Team USA poised to win ISA World Surfing Games in Costa Rica

 

When the rain cleared and power was restored Thursday after being knocked out by a falling tree, the United States emerged with a commanding lead in the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games at Playa Hermosa on Costa Rica.

With two days remaining in the competition -- waves are 4 to 6 feet today and the event concludes Saturday -- the United States can accumulate 19,080 points. Hawaii is in second place and the best it can do, if its remaining surfers win out, is earn 16,960 points. Next are Australia (16,720 points), South Africa (15,040) and France (14,040). (Note: Hawaii is a separate entity in this competition.)

"We're not there yet," said Ian Cairns, head coach of the PacSun USA Surf Team. "But the team did a great job and we're very well positioned as we move into the final two days of the competition."

Cory Lopez, Ben Bourgeois, Sage Erickson, Courtney Conlogue and longboarders Toni Silvagni and Steven Newton, among others, have helped the U.S. to the top position.

There is a live video link, but good luck; I could not get the player to work. And for a Costa Rican perspective, check out the story in the English-language Tico Times.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Santa Ana's Courtney Conlogue in action at the World Surfing Games. Credit: A.J. Neste / Surfing America

Comments

[Cornhole Bags]

Great show...great sport and there is excitement and adventure in this sport.Love the sport.