O'Neill World Cup in Giant Waves
- December 1, 2008
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- By Story/Photos By TOB
When I arrived at Sunset Beach at 6:30 AM this morning, I found 3 surfers arguing with Executive Director Randy Rarick that the conditions were too small to run. I looked out in the lineup and saw 3 surfers tubed in a row; these were the tubes you dream about. After a little more discussion, it was decided we would run.
After the 4th heat, heat winner Hank Gaskell said it should be called of…it was too big and out of control. In this heat, Dayyan Neve didn’t even take a wave.
The event continued in giant waves. The offshore reefs were breaking. It was breaking a mile out to sea, with the whitewater rolling through. Each set would bring a huge rip. WQS # 1, Nathaniel Curran got caught in one and pulled down to Backyards. He ended up with a 0.40 in his heat. Hawaiian Love Hodel didn’t get a wave in his heat.
CJ and Damien Hobgood both made it through and with the luck of the draw will face each other in heat 1 the next day we run. Gabe Kling and Brian Toth were not so lucky. They dropped out in the round of 64.
The excitement now is to see who will qualify for next years Dream Tour. Phillip MacDonald is dropping a 750 and has already leapfrogged to #12. Marlon Lipke, #14 got knocked out in the round of 64, giving Patrick Gudaskis a chance. Yadin Nichol is also in the running, but needs a final.
There is one more day of the O’Neill World Cup, and then it is on to the WCT at Pipeline.