Even though the Huntington Beach, California surf was its typical ho-hum self, Yago Dora and Sage Erickson managed to light up the very average waves to take 2019 titles (Yago, his first US Open victory, Erickson her second).
The pride of Ojai, California had her best on display in Huntington, taking down HB local Courtney Conlogue in the final with a 15.43 heat total while also taking out a historic event: it was the first women’s QS 10,000 and the first qualifying series event to feature equal pay. “To be home in California, have a heat against Courtney and to be 10,000 — it’s more than just points,” Erickson said. “It’s equal pay, it’s a prime, it’s a lot for us women and a big shout out to Jessi (Miley-Dyer) for believing in our sport and to Sophie (Goldschmidt) leading the WSL as a strong woman.”
The win was big for Erickson in her re-qualification, too. Thanks to several wild cards (and solid performances like making the quarters on the Gold Coast), Erickson sits 18th on the CT, but second on the QS, which puts her in line to be back on tour full-time next season.
With his victory in the 10,000 event, Dora is now fourth on the QS, which is good for the young high-flying Brazilian as he’s currently locked into the 25th spot on the CT at the moment and below the line for re-qualification in 2020. “It feels so incredible right now and I just want to thank everyone who showed up today — it’s just amazing to surf in front of a huge crowd,” Dora said. “It gets me fired up to do my best and that’s what I did today. I gave everything I had and it worked out for me. I just want to congratulate all the finalists and especially Liam, he’s been surfing amazing.”
