SUNSET BEACH — Reigning world champ and current ratings #2 Andy Irons won his all-Hawaiian heat against Kalani Robb and Trials wildcard Love Hodel to advance in the Rip Curl Cup. Irons broke his surfboard at the start of the
SUNSET BEACH — Reigning world champ and current ratings #2 Andy Irons won his all-Hawaiian heat against Kalani Robb and Trials wildcard Love Hodel to advance in the Rip Curl Cup.
Irons broke his surfboard at the start of the match, but caught a series of rides, including a 7.9 near the end to advance.
Six-time world champion and current ratings leader Kelly Slater positioned himself perfectly through some clean barrels to defeat West Australian Jake Paterson and Tahitian wildcard Manoa Drollet, utilizing the hollow inside bowl section that had the crowd cheering as he made multiple tubes in the 10-12 foot waves.
Mick Fanning of Australia, the current world ratings #3, displayed top form in the opening round and is still in contention for this year’s world title despite all attention being focused on Slader and Irons.
Defending Rip Curl Cup winner Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast) and Joel Centeio also advanced into round three.
