OC surfers taken out by world champs at Quiksilver Pro
March 2nd, 2010, 10:23 am · · posted by Laylan Connelly, staff writer
The rookie surfers were no match for the world champions.
Two Orange County surfers – Brett Simpson and Patrick Gudauskas – were pitted against the world’s best surfers during the first ASP World Tour event of the year, but couldn’t pull off underdog wins against the likes of Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater.
The two were the last remaining of four local surfers at the Quiksilver Pro trying to make their mark against the world’s best 45 surfers.
Slater, 38, started off strong in his heat against Gudauskas, slashing his way to big points on several waves through the heat. He posted a 7.77 and 7.60, for a total heat score of 15.37.
As the clock ticked down, Gudauskas had a hard time in the messy surf posting any significant scores, seeming out of rhythm. He had a combined score of 7.56.
“I feel like I could have put up a better fight,” Gudauskas said. “It was rough out there. It was a learning experience.”
Pat Gudauskas in Round 2 of the Quiksilver Pro. Photo courtesy of ASP
Earlier in the day, Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson went up against current World Champ Mick Fanning.
Though Simpson had a fairy-tale win against Fanning at last year’s Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing, the rookie on the World Tour was no match for Fanning at the Aussie’s home break.
Fanning started off strong in his heat, earning a 6.64 score on a wave. Simpson answered back and tried to pull off an air move, but strong winds whipped his board from under him.
Fanning went on to ride a solid wave that earned him a 9.07 score, and the rookie couldn’t quite find a wave to make his way back into the game in the choppy, overhead surf.
“I had to go for my moves, and I definitely made a few mistakes you can’t afford to make against these guys,” Simpson said. “I’m learning, this is my first year. If I’m bummed, it wouldn’t make this tour fun. So I’m happy, just having a good time.”
The two other San Clemente surfers on the World Tour – Tanner Gudauskas and Nate Yeomans – were knocked out of the contest in Round 2.
With new rules this year, surfers only have five events to prove their worth – 13 surfers at the bottom of the list will be cut after the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, meaning they have to start strong in these early events. If cut, there’s no chance for a comeback later in the year.
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Local surfers recognized
20 foot surf??? thats laughable. why does the media always insist on making the waves twice as big as they actually were? the waves were big, but they were nowhere near 20 feet.
oh yeah, go Simpo!
Ok, not taking a shred of radness from Sir Slater at all here. Anybody that knows what surfing is, knows what he is capaple of. With that being said, on the other end of the spectrum (Pat) is in my opinion equally as talented… just younger and not as well known by most. I can remember about 5 years ago a wonderous day at Lower Trestles.
I see this guy flying down the line on a neon green board and ^*BAM*^ smacks the lip with Mike Tyson like level of aggresivness. Thats not all.
Keep in mind this was 5 years ago… after hitting the lip, he casually bottom turns without losing any speed and blasts about 4 feet out into what i can only describe as some sort’ve demented backflip type deal and STICKS it CLEAN!!! Viewing it from the beach must’ve been ridiculous, but I was in the water about 30 feet away with about 70 other guys (all of them saw this occuring). After he landed it I literally saw about 6 people just paddle in and give up! LMAO. Pat IS the future
of the sport and so are his brothers. Peace.
that friday of the US Open was a SOLID 8-10 foot swell , i was there some sets Were HUGE and some of the Biggest Surf i Have Witnessed at Huntington since 1974
Hey Casey – yah, you’re right about the 20 foot, was smaller than that and fixed in story … can’t remember exactly what forecasters called it that week, but it was big! 20s were coming through at the Wedge that week as well.
Pat v Slater on right now- Bede Durbidge kicked the crap out of it a couple heats ago for a 19.30
I like the under-dogs attitude to not get bummed and enjoy himself. Going up against Slater and Fanning is part of legend and looks good on your resume. You gotta start some where. Slater and Fanning did! There will always be surf and competitions…go for it!
Fair Winds and Calm Seas, Deborah Leon
http://www.mermaidspurseseaglass.com