SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Andy Irons of Kaua‘i is one of two surfers who could overtake seven-time world champion Kelly Slater as the Boost Mobile Pro of Surf presented by Hurley gets under way today. The full complement of the
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Andy Irons of Kaua‘i is one of two surfers who could overtake seven-time world champion Kelly Slater as the Boost Mobile Pro of Surf presented by Hurley gets under way today.
The full complement of the top 45 surfers in the world are expected to hit the water at Trestles, located just outside of San Clemente in Southern California for round one of the most prestigious surfing event in the U.S., states a press release from the Association of Surfing Professionals.
Throughout the previous six events held during the year, injuries forced out numerous regular competitiors on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour. But following a lengthy break between events in the circuit, all of the best of the best have confirmed they will take part in this event.
Seven-time world champion Kelly Slater of the United States is currently leading the ratings race, but numerous surfers are within striking range to claim the 2006 top gong.
Irons joins Taj Burrow of Australia as the two surfers who could potentially overtake Slater with a win this week.
Burrow is eager for the tour to restart as he is known for putting on solid performances at Trestles and the upcoming locations of Hossegor, France, and Mundaka, Spain. Burrow finished second to Mick Fanning of Australia in the last event at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.
“Yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to surfing in the event at Trestles as I’ve had some good results there in the past few years,” Burrow said. “It’s a really run wave and I enjoy surfing out there.”
Burrow said at the beginning of 2006 that his sights were fixed on winning his first world title — an honor many of his peers have said should have been his a long time ago.
“It’s now or never,” said Burrow back in March. “I had time out of the water last year due to injury and that really made me appreciate competitive surfing. It has heavily motivated me to go full on after the title.”
Following his finish where he narrowly lost after falling on a wave in the dying seconds of the final, Burrow’s focus is still on track while sitting in second place with 4,682 points behind Slater’s 5,109.
“I’m really keen to win an event soon,” said Burrow. “From there, I’m hoping I can go on and bump off ‘the big fellow’ (Slater).”
The Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley will kick off today and run through Saturday.
A live Webcast is available at www.boostmobilepro.com. The Web site is interactive with photos, video clips, downloads and promotions to win prizes.
