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The excitement was electrifying as surfers from around the world converged on the iconic shores of Huntington Beach for the highly anticipated 2023 US Open of Surfing. This marquee event, known for raucous crowds and fierce competition, lived up to its reputation and delivered an unforgettable 9-day marathon of surfing skill, style, and stoke.
One standout athlete with show stopping performances was none other than Body Glove team rider Nolan Rapoza. From his first heat of the event, it was clear that Rapoza was ready to give it his all. His precision, variety and fearless approach to the waves caught the eyes of both fans and judges alike. As the contest unfolded, Rapoza consistently displayed his skills, maneuvering through heats by executing several stunning aerial tricks.
While Rapoza's exceptional performance came to a halt in the semifinals against Crosby Colapinto, he earned a well-deserved 3rd place finish, and also catapulted himself into 13th place on the Challenger Series rankings, a pivotal step in his quest to qualify for the 2024 Championship Tour.
Nolan’s exciting week did not only occur in the water, but also at the World Premiere of "EMBERS," a short surf film that showcased the talents of two of Body Glove's brightest stars: Tyler Gunter and Nolan Rapoza as they test out new Body Glove Wetsuits. The film was a visual masterpiece of technical tube riding at one of the best lefts in the world, beautifully filmed and edited by Shane Kreutzer.
The premiere of "EMBERS" took place in front of a packed crowd of enthusiastic surf fans at Salty Bear Brewing Co. in Costa Mesa, CA. The energy in the room was palpable as attendees watched in awe, witnessing the artistry of surfing come to life on the big screen. The film not only highlighted the athletic prowess of Gunter and Rapoza but also offered a glimpse into their personal journeys and the camaraderie that drives them to push the boundaries of their sport.
As the night came to a close, the atmosphere was electric, while live music was performed by local Costa Mesa band, Scarlet Bloom. The 2023 US Open of Surfing had been a rollercoaster of emotion, showcasing the sheer determination and talent of surfers from around the globe. Nolan Rapoza's s performance and subsequent rise in the rankings left us all feeling great and ready for the next event as he continues his quest to qualify for surfings main stage, The World Tour.
