Courtney Conlogue recently finished second at the 2013 Vans US Open of Surfing behind World Champion and phenomenal Hawaiian surfer Carissa Moore. Competition was intense and the finals heat between Courtney and Carissa went down to the final wave. The whole thing was decided after time ran out. The judges awarded Carissa the big check and the champagne shower, but Courtney was all smiles regardless. Sure she wanted to win, and badly, but she took second place like a champ and losing gracefully is mature, respectable and admirable. I was happy to be able to document her road to the finals throughout the contest and watch her tear it up at the iconic Huntington Beach pier.
