Beyond the overgrown reeds and across the train tracks that line the coast of San Clemente, flew the flags of the 2009 Hurley Pro Trestles. Crew and I went to witness what the fuss is all about.
So from the parking lot above we made the trek down to the scaffoldings, the crowds, and the wave that attracts the best surfers in the world.
And this is one of them?!! We reached the beach just in time to see Rob Machado getting out of the water after a warm-up surf. 
We set up on the beach right next to where the surfers began their paddle out. This is Brazillian Adriano De Sousa looking peppy. 
Josh Kerr from Australia tethering himself to his board. Nice tights Josh! Actually if you ask Crew who his favorite surfer is, he says "Josh." We had a couple encounters with him later on as well, so Crew thinks they're real chummy now. 
Another Aussie, Bede Durbidge in action.
Crew was unimpressed with the format of the contest. He thought there should be more defense involved - so he decided he would shoot the competitors. 
Crew looking very inspired. Just waiting for his shot at the title in 2025.
Crew telling Machado that he'll never win with all that wax on his board.
Rob took his advice and responded apropriately.
Dane Reynolds came by to say hello.
Stretching before a heat has not been proven to prevent injury while surfing. But he is Dane Reynolds, so can do whatever he wants. 
Crew didn't take well to Dane. "Watch this, Dad!"
Crew only got a 7.5 from the judges on this one, but the little girlies loved it!
Kelly Slater paddling out for his Round 4 heat. This guy is 37 years old and is still the best surfer in the world - by far. He's been around so long that the judges give him at least a share of the trophy just for paddling out. And I think he got a 10 for wearing that white wetsuit (not recommended). But in the end it was Australian Mick Fanning defeating Dane Reynolds in the final to win the event.
Summary: Father and son + three hour round trip + crowded beach + menacing high tide + inconsistant waves + phenomenal surfing = a really good time!
- Matt
6 comments:
Well done, Matt. I'll be looking forward to more commentaries from you in the future...And I think Crew should have won the title for best looking on the beach! :)
kind of a little bit jealous. That is a pretty realistic looking cutout of Rob Machado that you had your picture taken with. The dead giveaway is that he is only like 5'4" 125 lbs. but he looks the same height as you, and just as thick. Crew needs to grow his hair or his beard out if he wants to go pro.
Taylor and I will join you next year for sure!
37 year olds are just in the prime of their lives, you will be seeing another old guy rip up the waves in a couple weeks! Looks like a fun day, so what place did you get?
That is so cool! Devin and I were impressed. See you sooon!
I want to come too! You guys have way too much fun. Are you really in PT school?
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