Opening day of the HIC Pro, Sunset Beach
Opening day of the HIC Pro saw first-class performances alongside surprising upsets as Sunset Beach steamrolled the lineup with powerful wave faces up to 15ft. to challenge athletes’ stamina and commitment. The Men’s QS 3,000, the HIC Pro is the official local qualifier into the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, making this one of the heaviest events in the WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui region. Both local and international athletes were highlighted today in their hunt for points, qualification and glory at the opening event of the North Shore’s competitive surf season. Maui’s Cody Young matched the NNW swell energy with classic power surfing and earned a 9.50 in Round 2 for the day’s best barrel ride. Earlier in the competition, two-time HIC Pro winners (2015 and 2005) Ian Walsh and Mason Ho (2016 and 2013) missed advancement in shocking Round 1 eliminations, while former CT competitor Wiggolly Dantas also suffered an early loss. Young, 19, showed incredible control as he dropped in behind the peak of a solid 10ft. cavern and navigated the barrel to emerge cleanly, then followed up with two flawless turns to stamp out an excellent score from judges. He backed this with a 7.33 to combo the […]
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