The WCT makes its only stop in the U.S. at Lower Trestles, San Onofre State Beach, California, for the Hurley Pro beginning next Sunday, September 15th, with the waiting period extending to the 21st. A familiar storyline has played out through the first 6 events of the season, with Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning breaking away from the rest of the world's best surfers. Kelly, fresh off his finals appearance in Tahiti, is looking to claim his third win of the season and his fourth straight victory at the Hurley Pro Event. Mick is actually still looking for his first win of the season, but his consistency has kept him neck-and-neck with Kelly, by making at least the quarterfinals of all 6 events this season. Something's got to give, right?
Something that might help things "give" could be the event's 2 wildcards, Dane Reynolds and Mitch Crews. Dane grabbed the wildcard berth by winning a video contest open to all U.S. surfers (shocker). With the backing of some big names on instagram and other social media sites (ahem, Kelly Slater, Tony Hawk), Dane won the online poll and the spot in the Hurley Pro. Not like he didn't deserve it based on his video part! Being a Cali boy Dane is right at home at Lowers and is sure to be a tough out, especially if he manages to land a couple of huge maneuvers, like he is definitely capable of doing.
An interesting addition to the Hurley Pro's festivities for this year is the addition of an Expression Session featuring Rob Machado and an empty Lowers lineup. How to score the empty lineup and the session? The 5 highest bidders in an online auction will get this once in a lifetime opportunity - good luck breaking out the big bucks for those bids. All proceeds go to a good cause, the San Onofre Foundation, the caretaker of the San Onofre / Trestles region, which is the 5th most visited state park in California. Gotta take care of Trestles and the surrounding areas.
To get psyched, have a look back at the 2012 Hurley Pro and check out the Hurley Pro 2013 teaser!
WCT Standings after 5 Events:
- Kelly Slater, 38950
- Mick Fanning, 37900
- Joel Parkinson, 30700
- Jordy Smith, 29200
- Taj Burrow, 25400
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