Cold Water Classic Moves to Waddell Creek to get Away from High Tides at Steamers

Another day of extreme high tides brought the second round – the top 48 surfers – of the O'Neill's Cold Water Classic north to Waddell Creek. The beach break is known for its ability to handle high tides and it did not disappoint. The consistent surf made promoters shorten the heats to 25 minutes, creating some of the best action of the contest. Fans were treated with an air show, as seemingly every wave taken had an air maneuver as competitors pushed hard to move to the third round and the top 24.

Heat Two of the second round saw a disappointing end to local Jason Collins’ pursuit to the finals as he was eliminated by San Clemente’s Nathan Yeomans and Kolohe Andino. Former CWC Santa Cruz winner Nat Young showed his local knowledge by advancing to Round Three.

As the tide dropped, the contest traveled back to Steamer Lane for at 4:30 p.m. for the third round. Kolohe Andino saw his record setting dreams slip away, as he was defeated by Brazil’s Miguel Puppo in the first heat. The second heat was arguably the most exciting of the contest as Hawaii’s Mason Ho battled Nathan Yeomans down to the end.

After being excessively selective on his wave choice, Mason Ho surfed one of the best waves of the contest, earning a 9.4 score and taking the lead with only six minutes to go. Yeomans showed his heart and determination, as he would fight back with consistent scores and taking the heat win, advancing him to the next round.

The final heat of the day (heat four of Round 3) saw Brazil’s Roani Monteiro battle South Africa’s Shaun Joubert into the dusk. The low tide once again proved to be a factor as the California kelp slowed the surfer’s lines down. With little surf at the end of the day, the surfers would scramble for a score and in the end Monteiro would end the night advancing to Round 4.

Saturday will wrap up Round 3 with two-to-three foot northwest and some left over south swell according to surfline.com.