- WSL / Andrew Nichols
- WSL / Andrew Nichols
Taina Hinckel (BRA) earning runner-up in her Round 1 heat at the Los Cabos Open of Surf Women's QS 6,000. Tropical Storm Bud continued to be relentless in sending pumping swell that tested competitiors, such as Taina Hinckel, to the fullest. - WSL / Andrew Nichols

Wednesday marked opening day for the fifth annual Qualifying Series (QS) Los Cabos Open of Surf Women's QS 6,000 event window, scheduled June 13 - 17, but was cut short due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Bud. The storm built to a Category 4 Hurricane, threatening this event with a direct hit, and sent the best swell in event history to crown the men and women Pro Junior competition.

The hurricane dissipated quickly as it moved closer to San Jose Del Cabo, though local authorities still cleared the beach following Round 1 Heat 7 after competitors dealt with tough, high-tide conditions.

Hanna Scott (CAN) winning her Round 1 heat at the Los Cabos Open of Surf Women's QS 6,000. Hanna Scott - WSL / Andrew Nichols

Tofino, Canada, competitor Hanna Scott is finding her way into the competitive groove at age 27 and earned a spot in Round 2 after today's debut. Conditions proved difficult for all competitors as the storm brought an increased high tide and limited major maneuvers. But, Scott performed well and is enjoying her time away from the frigid waters of home.

"I've been having some nightmare sessions out there the past few days just getting pounded, but that heat wasn't too bad," Scott said. "It's really nice to just get out the back and see some cleaner waves, even tough it was a lot of paddling and still took a beating. I'm really excited compete here, it's my first time in this event, even though I've been to this area before, and I love it here. Any time I don't have to surf in a wetsuit is a major win so I'm really looking forward to this one."

Competition will be off Thursday due to Tropical Storm Bud affecting the area and event organizers will reconvene Friday to determine a start for Round 1 Heat 8.

"The hurricane strengthened overnight Tuesday and is looking like it may hit us on Thursday," North America Tour Manager Brian Robbins said. "As weather forecasters expected, the storm downgraded to a Tropical Storm before it will make landfall so we'll have to work around that with a lay day tomorrow. We're working with local authorities, and will check the morning conditions, to see if we can get Round 1 completed early Friday morning and keep the competition moving. The surfer's safety is our highest priority, so we are keeping open communication with them as well, to be sure they're comfortable with the call."

Kirra Pinkerton (USA) earning her third consecutive chair-up the beach on the North America Pro Junior Tour Kirra Pinkerton claimed the Los Cabos Open of Surf Women's Pro Junior crown before QS action got in the water. - WSL / Mariana Marenelmar

Before the event was suspended, Kirra Pinkerton took a sensational, third-straight Pro Juniors victory.

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