There are plenty of events that are seared in the memory of surf fans, but the 2006 Rip Curl Search Mexico has a prominent place in the pantheon of all-time stops on the Dream Tour. Here's five of the many reasons to dive into this week's edition of The Vault.
The Dreamy Locale
The event was held "somewhere in Mexico", but it's safe to say that after 14 years, the cat is out of the bag. Barra de la Cruz, near Salina Cruz, played host to the world's best surfers, and it sure put on a show. This was the second year of The Search events, which roamed the world in search of pumping waves. The first was held on Reunion Island.
Knox - WSL / Sean Rowland
The Firing Waves
The waves were so good that the contest was all said and done within the first four days of the waiting period -- the first time this had ever happened. In fact, many competitors were calling the right-hand point surf the best waves ever seen in a contest.
Lineup - WSL / Sean Rowland
Taylor Knox Brought The Power
The American powerhouse made the final for the first time since 2001, and entered the World TItle race. It was a great result -- and venue -- for the surfer famous for his impeccable rail work.
Taylor Knox - WSL / Sean Rowland
Taj Was On Fire
But while Taj Burrow may have finished third, he was the in-form surfer of the event, absolutely going to town on the long, barreling waves.
Burrow - WSL / Sean Rowland
Andy Seals The Deal With A Huge Air
The event may have been all about the tube, but Andy Irons actually secured the win in the final with a huge straight air. Even all these years later, it's still one of the biggest straight airs thrown in a heat.
Andy Irons - WSL / Sean Rowland
Why The Rip Curl Search Mexico Was One For The Ages
Ben Collins
There are plenty of events that are seared in the memory of surf fans, but the 2006 Rip Curl Search Mexico has a prominent place in the pantheon of all-time stops on the Dream Tour. Here's five of the many reasons to dive into this week's edition of The Vault.
The Dreamy Locale
The event was held "somewhere in Mexico", but it's safe to say that after 14 years, the cat is out of the bag. Barra de la Cruz, near Salina Cruz, played host to the world's best surfers, and it sure put on a show. This was the second year of The Search events, which roamed the world in search of pumping waves. The first was held on Reunion Island.
The Firing Waves
The waves were so good that the contest was all said and done within the first four days of the waiting period -- the first time this had ever happened. In fact, many competitors were calling the right-hand point surf the best waves ever seen in a contest.
Taylor Knox Brought The Power
The American powerhouse made the final for the first time since 2001, and entered the World TItle race. It was a great result -- and venue -- for the surfer famous for his impeccable rail work.
Taj Was On Fire
But while Taj Burrow may have finished third, he was the in-form surfer of the event, absolutely going to town on the long, barreling waves.
Andy Seals The Deal With A Huge Air
The event may have been all about the tube, but Andy Irons actually secured the win in the final with a huge straight air. Even all these years later, it's still one of the biggest straight airs thrown in a heat.
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