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Tyler Wright (AUS), 20, current ASP World No. 4, was in devastating form against fellow Australian Laura Enever (AUS), 22. Wright proved to be the standout of the Round, quickly belting an excellent 9.00 for a series of committed turns followed by a clean frontside air for an 8.67. Wright’s efforts left Enever in a combination situation and she secured a convincing Quarterfinals berth. “Yesterday I didn’t catch a lot of waves and Malia (Manuel) went to town, but even then I still felt confident,” said Tyler Wright. “I always love surfing against Carissa (Moore) and we always seem to meet up. Generally we’re on the other side of the draw and meet up in Final. She’s a phenomenal surfer and is always kicking my butt. I’m going to go out there and do my thing and hopefully it’ll be entertaining.” Photo: ASP/ Morris
The Vans US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach is a carnival. It’s not really about surfing – it’s more about the scene, which is pretty awesome, even though it sometimes involves a riot or two. The surfing just acts as a catalyst, of sorts. People show up. People party. People surf. But most of all, people party. And while Huntington doesn’t normally get amazing waves (it’s a surf contest in California in mid-summer), it does get amazing surfers, and they do pretty amazing things on not-so-amazing waves. See proof above. One-to-three foot slop doesn’t usually equal gouging turns and big-ass boosts, but somehow, amid the Huntington cacophony, those were both accomplished.