SURFING Magazine

Dusty Payne wasn't yet in desperate need of a result here but he wasn't exactly in great shape on the World Rankings either. He ended up with a Quarter Final and 2400 points that will likely keep him on tour for 2012.

Kolohe Andino mid-tide rock jumpin' at the Lane.

The view from the rock is an interesting perspective, but you can't always judge people's maneuvers as well. Evan Geiselman pointing straight up.

Nathaniel Curran boosting on the end bowl of the slot.

Walking the trails to surf breaks in the evening is a pretty sight. Just don't go off-roading because poison oak will wreck your life. It's everywhere.

Daniel Shea is a Santa Cruz local who spends part of his time in Newport Beach. He's always interesting to watch because you never know what he's going to do. I saw a Volcom ad where he did an ollie over a seal.

Michael Dunphy got into the CWC as an alternate and lost in round 1. At least he got to go up the coast to get some fun waves and climb out of that canyon he was stuck in.

Possibly the best backside surfer of the SURFING Magazine Adolecents crew, Nat Young.

Lien ally oop from Brett Simpson.

Julian Wilson hucking some tail at one of the many coves north of town.

Poor Mitch Crews has never made a heat in the US. He's keeping the positive mental attitude though and that's part of what makes him one of the more likable Australians coming up these days.

Balaram Stack was next on the list as an alternate but didn't end up getting into the event unfortunately.

Left wedges like this right off the beach almost make you forget about all the sharks.

Alejo Muniz getting his feet settled in booties for the San Francisco event.

Another up and coming Brazilian who you'll see on the the WT at some point, Jesse Mendes.

Wedges off rocks. They're everywhere. Balaram Stack.

Dawn patrol tailblow reverse by John Florence.

They call it the Cold Water Classic for a reason. Nat warming up before his heat against Julian at the Lane.

Had there been more swell, we could've easily seen Nat win the event again. He ended up making the quarters and bowing out to an on fire Miguel Pupo at Waddell Creek, but his local knowledge of Steamer Lane is key. He kills that place.