In the green spiralina shake waters of Honolua Bay, the Billabong Pro 2007 kicked off in 4-6 foot waves. Maui got pounded with storms last week, and the ocean has turned all shades of brown. It felt good to dry out on the sunny cliffs of Honolua Bay to watch another year of world class women’s competion. Honolua Bay wanted to shut down during a few heats…long waits, mushy waves. But the contest prevailed, as did the konas.
The exciting news of this years contest is the three contenders for the 2007 WCT Championship title. The young dynamo from Brazil, Sylvana Lima, is currently 3rd on the tour. And another South American ripper – Peru’s pride and joy, Sophia Mulanovich, is the former world champ and has a good shot at a second title. Last but not least, Stephanie Gilmore from Australia might make ASP history at this event. If she clinches the world title Stephanie will become the first to win the title on her rookie year. You go girl! All three have advanced through the first two rounds. They are fierce competitors, so it’ll be awesome to see how the next day of competition will play out.
I love this contest because it’s in my backyard. But even better is that it determines three winners of the tour: the Billabong Pro, Triple Crown, and the World Tour. The buzz is pretty thick on the heat scorched, red dirt of Honolua Bay.