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It's a Start
Day One of the Roxy Pro, Haliewa, 2004
by Catharine Lo
After days of torrential rains and gusty winds, the sun came out and the surf cleaned up, prompting a green light for the opening rounds of the $62,500 Roxy Haleiwa Pro. The girls showed up ready to get their surf on at Ali'i Beach on Oahu's famed North Shore. The surf was head-high and building, and conditions were ripe for ripping.
Anticipation was high for the competitors, with the world title and a bonus $10,000 Triple Crown purse at stake. Photographers and their tripods dotted the shoreline, the girls waited anxiously for their heats under the giant Roxy tent, and spectators sprawled out across the sand to witness the world's best surfers in action.
Chelsea hits the lip in heat 2 of round 1.
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The ladies didn't disappoint. French champion Caroline Sarran dominated the trials round, upsetting young Hawaii hopeful Carissa Moore, New Zealand's Lisa Hurunui, and South Africa's Rosie Hodge. The competitive first round heats saw numerous flip-flop leads, highlighted by Melanie Bartels' win over Australian powerhouse Chelsea Georgeson and hometown favorite Megan Abubo. Mel even managed to keep her signature cap on throughout the heat.
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