Kelly Slater Wins Billabong Pipe Masters Over Vans Triple Crown Winner John John Florence : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Saturday, December 14, 2013) - Kelly Slater (USA), 41, has won his 7th Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons after a day of incredible 10-to-15 foot (three to four metre) waves at Pipeline today. Slater defeated John John Florence (HAW), 21, in a hard-fought, 35-minute Final that ended with less than half-a-point separating the two. The runner-up finish for Florence saw him crowned 2013 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion.

The final day of the Billabong Pipe Masters capped off the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) season in fine style, with epic conditions providing the ideal backdrop for the crowning of Mick Fanning (AUS), 32, as the ASP World Champion. It also finalized the ASP Top 34 roster for 2014. Fanning finished third overall, defeated by Florence in their Semifinal.

Alejo Muniz Wins ASP Prime Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Sunday, July 28, 2013) - Alejo Muniz (BRA), 23, has won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime Vans US Open of Surfing over Kolohe Andino (USA), 19, in peaky one-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier.

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 23, your 2013 Vans US Open of Surfing Champion

The Vans US Open of Surfing is the fourth of eight ASP Prime events on the 2013 calendar, offering crucial points towards surfers’ ASP World Ranking and a coveted US$100,000 first place prize purse.
Muniz would get the best of an opening exchange with Andino, belting a 8.43 for a series of seamless frontside turns. The Brazilian would quickly backup the ride on his backhand, scalping a 7.80 on a left breaking in to the pier to solidify the victory.

Carissa Moore Wins Vans US Open of Surfing, Takes ASP Women’s WCT Lead : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Sunday, July 28, 2013) - Carissa Moore (HAW), 20, has won the Vans US Open of Surfing over local favorite Courtney Conlogue (USA), 20, in peaky one-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier, taking the No. 1 position on the ASP Women’s World Title Race.

Carissa Moore (HAW), 20, your Vans US Open of Surfing Champion and new ASP World No. 1.

Stop No. 6 of 8 on the 2013 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT), the Vans US Open of Surfing plays both a crucial role in deciding the 2013 Women’s World Champion and qualification for next season’s ASP Top 17.

Moore got off to a dominant start in her final clash, earning an 8.17 and 7.83 to launch out to an early lead. The talented Hawaiian would hold on to the win despite a late-heat rampage from Conlogue, solidifying her third ASP Women’s WCT event win this year.

Coffin and Buitendag Win Vans US Open Pro Junior, Men’s and Women’s Champions Crowned Tomorrow : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Saturday, July 27, 2013) - Conner Coffin (Santa Barbara, CA), 20, and Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), 19, have won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans US Open of Surfing Pro Junior in peaky two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier today.

Conner Coffin went back-to-back in Huntington Beach, winning the Vans US Open again this year!

The Vans US Open Pro Junior plays a crucial role in surfer’s qualification campaigns for the ASP World Junior Championships and has also drawn several of the globe’s top under-21 talent competing in both the men’s and women’s main events.

Conner Coffin secured back-to-back US Open victories, dominating the international field of Carlos Munoz (CRI), 20, Jake Halstead (La Jolla, CA), 19, and Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), 19, from start to finish with selective wave strategy. Coffin would ride only three waves in his heat, securing an 8.17 and 7.60 to secure the win.

Bourez Tops Slater, Women’s Quarterfinalists Decided at Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Friday, July 26, 2013) – The ASP Prime Vans US Open of Surfing hosted the Round of 24 in peaky two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier, deciding the Round of 16 compliments of some intense battles from the world’s best surfers.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, defeated Kelly Slater (USA), 41, securing a Quarterfinals berth at the

Vans US Open of Surfing.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, continued his tear at the Vans US Open of surfing, trumping 11-times ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 41, with patented power surfing and progressive above-the-lip maneuvers. Slater would put in a valiant effort in the dying seconds of the match in an attempt to surpass the Tahitian, but would fall shy of the score required, securing Bourez’s position in the Round of 16.

“I knew he was going to try to put a show on and do some big airs,” Bourez said. “I saw him trying to look for the rights and my goal was to catch a few lefts first. Then I got that right and tried that air, so that was the good one for me. I saw Kelly from behind on that last wave and he did five or six turns and the wave was really tiny. I heard the crowd cheer and thought maybe I made a mistake.”

International Standouts Post Top Scores for Round 3 of Vans US Open ofSurfing / ASP

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Thursday, July 25, 2013) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime Vans US Open of Surfing opened today’s action in peaky two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at South Huntington Beach Pier, completing the non-elimination Round of 24 compliments of some world-class performances from both event favorites and up-and-coming internationals.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, posted high scores for the second day in a row, belting a 9.17 and 8.20 for progressive surfing on a pierbowl rights and wedgy lefthander. Smith’s efforts would see him secure a Round of 16 berth over C.J. Hobgood (USA), 34, and Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), 19.

“I knew that heat was going to be tough,” Smith said. “Ramzi (Boukhiam) has been ripping and C.J. (Hobgood) started strong with that 8. I got that 9 and that was the turning point for me. If you get the right waves out there you’re going to get high scores. I knew it was going to be a comeback heat for me and I’m happy to get the win.”

Photo Gallery: Vans U.S. Open of Surfing | GrindTV.com

The world’s best surfers are in Huntington Beach, California, right now for the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing. This annual gathering of surfing talent has been taking place (in one form or another) since the 1960s. Kelly Slater started competing in the Pro Junior division back in the late ’80s. Today, 41-year-old Slater is an 11-time world champion, in hot pursuit of number 12. In the open format, Slater will be facing kids born well after he won his first world title in 1992. Click the link for some select images from the event from photographer Michael Lallande.Photo Gallery: Vans U.S. Open of Surfing | GrindTV.com

California’s Kolohe Andino is giving and taking a few lumps out on the elite ASP World Tour.

No doubt, he’s happy to be competing close to home.

Electric Performances From World’s Best for Round 2 of Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Wednesday, July 23, 2013) – The 2013 Vans US Open of Surfing returned to Huntington Beach Pier for another big day of competition, starting with some close Round 2 battles from the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT) surfers in peaky two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, earned the day’s highest scores during Round 2 of the

Vans US Open of Surfing.

Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, current ASP Women’s No. 1, got off to a slow start in her clash against wildcard Leila Hurst (HAW), 19, but found two back-to-back righthanders in the final minutes of her heat, escaping a potentially dangerous Round 2 exit.

“I was nervous going in to that heat,” Wright said. “I haven’t been nervous in a heat in a long time. I had a slow start and I know going up against a wildcard, they have nothing to lose. Leila (Hurst) has been ripping and I was fortunate to find two little sneaky ones in the end.”

Men’s and Women’s Round 2 Action ON at Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Wednesday, July 24, 2013) - The 2013 Vans US Open of Surfing is back ON this morning in two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier and today’s action is scheduled to see the completion of both Women’s ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) and Men’s Prime Round 2 competition.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 25, will take on Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 30, in Heat 4 Round 2 of

Vans US Open.

Stop No. 6 of 8 on the ASP Women’s WCT, the Vans US Open of Surfing plays a vital role in the 2013 ASP World Title while Men’s ASP Prime competition offers up crucial points towards surfers ASP World Ranking.

“We’ll start today off with Round 2 of Women’s competition,” Brian Robbins, ASP North America Tour Manager said. “We’ll follow with the completion of Men’s Round 2 and finish the day off with the Juniors.”

Top Seeds Produce Mixed Results at Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Tuesday, July 23, 2012) – The Vans US Open of Surfing, stop No. 6 of 8 on the Women’s ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), took to the water today, completing Round 1 action in peaky two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves. Huntington Beach Pier would host a series of mixed results from the ASP Top 17, with both shock upsets and top scores from the event’s top seeds.

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 22, took top honors with women’s high scores at the

Vans US Open of Surfing.

Silvana Lima (BRA), 28, current ASP No. 14, earned a crucial Round 1 victory at the Vans US Open of Surfing, relegating reigning five-time ASP World Champion and former event winner Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 25, and rookie Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), 19, to Round 2. Lima has struggled to find her rhythm this season following an injury plagued 2012 and is out to turn her year around with a big result this week.

“I feel really good,” Lima said. “This is my best Round 1 result and usually I have to surf in Round 2 here in Huntington. I’m happy to skip that round 2. I’ve had a tough year, but I’m feeling really good and it’s nice to have some waves. Hopefully I can keep going.”

Men’s ASP Prime and Women’s WCT Scheduled for Vans US Open of Surfing Today : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Tuesday, July 23, 2013) – The Vans US Open of Surfing is ON for the fourth consecutive day, with Round 1 of the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT) and Rounds 1 and 2 of the men’s Prime event scheduled to take to the water in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at South Huntington Beach Pier.

Defending event champion Lakey Peterson (USA), 18, will surf in Heat 6 Round 1 of the

Vans US Open of Surfing today.

Stop No. 6 of 8 on the ASP Women’s WCT, the Vans US Open of Surfing will play a vital role in deciding the 2013 Women’s World Champion. In addition, the Men’s Prime event represents the fourth of eight of its kind globally, attracting the world’s best in search of points towards their respective WCT qualification campaigns and the coveted US$100,000 prize purse.

“We’ve got another full day of competition scheduled today,” Brian Robbins, ASP North America Tour Manager said. “We’ll complete Men’s Round 1 first and will follow with Round 1 of the Women’s, completing the day with the opening Round 2 Men’s Prime action.”

Watch the action LIVE via http://www.usopenofsurfing.com/surf/

ASP WCT Talent Leads Round 1 of Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Monday, July 22, 2013) – The 2013 ASP Prime Vans US Open of Surfing kicked off in pulsing four-to-six foot (1.5 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier with several ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) surfers leading the day’s highlights with dominant Round 1 performances.

Defending event champion Julian Wilson put in a strong Round 1 performance at the Vans US Open of Surfing today.

Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion, reveled in the windy afternoon conditions, notching the day’s high scores with surgical wave selection. The iconic regular-footer took to the lefts breaking in to the Pier, earning an 8.00 for a committed backhand tube, backing the ride up with the day’s high single-wave score of 8.67 for several polished backhand turns.

“There are a few barrels out there,” Slater said. “There’s a lot going on and it’s a busy week and you kind of hope for those morning glassy heats, especially when there’s some swell. There’s some energy out there now, but it’s really windy so you’ve got to wait for the second, third or fourth wave and that’s where I got that barrel.”

International Standouts Shine at Vans US Open of Surfing Trials : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Sunday, July 21, 2013) – Day two of the Vans US Open of Surfing completed the 24-man trials, with four international standouts advancing to the men’s ASP Prime main event in clean four-to-six foot (1.5 metre) waves at South Huntington Beach Pier.

former ASP World Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot (FRA), 21, was a standout during the Vans US Open of Surfing Trials and will compete in tomorrow’s main event.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, who was forced to surf the trials due to an entry error, delivered an electric performance throughout the three-round trials, igniting the Huntington Beach lineup with a vigorous attack on both his forehand and backhand.

“I forgot to sign up for the event, but I’m pretty stoked to make the trials,” Medina said. “I knew it was going to be hard and I was just trying to get a few waves and warm up for the main event.”

ASP Women’s World Title Race Heats Up Entering Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Thursday, July 18, 2013) – The world’s best female surfers are set to descend upon Huntington Beach Pier for the prestigious Vans US Open of Surfing and the only American ASP Women’s WCT event will play a vital role in deciding this year’s title.
Stop No. 6 of 8 on the ASP Women’s WCT, the Vans US Open of Surfing will not only represent a vital role in the ASP World Title Race, but is also crucial in women’s requalification campaigns for 2014.

Carissa Moore (HAW), 20, current ASP Women’s World No. 2, will be out to take poll position on the women’s

ASP World Title race at the Vans US Open of Surfing.

Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, current frontrunner in the race for the ASP Women’s World Title, will be out to further her lead over the field with a strong result in Huntington Beach. The talented natural-footer admitted that the external elements of the Vans US Open of Surfing including the crowd, action sports festival and consistently changing conditions make the Vans US Open of Surfing one of the most unique and challenging stops of the year.

Wilson Returns to Defend Huntington Beach Title at Vans US Open of Surfing : ASP World Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Friday, July 19, 2013) – The 2013 ASP Prime Vans US Open of Surfing is just days from commencement and with over 20 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) surfers scheduled to compete at Huntington Beach Pier, Australian Julian Wilson, 24, will be leading the international elite as defending event champion.

Julian Wilson, defending event champion, will return this year’s Vans US Open of Surfing alongside a

 mass of ASP Top 34 talent.

The Vans US Open of Surfing represents the fourth of eight ASP Prime events on the 2013 calendar, playing a pivotal role in deciding qualifiers for next year’s ASP Top 34.

Julian Wilson took out the 2012 US Open of Surfing in front of a capacity crowd to secure the ASP Prime event last year and the progressive Australian is returning to Surf City in an attempt to defend the crown against his elite peers.

American Talent Set to Take On World’s Best at Vans US Open of Surfing

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Wednesday, July 17, 2013) – The 2013 Vans US Open of Surfing is set to kickoff this Saturday, July 20 and this year’s mammoth event is slated to see over 20 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) surfers take on the finest up-and-coming talent from around the globe at Huntington Beach Pier.
 

 

The Vans US Open of Surfing represents the fourth of only eight ASP Prime rated events in 2013, drawing the world’s best surfers to Surf City in search of crucial points towards their ASP World Ranking in front of millions of passionate fans.

C.J. Hobgood (Melbourne, FL), 34, 2007 US Open Champion and current ASP World No. 9, is one of several past champions in this year’s draw and the Floridian was quick to admit that that winning an event with incredible history in front of a capacity crowd represents a pinnacle moment in any professional surfer’s career.

“Being from the U.S. there are so many memories of surfers that I looked up to winning the open so of course that was built in to my DNA as one on the events that I wanted to win,” Hobgood said. “I saw Tom Curren, Occy, Kelly Slater, Shane Beschen, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb and Andy Irons all win there when I was growing up so I always thought that’s what I had to do make it as a pro surfer.