Todd Misses the Big Waves in Open

When Mike Todd advanced to the fourth round of the men’s surfing trials of the Shockwave U.S. Open at Huntington Beach Tuesday, his only regret was that the waves weren’t a tad bigger.

“I love surfing big waves,” said Todd, of Laguna Beach. “I think I’m a better surfer when the waves are bigger.”

Todd has been compared to Jeff Booth, a Laguna Beach surfer who was known for his powerful surfing style.

“I’m very flattered when I’m compared to surfers like Jeff,” said Todd, 18. “I’ve always looked up to surfers like Jeff and Mark Occhilupo.”

Although Todd lives for the big waves, he’s still aware of their danger. One time he was reminded of it was in Todos Santos this year, where he was battered by 10-foot-plus surf that had Todd holding his breath for dear life.

“I was caught in a six-wave set,” said Todd, recalling a surfing trip he took last year to the island off Ensenada. “I would get hit, go down, come up, get a little air, and then get hit by another wave.”

Todd said he knew he had to keep his cool and not panic.

“You have to stay relaxed. Get a good, deep breath and don’t get stressed out,” he said.

It was a little less dramatic for Todd Tuesday when he only had to contend with the small surf and choppy conditions. Todd also was competing in the Billabong Junior trials, but he finished third and failed to advance.

In the last four years, Todd has lived in Laguna Beach. It’s the longest he has ever been in one place in his life. And he kind of likes it like that.

“My parents were gypsies,” said Todd. “My dad was a surfer and musician and we traveled from one place to another. It had its upside and downside.”

Todd said the upside was seeing the different places and cultures. But he was never in one place long enough to make friends.

“You grow up quicker. But that’s why maybe I’m more focused and mature for my age,” Todd said.

In another third-round heat of the men’s trials, Geoff Moysa of San Clemente, the 1996 world champion longboarder, demonstrated his shortboard expertise by advancing to the fourth round.

Moysa, who won his heat Tuesday, said he loves to surf this event in Huntington Beach every year.

“I like to see how far I can get,” said Moysa, who noted that his time on the shortboard makes him a better longboarder. “I’m a progressive longboarder, so the off the lip and round houses you associate with the shortboard, I’ll do on the longboard.”

Todd and Moysa will compete today in the fourth round of men’s trials. The women also continue with the second round and the juniors compete in third-round action. Surfing starts at 7 a.m.

Although Sunny Garcia doesn’t compete until Friday, he was still on hand Tuesday to watch the field. Garcia, 29, ranked eighth on the World Championship Tour, is one of the oldest competitors on the WCT. When asked about his age, he smiles, especially when he’s asked about the youngsters who are trying to knock him off.

“When I was young, I used to wonder if I would still be surfing at 30,” Garcia said. “But I don’t feel old. I’m in good shape. So I’ll let my surfing do the talking.”

Since moving to Del Mar from Hawaii last year, Garcia said he’s been busy with his California lifestyle.

“Besides surfing, I do a lot of motocross,” Garcia said. “There really isn’t much to do in Hawaii. But here, in California, there’s too much to do.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Surfing

* What: U.S. Open

* When: Today-Sunday

* Where: South side of Huntington Beach Pier, Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street

* Basics: Many of the world’s top professionals will be among the record 700 contestants vying for $160,000 in cash and prizes. The competition features men’s, women’s and junior’s surfing, bodyboarding and longboarding.

* Today’s schedule: 7-9:40 a.m.--men’s surfing trials, Round 4; 9:40 a.m.-12:20 p.m.--men’s trials, Round 5; 12:20-3 p.m.--men’s trials, Round 6; 3-4:20 p.m.--women’s surfing, Round 2; 4:20-5:40 p.m.--junior trials, Round 2.

* Other activities: There will be an outdoor festival and exhibit that will include board-shaping demonstrations, surf-related products and displays and other beach activities.

* Admission: Free.

* Parking: Available at the city parking structure one block in from Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

* Web site: https://www.gotcha.com