Simpson has it all lined up

Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson no longer rips in relative anonymity.

That’s what winning the U.S. Open of Surfing — and a record prize of $100,000 to go with it — will do.

“It’s definitely been a little different,” Simpson said. “I’m sure more people recognize me.”

After winning his six-star hometown event in late July, some may think Simpson would be content. He has even bigger goals, though, involving making the Assn. of Surfing Professionals World Tour. This may finally be the year it happens for Simpson, 24.

He needs to finish top-15 by the end of the year in the World Qualifying Series; he’s currently at No. 8.

A sneak peak at what’s to come on the tour may be at the Hurley Pro event, which begins Sunday at Lower Trestles in San Clemente. The only World Tour event on the U.S. mainland includes surfers like nine-time world champion Kelly Slater and offers another $100,000 first prize.

No WQS points are at stake for Simpson, who has a wild-card entry into the event. Just a whole lot of pride — and the money’s nice, too.

“This event really doesn’t do anything for my ranking,” said Simpson, who has been nursing an ankle injury that he actually suffered in June prior to the U.S. Open. “It’s a full confidence thing. I think one of the biggest things in surfing is experience in competing ... You’ve got to take it for what it is. I’ll hopefully just use what I know and just show my talent.”

Simpson had actually won the Hurley Pro trials on July 25, a day before winning the U.S. Open. He has been keeping low-key in preparation for the Hurley Pro.

“I’m doing good,” he said. “I’ve been in the water this last week and definitely feeling much better. I’m just trying to get my ankle back to normal.”

As a wild-card at the Hurley Pro, he said his draw won’t be easy. But, just as he has been fighting to make his way onto the main tour, he will be looking to turn some heads at Lower Trestles.

“It’s exciting,” Simpson said. “It’s definitely one of my favorite waves, probably in the world.”

Four of the top six surfers in the WQS standings are Australians. The only American ahead of Simpson is Pat Gudauskas, of San Clemente.

Simpson said he has come fairly close to finishing top-15 in the WQS before, topping out in the lower 20s, but he’s always been on the outside looking in. There are 11 events remaining on this year’s WQS schedule, including seven six-star rated events.

“I have good position, but I still have work to do,” Simpson said.

The Hurley Pro continues through Sept. 19. Webcasts are available at www.thehurleypro.com, www.facebook.com/hurley or at www.fuel.tv.

Slater has won the event three of the last four years.