The inaugural Surf Ranch Pro presented by Hurley gets underway today in Lemoore, California. The world’s best surfers will compete at Stop No. 8 on the World Surf League (WSL) Men’s and Women’s Championship Tour (CT). The event is the first-ever CT contest at the artificial wave and the first time since 1985 that a wave system has helped decide a World Title.
Competition starts with the Qualifying Rounds at 9:00 a.m. PT and trials winner Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) will take the first wave, followed by 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA). The WSL Top 17 will hit the water at 4:04 p.m. PT with wildcard Bethany Hamilton (HAW).
The Qualifying Rounds will see each athlete surf six waves (three lefts and three rights) over three runs (made up of one left and one right consecutively). The best scoring right and the best scoring left are added together to create each athlete’s total score. Men’s results will be posted HERE and women’s results HERE. Today, each competing athlete will surf their first four waves.
Current Jeep Rankings Leader six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) is already a known standout at the WSL Surf Ranch with her timeless style and poise in the barrel, along with her incredible forehand power surfing.
Men’s Jeep frontrunner Filipe Toledo (BRA) is the only competitor to boast not one, but two Perfect 10’s at the Surf Ranch. Toledo comes into this event with a golden opportunity to extend his lead and put pressure on the rest of the field with a result — already sitting 6,300 points above World No. 2 Gabriel Medina (BRA).
Last week week marked current World No. 3 Julian Wilson’s (AUS) first trip to the WSL Surf Ranch and he stunned those around him during practice sessions. The Australian was in awe of the world-class wave upon arrival and his aerial antics on display showed he’s willing to risk it all for a big result.
Reigning two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) has withdrawn from the competition due to ongoing illness and will be replaced by Macy Callaghan (AUS).
