Viewfinder: O'Neill Cold Water Classic Day One

The sun was shining and the waves were pumping for the first heats of the 2011 O’Neill Cold Water Classic at Steamer Lane.

With an abnormally high tide, the first rounds were pushed until the afternoon and once the surfers hit the water, the action was on.

The first heat saw local legend Jason “Ratboy” Collins taking the first wave, and with his local knowledge, he advanced from the round. 

Opening rounds would also see up and comer Kolohe Andino dominate his heat and move forward to accomplishing a record setting third consecutive Prime WQS win.

Also in the opening rounds of competition were former ASP World Tour competitors Cory Lopez, Timmy Reyes and former World Champion, Sunny Garcia. 

When asked about the Classic, the former World Champion said, “Even though it’s freezing out there, especially for somebody like me that’s from Hawaii, but the waves are good!”

 The Heats will continue Thursday morning, depending on tides, and the intense finals will happen this weekend.

You can view a live stream here.