The thrill is in the ride
|
|
Hot Pics What's Up Chic Chat Surf Camps Home |
|
Chic
Chat: My Experience In The US Open Every year in late July, the top male and female surfers in the world converge on the sacred sands of Huntington Beach for the premier surfing event of the summer. The ominous shadow of the infamous HB Pier serves as a gauge for the huge contest scaffolding, skateboard ramps, BMX mud mounds, and promotional tent city that seem to grow exponentially bigger each year. For surfers, skateboarders, BMX riders, and beach enthusiasts all over Southern California, the beach games are a chance to parade along the sand while scantily clad in front of thousands of people, sit back and count the tattoos and silicone implants, maybe get an autograph or two, and for one week, be a part of the circus-like environment that goes along with being a professional extreme sports athlete. If nothing else, it is an awesome display. For a surfer competing in the most important contest held on mainland U.S. soil, it is no less of an awesome experience. With the heart and blood of the surf industry and culture looking on, it is a nail-biting opportunity for a surfer to "go big or go home". Champions sign autographs, pose for photos, and participate in countless interviews, while the losers try to blend into the crowd and escape though the crowds and back to their cars without being recognized. |
| This was
my third U.S. Open competition and the most fun so far. By this time, the
coolness and feeling of superiority that comes with wearing the exclusive
competitor’s wristband had sort of worn off. I was accustomed to the
throngs of spectators watching my every move as soon as I donned the
colored jersey. Even standing next to my surfing heroes while changing
after my heat has lost some of its novelty. (Although, I was still
incredibly stoked when Ross Williams gave me a pat on the shoulder and
wished me luck.) Getting used to the chaotic scene doesn’t mean that it
has become any less exciting, if anything, the comfort of familiarity only
seemed to add to the fun of the event.
The first time I competed, I lost in the trial round. Last year, I advanced out of the trials, but disappointingly lost in the first round of the main event. This year, I was seeded into Round 1 and my goal was to improve and at least make it to Round 2. The first round, I had a relatively difficult heat. The waves were inconsistent and very, very mushy. I was nervous. Fortunately, I was able to get three decent waves and advance in second place. Several hours later the surf had deteriorated. It was even more inconsistent, a lot mushier, and the shape was awful! My heat was just as tough, but since I had already reached my goal of making it to the second round, I tried to relax and just focus on surfing my best. Throughout the heat I watched the other girls get long waves to the beach, but all of mine seemed to mush out as soon as I stood up. When the five-minute bell sounded, the announcer said that I was in 3rd place, needing a score of 3.0 to advance. 3.0 is a relatively low score, but the waves were so bad that even that was hard to get. Then one of the other girls upped the ante with a long ride and I needed a 3.61. With less than two minutes to go the ocean went flat. I paddled in circles in desperation, frantically searching for any wave to connect to the inside. With thirty seconds left, I paddled to the far south of the contest area, just inside of the girl in 2nd position. Calmly, I assured myself that a wave would come and either it would come right to me, or I would have to "paddle battle" her for it. "Either way", I told myself, "I am advancing!" When the announcer said, "twenty seconds left…" I almost gave up hope. Just then, I saw some bumps on the horizon. While the other girl was talking with a male competitor in the adjacent area, trying to figure out which way he was going, I paddled to the inside, established priority, and took the wave, much to her dismay. I did four quick turns and stepped off onto the sand just as the bell rang, signifying the end of the heat. The judges’ score of 6.25 moved me from 3rd place to first place, and I advanced to the third round. My boyfriend and dad congratulated me saying, "you certainly like to keep it exciting". I was excited. But I was even more excited about surfing the next round. Round three signaled the entrance of the some of the best women in the world to the competition. Already seeded into my third round heat was Lynette Mackenzie and Trudy Todd, both excellent surfers. Interestingly, those two are also the only two surfers (male or female) in the history of professional surfing to be penalized for fighting! I was slightly intimidated by that fact alone, but once I stood next to them and realized that I am at least a foot taller than both of them, I realized that I could hold my own in a fight and shouldn’t be worried. Once we were out in the water, fighting was the last thing on my mind. They surfed well. I didn’t surf very well, and ended up in fourth place. It was a great experience. I didn’t let the pressure get to me as it had in previous years and I made it further than I ever have before. I can’t wait until next year! |
Copyright © Boardom, Inc. 2001 - All Rights Reserved
