Welcome To The Future - Steph Gilmore Tests the Surf Ranch
3 hours Northeast of Los Angeles lies a small town called Lemoore. Once, just a dot on a map is now the home of Kelly Slater’s world-renowned Surf Ranch.
After months of speculation, The World Surf League and a select group of surfing's elite held a first-of-its-kind test event. The invitees were frothing to experience the perfect wave designed by the eleven-time World champ himself.
Although no live stream was available, the WSL did have a live blog to update fans on all the action.
After each session, the post heat interviews all echoed similar sentiments as 6x World champ, Steph Gilmore; “This is just a magical day, I can’t believe it.” “Every single wave is so much fun and challenging and nerve-wracking. That was just so special!”
The contest format was unique. Each surfer was able to ride four waves. Two lefts and two rights. Judges combined the highest scoring waves from each to determine which four males and which four females would advance to the finals.
Steph was on fire throughout her heats, claiming four 9-point rides, which saw her join Carissa Moore, Tyler Wright and Johanne Defay in the final four. But it was 3x World Champ, Carissa, that ended up narrowly edging out Steph for top honors.
Although it was not all smooth sailing, history was made in Lemoore, California on September 19, 2017.
