Simpson Advances at U.S. Open of Surfing

Brett Simpson put his local knowledge to use Monday at the Philips U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, winning his afternoon heat in wind-blown conditions and advancing to today’s sixth round.

“I surf here every day after school,” Simpson said.

There were glassy conditions and head-high surf in the morning, but a stiff northwesterly wind began churning the sea around noon.

“The waves that look like they are walled are actually better,” Simpson said.

Other locals to advance were Travis Mellem of San Clemente, Andy Hobson of Huntington Beach and Geoff Brack of Ventura.