Huntington Beach has become a memorable destination for the young Champion Izzi Gomez (Starboard), having secured her first World Title here last year in advance of the final event, and once again this year, proving the be the place she secures her second.
She wasn’t in a heat when she won, although she did prove victorious over Sophia Bartlow in the semi finals to earn her place in the Finals here at the US Open. She was in fact watching the second semi finals on the beach as Candice Appleby (Infinity) was knocked out by the on form Mariko Strickland (Naish) from Kauai, an act that would secure Izzi’s position as this year’s World Champion prior to the event’s completion. Check out the highlights from today’s competition by CLICKING HERE
So a big congratulations go out to this phenomenal young athlete as she continues to wow the world with her skill and personality, notching up another World Title at such a young age.
However, knowing Izzi, she will not be happy until the job is done, so she will be wanting to finish on a high here at the US Open of Stand Up Paddling. Make sure to watch her in action tomorrow morning for the dramatic final heat against Mariko Strickland as it all comes down to the wire here at the US Open and LIVE at www.watermanleague.com
Mariko Strickland puts on a stellar performance to make it all the way to the finals that will take place tomorrow morning
Mariko Strickland (Naish) from Kauai has without doubt been the dark horse of this year’s US Open of Stand Up Paddling, passing through the rounds under the radar and putting on a series of strong performances that have gotten her all the way to the Finals.
Along the way, she has taken out many of the sport’s leading names, with the last scalp perhaps the most significant where she took down one of the principal Title Contenders and on form surfers of the event, Candice Appleby (Infinity) from right here in California. This win was particularly significant given that it was enough to allow Izzi Gomez (Starboard) to secure the 2015 World Title, not to mention the prestige and excitement of reaching the Finals for Mariko herself.
Mariko has great momentum, is full recovered from her injury of late last year, and has proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with here on the global stage. She will be looking to secure her first event win on the World Tour here in Huntington as it all comes down to the wire in the final morning of competition.
Check out the highlights from today’s competition by CLICKING HERE and make sure to join us for the conclusion of this dramatic Women’s US Open Surfing event LIVE from 7:30am at www.watermanleague.com