The US Open is defined by its stadium-like, pier viewing platform. Getting close to the action is what it's all about. Photo: Jimmicane
If you watched the US Open last week chances are you saw at least 38 of these happen. Runner up Miguel Pupo air-reversing his way onto the podium. Photo: Jimmicane
The nine days of the US Open seemed to all blur together. Photo: Jimmicane
If only that Pacifico was real...Photo: Corey Wilson
Dane. No pictures. Photo: Jimmicane
All eyes on Miguel Pupo. Photo: Corey Wilson
Julian Wilson (pictured) had nail-biter heats against Brett Simpson, John John Florence and Gabriel Medina. But once he got into the final he made sure to get two solid scores early and command the lead the entire heat. Photo: Jimmicane
Two-time US Open champion Brett Simpson moments after getting his photo taken by the injured Kolohe Andino. Photo: Jimmicane
One of the coolest things about the US Open is the proximity of athlete to spectator. The girl on the left, loving this fact. Photo: Jimmicane
Surfing's power couple: Granger Larsen and Laura Enever. Photo: Jimmicane
Felipe Toledo was killing giants all week with his airs. He ended up losing in the quarters to his fellow countryman Miguel Pupo. Photo: Jimmicane
Miguel Pupo surfed an impressive week at the US Open. That's a Slater-beating smile right there. Photo: Jimmicane
Gabby's patented forehand slob reverse gets him though more heats than not. Photo: Jimmicane
The Junior Women's champion, Australia's Nikki Van Dijk. Photo: Jimmicane
Conner Coffin and a well-deserved victory in Junior Mens. Photo: Jimmicane
The O'Neill camp: Malia Manuel, Shaun Ward and John John Florence don't like being bothered before heats. Photo: Jimmicane
Pupo, getting Miggy with the inside section. Photo: Jimmicane
Ask anyone who their favorite surfer of the event was and eight out of ten will say Dane. One reason why: his backside fin throws. Photo: Jimmicane
Kelly Slater beat Dane in a slow Quarter Final, but couldn't overcome Pupo's aerial antics in the Semis. Photo: Jimmicane
Gabriel Medina looked impossible to beat all week. It took a last ditch, full-rotation backside 360 air from Julian in the Semis to end his vicious run. Photo: JImmicane
In one of the slowest heats of the contest, Julian needed a four something with thirty seconds to go. Spoiler alert: He got it. Photo: Jimmicane
It's good to be Julian Wilson. Photo: Jimmicane
Brazilian quarter-finalist Adriano De Souza fell to Gabriel Medina's 19.20 super heat. Photo: Corey Wilson
It took a rampaging Brazilian in Miguel Pupo to dismantle Kelly Slater in the Semis. Photo: Jimmicane
Coach Shane Beschen shares his years of knowledge with Women's runner up Carissa Moore. Photo: Jimmicane
Hawaii's Malia Manuel lost out to Lakey in the Semi Finals. Still smiling, though. Photo: Jimmicane
Seventeen-year-old tour rookie Lakey Peterson took out the women's division. Photo: Jimmicane
Lakey Peterson. Victory. Photo: Corey Wilson
Miguel looked focused all week but couldn't pull the rabbit out of the hat in the dying minutes of the final. Photo: Jimmicane
Miguel was comboed in the final until he pulled out this choppy 8.93 air-reverse. Unfortunately he couldn't muster a second score of 7.71 to take the win. Photo: Corey Wilson
This was Julian Wilson's only attempted air of the final. He won on the merits of solid backside rail surfing. Photo: Corey Wilson
The 2012 US Open of Surfing champion, Julian Wilson. Photo: Corey Wilson
Julian Wilson takes a moment to soak in the biggest win of his career, thus far... Photo: JImmicane
You know, I used to think John John was a good wholesome kid, working himself up the ranks of men’s professional surfing. Now that I see this photograph of him with Malia Manuel and Shaun Ward, his sweet “gesture” tells me he’s no different than the rest of the yo-yo’s out there riding their wave of fame at the expense of some sponsors that know no different. It’s too bad, he could have been a great role-model for the younger kids following professional surfing. Well, there’s always Kelly Slater to fall back on, thank goodness. What’s so bad about a photographer trying to make an honest living, unlike some others in the immediate surroundings.
Paul, they we’re just joking with me. You’re over analyzing this one.
Hey Paul remember that photo of Kelly back in the day with a cigarette in his mouth? Great role model right? Or all the hot chicks he has banged out over the years… 40 and still single? Come on now… Haha I think it’s cool John John has some personality and can show it. We are all surfers, maybe one day the Jonas Brothers might start surfing, but until then it will always be clowns that run this sport.
You are the same nerd that always whined about reef ads huh?
onya’ jimbo, feckin’ nailed it, son, with some props to your sidekick namesake as well …
Congratulations Paul!
Your comment was the most baseless and generally stupid thing I’ve read in a long time. Way to be a judgemental douche dude.
Okay, Jimmicane, I admit I did over analyze it. And thank you for your feedback.
As far as the rest of you are concerned, I still stand my ground. Some things are better left unsaid, so let’s just leave it at that, right “Dude”?
I’m looking at it from the standpoint, when my son sees that photo, and he will, and asks me what it was they were doing with their fingers. I’d just as soon have to explain that when some one else is doing it vs. someone I’ve been bringing to his attention as one to exemplify and copy, as far as how anyone in their sport can work themselves up the rankings and do it the right way!
Dude, there’s always another side of the story you need to think about before making quick judgments and reverting to name calling, right?
Hey “Dude”, you are entitled to your opinion. And your sarcasm comes across just fine. Congratulations right back to ya.
Jimmicane,
Absolutely fantastic piece of photography. Each image tells it’s own story. Growing up in Huntington Beach, many memories are rekindled. Just didn’t have the level of organization and execution in those days. Wish I could save every photo!
Thank you for all your hard work and perceptive imagery!
Well now your point is really driven home. In fact, while trying to shield my son from all the evils of the world, a teenager making an obscene hand gesture will certainly make the top of the list. Since ya know, hes unlikely to see that anywhere else.
“Hey Dude” – now you’re coming across as a guy who has to have the last word. And because of your sarcasm, I’m not sure which of your statements you’re serious and which ones you’re not. I know he’ll see that gesture elsewhere, in facts lots of times, and probably from you if you had the ability to do it. I would just prefer it not come from one of his heroes. I passed on Jimmicane’s first comment that they were just joking around, which helped a lot. And I will also credit you with having the last word.
OH THE IRONY