It Doesn't Get Better Than This: Recap of Nike Lowers Pro

It was another incredible week of professional surfing at Lower Trestles. In a battle between the U.S. and Brazil, Miguel Pupo, 19, took home first place for the Brazilians, winning $40,000, a boost in his world ranking and a $30,000 “Golden Spike” trophy made from solid 24-karat gold. Local standout Tanner Gudauskas of San Clemente, 22, was a close second, earning $20,000.

The finals saw Pupo and Gudauskas battling it out in the meager 1- to 3-foot surf. In the final minutes, both goofy-footers caught consecutive waves. Although Gudauskas had seemingly secured the final with a 7.5 on a right, Pupo was nipping at his heels as he caught an insider left and boosted a solid air reverse on the meager surf, speeding his way to the win in the final minutes of the heat.

“I’m just so happy to win this event and I’m sorry that I took out the town’s local guy,” Pupo said. “I knew there was going to be a Brazilian in the final and I can’t believe I won."

“Miguel ripped and it’s exciting when it’s a close final,” Gudauskas said. “Congratulations to him; it’s been a fun week.”

Gudauskas, who placed second in the contest, had just returned to surfing after being out of the water for six weeks with an ankle injury.

“This week has been classic,” he said. “I am just coming off an ankle injury and wasn’t expecting anything and I just started making heats and then I was in the final.”

Thanks to Daniel Clay Hardt for the photos. DanielClayHardt.com