WET AND WILD WITH ROCKIN’ FIG:Hobgood tops Fanning

After a bit of drama, the Billabong Pro finished up about a week ago over in Tahiti. An event like this isn’t usually extended, but the surf was weak and the weatherman predicted a swell so organizers decided to wait a couple of days. The gamble paid off, as a 6- to 8-foot swell hit, giving Chopuu some barreling lefts for the quarterfinals.

In the 35-minute final, Australian Mick Fanning, who’s atop the overall standings, looked like he had the win in the bag as he led all the way till the one-minute mark with some great slashing moves. But Florida’s Damien Hobgood snagged a nice set wave, pulled deep into the barrel on the take-off, disappearing from sight then popping out at the end to score an 8.6 ride. Hobgood, who had lost a close final a few years back to eight-time world champ Kelly Slater, scored the win in style over Fanning, with his brother, C.J. cheering him on in the channel as his board caddie.

The second-place finish puts Fanning about 400 points ahead of fellow Aussie Taj Burrow, who was eliminated in round four along with San Clemente’s Chris Ward and Australian Michael Campbell, who was seen ripping some big heats.

Losing out in the quarters were three-time world champ Andy Irons, veteran big-wave Chopes rider, Cory Lopez, Aussie Luke Stedman, and up-and-coming Frenchman Jeremy Flores. And equal thirds went to Australians Joel “Parko” Parkinson, who had some of the meanest tubes of the event, and rookie Kai Otten, who had his best placing yet. Next up is the Rip Curl Search in Chile — cold water and classic point breaks.

Surf City beach’s were pretty packed over the three-day weekend with beachgoers finding some sunshine and some fun surf. The good news is the water has cleaned up with the red tide moving out and it’s back to a greenish-blue color again. Another nice thing, the water temps have pushed up to the mid-60s, which is feeling nice. More south is on tap for the weekend — just in time for the Huntington Beach Surf Series, which kicks off the 2007 season. Hot local talent will be seen in all the age brackets, but especially in the pro-am division that will be featured Sunday. Former standouts include Mike Hoisington, the defending overall points champ; Seal Beach’s Chris Waring, making tons of finals last year; Micah Byrne, winning the Vans Pro a couple month’s ago; Teddy Navarro, who’s been ripping it up, and more; and if that ain’t enough, I hear tell there’s a heat wave expected this weekend.

That’s it for now — see ya’, Fig over and out.