Based on a team dynamic, the crew from Pacific Wave yells a few words of encouragement to their teammates from the shoreline at the Northwest Qualifier of the Oakley Surf Shop Challenge. Photo: Ryan Craig
The man on the mic, Northwest Oakley Sales Rep Osh Bartlett, held down the event by calling heats all day.
Noah Wegrich, from team Arrow Surf Shop, lays into an unsuspecting lip at the Lane. Photo: Ryan Craig
Channel Islands’ Kilian Garland, reaching for his wallet. Photo: Ryan Craig
Low tide at the Lane. Photo: Ryan Craig
There’s no denying Santa Cruz’s natural beauty. Jon Mel and Nic Hdez of Freeline Design take a moment to take it all in. Photo: Ryan Craig
The takeoff spot at the Lane is situated directly underneath a cliff frequented by onlookers that provides the ultimate vantage point to watch the surf. Photo: Ryan Craig
Flea, looking right at home at the Lane. Photo: Ryan Craig
Flea again, carving the Lane a new one. Photo: Ryan Craig
Channel Islands hears the word on the beach that they are headed to Bali! Photo: Ryan Craig
Channel Islands, celebrating with good reason. Photo: Ryan Craig
Chris Sanders / Arrow Surf Shop. Photo: Ryan Craig
Aint Santa Cruz a gem of a town? Santa Cruz local Brett Robbins from team Surf N Wear knows a good thing when he sees it. Photo: Ryan Craig
Osh dedicating an event shirt to Walt. Photo: Ryan Craig.
John Mel, son of Santa Cruz stalwart Peter Mel, follows in his father’s footsteps. Photo: Ryan Craig
John Mel, from Freeline Design, heads out for his heat. Photo: Ryan Craig
The view from the cliffs. Photo: Ryan Craig
Pat Curren from team Channel Islands arcs his way to a team victory. Photo: Ryan Craig
Pat Ecker / Channel Islands. Photo: Ryan Craig
Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. Photo: Ryan Craig
Santa Cruz legend Pete Mel, a threat in the water no matter the size.
Pete Mel, hamming it up with the media. Photo: Ryan Craig
Randy Bonds from team Pacific Wave goes vertical at the Lane. Photo: Ryan Craig
Greeting from Santa Cruz, wish you were here! Photo: Ryan Craig
Santa Cruz’s finest, holding it down at the Lane. Randy Bonds, Bubb Rader, Flea, Kyle Buthman and Nat Young. Photo: Ryan Craig
Although there wasn’t much swell, conditions at the Lane were jaw-droppingly beautiful for the Surf Shop Challenge event. Photo: Ryan Craig
With a low tide sucking the water out to sea, contestants made the walk over the rocks before paddling out to the lineup. Photo: Ryan Craig
Stairway to heaven. Photo: Ryan Craig
Tyler Payne from NorCal Surf Shop spreads his wings. Photo: Ryan Craig
Willie Eagleton from team Pacific Wave floats his way over an inside section at the Lane.
3rd Place: Arrow Surf Shop. Photo: Ryan Craig
2nd Place: O'Neill Surf Shop. Photo: Ryan Craig
Channel Islands. Photo: Ryan Craig

2013 NORTHWEST PHOTOS

By