Round 2 is usually one of the less exciting rounds of WCT competition. It is the first time that competitors are sent packing, but most of the time it involves battles between less exciting surfers, with the top seeds often winning their heats in Round 1 and progressing all the way to Round 3. This event however had some incredibly exciting Round 2 heats. First up was Andy Irons surfing against a 16 year old Tahitian wildcard. The poor kid was visibly rattled surfing against the 3 time world champ, falling on nearly every wave. Andy however, was blowing up. After an average wave earned him a high 6, he took off on a long roping set wave and ripped it apart with a variety of maneuvers to score a 9.7, the highest wave score of the event so far. He was visibly pumped afterwards and will hopefully carry that momentum through the rest of the event.

The next heat featured the big man, Pancho Sullivan up against Quiksilver young gun wildcard, Julian Wilson. Julian surfed loose, fast, and confidently, but Pancho scored a large set and went to work with his trademark power carves and looked like he might be able to end the wildcard's hopes. Julian answered back with another snap-filled pockety insider and narrowly took the lead. Pancho only needed a 6 to re-take the lead, but couldn't find a wave to allow it, and ended the first event of the year with a disappointing 33rd.

Everyone seemed surprised to see the new superstars Dane Reynolds and Jordy Smith in Round 2. I was excited to get another chance to see them surf. Dane absolutely terrorized every little wave that came through, throwing the tail on every turn, showing the most exciting and amazing surfing of the day. Jordy didn't disappoint either, and both easily advanced to Round 3.

Today, the swell has dropped off enough for the contest directors to call another lay day.

Check back in tomorrow!