32 Advance At Sunset Beach Pro

Round 3 action at the Sunset Beach Pro | Image: Waterman League 

SUNSET BEACH, HAWAII - It was a clear and hot day with very light winds for the first day of the Sunset Beach Pro main event. 48 men started the day in conditions that could be considered mid-range for Sunset with a 4-6 foot swell. While the waves were not as large as in previous years, the conditions were smooth with barrelling overhead sets coming through all day.

Seven different countries were represented by the athletes, who came as far away as France, Denmark, and Australia, as well as several North Shore locals who just live down the road from Sunset Beach.

Experience proved to be a life-saver for several competitors, particularly Robin Johnston and Kala Alexander. These two North Shore locals earned a spot in round 3 after losing their first heat, but getting a second chance in the Repercharge heat and earning a spot into the next round. Florida brothers Fisher and Kieran Grant continued to impress judges and spectators with solid performances in their first-ever Stand Up World Tour contest. The two had qualified from the trials competition, beating out 26 other competitors to earn a spot in the main event. 

There are four more rounds of competition heats left. The contest will wrap up with one more day of competition sometime between Thursday and Sunday, Feb. 13-16, with conditions looking the best for Friday. Stay tuned to watermanleague.com each morning at 7AM HST for the final call.

Click here to highlights from Day 1 and the Women's Turtle Bay Pro.

For the full event gallery, check out the Waterman League.