Despite the threatening skies and the forecast for rain, the multitudes once again lined the pier and the shore for the final day of the 2014 US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA. A long-standing Southern California tradition, the 9-day competition is one of the most beloved events of the summer where it seems most anything could happen.
Savvy sponsors have learned to take advantage of the crowds — publicity planes circled the skies, a commotion of music and loudspeakers emerge from dozens of sponsor tents attempting to engage the crowd with competitions and giveaways, and sponsors like Fiat wow the attendees as their signature cars play in the salty waters. Fans of all ages, sizes, and walks of life join together for a beach party surfing spectacle that the city estimates brings in about $21 million in revenue.
Amidst all of the fun and sun, you can almost forget why you are there — to see phenomenal surfing form the world’s best. This year was no exception.
In the Women’s Final, it was Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright to face off for the top spot. The heat got off to a rough start and, in fact, even had to be restarted. From then one, it was all Tyler Wright, finding the strongest wave of the heat for a score of 8.67. Gilmore was unable to respond, giving Wright her first win of 2014 and putting her just a hair behind Carissa Moore for the top rating.
In the final event of the festivities, the svelte Filipe Toledo faced off against the powerhouse Willian Cardoso for an all-Brazilian final. While the two share the same heritage, their surfing styles could not be more different. Filipe, known for being one of the best aerialists, flew through the waters to impress the judges and overtake Cardoso for the win.
Filipe opened the final competition with a solid display and a score to match, but Cardoso quickly answered with a 9.03 ride. Challenging back, Toledo surfed a terrific run with a tail high reverse leaving Cardoso with just six minutes to score an 8.53 or higher. Despite securing the highest score, he was unable to match Toledo in the final surf.
Toledo’s family charged enthusiastically into the waters to celebrate with him. The young Brazilian exclaimed, “I am super stoked, excited, shaking. I started really good. I just tried my air game, did what I love to do.”
Final Weekend Results
Vans US Open of Surfing Women’s Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.17 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.70
Semifinal 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.10 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.03
Vans US Open of Surfing Men’s Final Results:
Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.56 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 12.80
Vans US Open of Surfing Men’s Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 15.66 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 8.57
Semifinal 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.53 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 13.60
Vans US Open of Surfing Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
Quarterfinal 1: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 14.67 def. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 14.37
Quarterfinal 2: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.60 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67
Quarterfinal 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.93 def. Matt Banting (AUS) 12.33
Quarterfinal 4: Brett Simpson (USA) 13.83 def. Garrett Parkes (AUS) 11.43
View the NEC Ideas full gallery of photos here.
