The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open saw explosive action from an array of surfing talent including former ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (Tweed Heads, AUS), 28, Julian Wilson (Coolum, AUS), 21 and Eric Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 20, as the event’s top performers took the water in two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Huntington Beach Pier today. Reigning U.S. Open Champion Malia Manuel (Wailua, HI), 15, continued her quest for a repeat U.S. Open crown when the women battled throughout the afternoon.

Surfers competing at the Hurley U.S. Open are not only looking to claim the mass of ratings points available towards qualification for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour, but are also out to win the historic US$100,000 prize purse on offer, the largest winner-take-all check in competitive surfing history.

2007 ASP World Champ and perennial ASP Title contender Mick Fanning dominated two heats today, posting one of the day’s highest heat totals of 17.00 out of 20, showing the world of up-and-coming competitive talent why he’s considered one of the finest surfers on the globe. Fanning utilized his patented forehand carve on the right-handers off of Huntington Beach Pier in his early round heat and then dominated on his backhand in the afternoon.

“I sort of fumbled around a little bit,” Fanning said. “The sets were closing out and I snagged a little left and got a couple of turns and was able to back that up.”

The Australian powerhouse is enjoying a change from his usual ASP Dream Tour schedule to take the time out to compete for the notable prize purse at this year’s Hurley U.S. Open. Fanning is also out to gear up for the next event on the ASP Dream Tour, the Hurley Pro, which takes place in September.

read more at ASP

Set to premier in the Spring of 2010, “Ultimate Wave Tahiti” claims to be the first 3-D IMAX surf movie ever. With an all-star cast consisting of Manoa Drollet, Chris Malloy, Keith Malloy, Shane Dorian, CJ Hobgood, Dion Agius and Raimana Van Bastolaer, we’re hoping for a banger of a flick. Stay tuned for more trailers…

original story from transworld

A great white shark about 6 feet long and 150 pounds was caught by a fly fisherman off La Jolla last week.

It’s believed to be the first great white taken off the California coast using a fly rod and reel.

Jeff Patterson, director of sales for reel manufacturer Abel Automatics, was testing company products about five miles offshore when the white shark hit.

“The grab was instantaneous, and the shark cooperated with a quick left turn to allow the proper hook set,” said Patterson.

The fight lasted about 25 minutes. Patterson thought it was a mako shark until he got it close enough to the boat and skipper Conway Bowman identified it as a great white.

It is not legal in California to take great white sharks, which have been protected in all state waters since Jan. 1, 1994.

“Anglers cannot target great whites, and if caught accidentally while fishing for something else you have to immediately release them,” Department of Fish and Game marine biologist Carrie Wilson said.

Patterson released the shark after taking the picture shown here.

original story from LA times