As the east coast works to rebuild their hurricane tattered shore communities, Californians were gearing up for quite the showdown at Steamer Lane. Relief efforts are well underway up and down the east coast, as we all try to give what we can to repair New Jersey, New York and Delaware. The storm ripped through these areas, leaving many without homes, jobs or any of the belongings that once meant so much. The storm put into context how quickly material possessions can be taken from your life by mother nature. While mother nature was busy taking things from the east coast, she was also in the process of giving the west coast some great weather and conditions for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic.
The competition began on November first and finished up just yesterday, November seventh. This stop on the world tour also signified a 60 year anniversary for the O’Neill surf company, who as we all know, were pioneers in the surf industry. Jack O’Neill himself opened the first real “surf specific retail site,” AND invented the surf leash, tethering your board to one of your extremities. He also took a dive wetsuit and augmented it, making it more flexible and thus easier to wear when surfing in cold water. Jack was a man ten years ahead of his time, and for that we are thankful. O’Neill continues to be an innovator in today’s surf world and this can be seen in all of the technology behind their Superfreak Boardshorts and Technobutter-infused Wetsuits.
Steamer Lane has a reputation for being one of the trickier stops on the world tour. Just getting into the water requires a leap of faith off of a slippery rock outcropping. Once in the water, you’ll recognize the intimidating grunts and howls of the local elephant seals that call this famous surf spot their home. The wave does not break in a predetermined pattern, and will actually throw 6-8 foot walls of water at you from a few different sources. This creates an amazing playing field for the pro surfers, whom have to be ready at a moments notice to take off on good wave.
The competition was fierce, and luckily the waves were consistent over the contest’s duration. Surfers like John John Florence relied on their aerial skills, nailing huge front and backside reverses and grabs. Other pros like Joel Parkinson supplied giant hacks and cutbacks, upping their scores in each 15 minute heat. There can be only one winner, and at the end of the day Taj Burrow was declared the king of Steamer Lane. He was carried by his peers to the winner’s podium as heavily favored contenders like Kelly Slater sat quietly out of the spotlight. All told, the conditions couldn’t have been better for the Coldwater Classic. 6-8 foot waves and sunshine provided an excellent proving ground at the last stop before the boys head to Hawaii. Make sure to check our site for all the newest products by Taj’s biggest sponsor, Billabong. Congrats on the win you crazy aussie, and here’s to another big win in Hawaii!