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Cold Waters of SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay Await Opening Horn
Andrew Nichols
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) returns to action with the SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay presented by French Hospital Medical Center QS 1,000 beginning February 24 - 27. Some of the region's top-tier competitors are ready to vie for critical points toward respective Challenger Series spots as this marks the halfway point of the North America QS season.
Both men's and women's fields include decorated competitors with the likes of current North America No. 1 ranked Alyssa Spencer and Taro Watanabe, men's defending event winner, along with defending women's victor Izzi Gomez. For Gomez, this notes a long road back to the competitive jersey after undergoing a vital hip surgery as she looks to find her rhythm amid a stacked field. 'One-On-One Full Article'
"I'm coming back from hip surgery that I had six months ago so I'm getting back into the swing of things," said Gomez. "So I'm not trying to put to many expectations or too much pressure on myself for this event. Obviously I'd love to win again but if I can just make some heats and get some rhythm back I'd be stoked. I was just so stoked to get back in the water. No one wants to get surgery and take time off from their sport but it definitely made me appreciate it so much more. I have a way different outlook on things then I had before that surgery and just made sure I found the positives"
But, some of the region's best will have to deal with wildcard threats such as Parker Coffin and an onslaught of emerging talents that are finding their footing in the QS. Unfortunately for Coffin, younger brother to Championship Tour (CT) competitor Conner, highly-anticipated return to the QS arena was dampened by a concussion ahead of the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach and now prepares for his first WSL event since 2019.
"It's been a few years since I've competed in any WSL events," said Coffin. "It has been a really nice break and a change of pace. I'm super honored to get a wildcard into an event so close to home and just be able to enjoy myself. I think competition is an amazing platform to be able to challenge yourself and get better so I'm just going into it with a full student mentality."
"I'm a really competitive person but I truly feel like I'm more competitive against myself than I am with other people," added Coffin. "I want to push myself to be my best and I think some good healthy competition is a good way to sharpen my brain so I'm really excited for this event."
According to swell forecast, the event will be prime for plenty of waves. A mixture of chest, shoulder, and head high waves are on hand over the first few days. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are forecasted to pick up to overhead, plus range to challenge competitors in their battles throughout finals day.
A live webcast will showcase all the event action from start to finish with spectators treated to the likes of recent former CT veteran Sage Erickson, SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach victor John Mel, former WSL World Junior Champion Kirra Pinkerton, ISA Gold Medalist Jhony Corzo, 2020 Olympian Leilani McGonagle, QS veterans such as Michael Dunphy, and many more.
This event last ran in 2020 with the help of returning sponsor Visit SLO CAL and their efforts alongside the city of Morro Bay, Dignity Health and now return with the support of Surfing For Hope - a non-profit with the goal to help cancer patients experience the ocean.
A 7:00 a.m. PDT start will determine a likely 7:30 a.m. PDT start to men's Round of 96.
Watch LIVE beginning February 24 - 27 at www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
Izzi Gomez
Izzi Gomez made her jaw-dropping debut with a near-perfect 9.07, the event's highest single-scoring wave so far, and 14.57 heat total to
Izzi Gomez and Chelsea Roett lead women's first-ever QS in Virginia Beach, Isauro Elizando, Curran Dand lead the men's opening affairs,
The former 5x SUP World Champion earned her maiden QS victory at the 2020 SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay and after dealing with surgery, is back
After a successful, maiden addition to the WSL calender in 2020, the event presented by French Hospital Medical Center is back February 24
2021 Women's Ride Of The Year Izzi Gomez at Jaws on January 16, 2021. Video from Aaron Lynton.
SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay
The former Championship Tour veteran took down event threat Leilani McGonagle in defining fashion for her first win since 2019.
After a tough start to her 2021/22' season, the Costa Rican talent is on the verge of a massive result at the SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay.
The Encinitas, California surfer blasted her way through the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals to make a long-awaited return to the Semifinals.
The former Championship Tour competitor and rising talent earned big, respective wins in Morro Bay after a drought of taking the podium.
Recent SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach runner-up and 2021 CT qualification threat Sawyer Lindblad surfed lights out in her debut.