Tony Heff / WSL
Gallery: Early Round Action From Two Heavy Days At Sunset Beach
Two days of back-to-back surfing and the quarterfinalists of the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach are locked in. With no shortage of swell, the conditions have been about as challenging as they come, leading to some inspired performances by the likes of John John Florence, Seth Moniz and Jack Robinson, while also making for some unexpected upsets as last year's WSL Final Five surfers Griffin Colapinto and Ethan Ewing were sent packing. With a break in the action on President's Day, it seemed like the perfect time to take a deep dive into some of the moments that have defined the event thus far.
Photos: Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Opening Round Action
Among the storylines developing is the potential grudge match between Florence and Robinson in the forthcoming final. The two surfers are sitting on opposite sides of the draw, and thus far, have established themselves as the ones to beat. But that doesn't mean their going to enjoy a cakewalk come finals day.
Florence will take on South Africa's Jordy Smith in the quarters. And should he survive his battle with the big bloke, he'll take on the winner of the heat between Moniz and Kanoa Igarashi. Moniz has been taking care of business, and with all the support of family and friends, it's not a stretch to see him going the distance at Sunset.
On the opposite side of the draw is Robinson, who will take on former world champ Italo Ferreira in the quarters. If Robinson handles Ferreira, he'll be up against either Liam O'Brien or Ryan Callinan for a full-on Aussie battle royale. It's interesting to note, that both Ferreira and Callinan are the last two remaining goofy-footers in the draw, and while the goofies haven't historically fared that great at Sunset, they do offer an X factor to the judges.
The woman have yet to take the water, so they'll likely work through their early-round heats before we land on finals day, which could come as early as Wednesday, February 21, if forecast models hold.
