Four-Star Surfing Comes to Southland
Pro surfing’s men’s Body Glove Surfbout begins today, and the women’s SG Lowers Pro starts Thursday at Lower Trestles near San Clemente.
Both Assn. of Surfing Professionals’ World Qualifying Series contests have a four-star rating, attracting international surfers hoping to earn points to qualify or requalify for next year’s elite World Championship Tour.
Included in the men’s field of 208 are twins and perennial WCT standouts C.J. and Damien Hobgood, Taylor Knox, Tim Curran, Chris Ward, Shane Beschen, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb and Jamie O’Brien.
Heading the women’s field of 32 are reigning world champion Sofia Mulanovich, Rochelle Ballard, Megan Abubo, Melanie Bartels, Melanie Redman-Carr, Laurina McGrath, Rebecca Woods and Serena Brooke.
Carissa Moore, 12, is entered based on her accomplishments last season, when she won titles in three divisions -- including the open women’s competition -- during the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. national championships at Trestles.
She lost to Julia Christian in the finals of the SG Lowers Pro last year, when it was a one-star contest and did not feature as much talent.
In her first heat Thursday afternoon, Moore is pitted against Mulanovich, Holly Beck and Sarah Beardmore. The top two will advance to the quarterfinals.
The men’s and women’s contests run through Saturday.
-- Pete Thomas