Day One of Women's Nike US Open of Surfing Finishes in Small Waves

by: Cyrus

A lackluster swell resulted in day one of the Women’s Nike US Open of Surfing being surfed in very small conditions. The final event of the year for the ASP Women’s World Tour saw the completion of the opening round, with last year’s World Champion Carissa Moore leading the way to the third round.

 

“I was just happy to sneak a few waves,” said Moore. “There wasn’t much in that heat and I’m just stoked that I got those. I always look forward to coming to the US Open and I look forward to this week of craziness. I’m just like surfing in front of all of the people. It’s a great platform to perform.”

 

Another surfer who won her opening round heat was fellow Hawaiian Malia Manuel, who defeated Courtney Conlogue and Sarah Mason to advance.  “Getting that Round 1 win is extremely crucial because in Round 2 anything can happen, especially out here,”said Manuel. “That Round two is do or die and I’m relieved to get 1st heat out of the way, so I’m very happy. The rookie of the year award is on my mind even though I’m trying not to think about it. It’d be amazing especially since women’s surfing has come such a long way. We’ll just see what happens, but it would be an extreme honor.”

 

Newly crowned ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore also advanced past her opening round heat.  “I guess it feels more patriotic because the Olympics are on and I feel like I need to bring home a win for Australia,” said Gilmore. “It’s pretty tough out there, I felt like I was just wiggling to the beach.”

 

The Nike US Open of Surfing and the Women’s Nike US Open of Surfing will resume tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM PT.   All photos credited to USOpenOfSurfing.com. Visit their website for more information.