By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–The 19th annual Super Girl Surf Festival opened Friday morning with pristine conditions and inspiring performances from young surfers.
Three-to-five foot morning conditions provided a showcase from early contenders making their move toward tomorrow’s top seeds after the Round of 112 and Round of 96 were completed in their entirety. The festival also featured a beach volleyball tournament, free skating, a female lifeguard competition, and free concerts from Flailing Idiot, and San Diego Brass and Electric.
Encinitas competitor Maddie Stanton (USA) put on a showcase of forehand power to post a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) when it mattered most. The two-turn combination on a gem wave pushed her from third place to winning her heat. Now, Stanton prepares for the top-seeded Round of 64 at an event that helped shape her professional career.
“It felt really good to get on a good wave and get two good turns off,” said Stanton. “This is one of the best contest waves I’ve ever had, so I was super excited to get out there this morning. The forecast looks really fun, and I’m super excited to be here with all the young girls doing it too. I used to be one of the little girls watching, and now I’m in it.”
One of the East Coast’s rising contenders, Daya McCart (USA) started with an impressive showing, utilizing her backhand attack on the sets pulsing into Oceanside Pier’s lineup. McCart, 17, picked apart the afternoon lower tide conditions for a 12.50 heat total and looks to gain major momentum with valuable points up for grabs.
“It was so fun. I love punchy waves like that, and end section hits are my favorite so I was stoked to get a few,” said McCart. “I’m happy to be back here. I love coming to Oceanside, and I’m excited for the rest of the contest. Having all the young girls here makes me want to perform better for those girls who look up to me because I look up to Alyssa Spencer, Izzi Gomez, and it’s so inspiring.”
Recent WRV Outer Banks Pro victor Alana Lopez (USA) and current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Aelan Vaast (FRA) led a strong field into the Round of 64 with heat wins alongside Zoe Chait (USA), Ruby Stringfellow (USA), Brynley Beckman (USA), Rachel Aguero (CRC), Peeta Kenworthy (USA), Ava Wagester (USA), Kirra Huntress (USA), Kaia Howard (USA), and Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW).
