had a hard time in the challenging conditions. "In one word: frustrated," explained defending champ Ballard. "Trying to be in control out there, it just didn't work. You'd be in the middle of a good hard turn and then you'd hit a chop...plus the tide was changing."

The women will surf again, in a 2nd round heat, and the top three cumulative scores will decide who moves on into the next round. Three women survive. One unlucky women surfer will be "voted off the island" after round two.

Keala Kennelly

The men spent the afternoon surfing small, offshore and perfect HTs. More competition is planned for tomorrow, as a low pressure system is setting up nicely in the Indian ocean.

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