Surf stars head to Trestles

Spring is back, the clocks have moved forward and the often-spectacular Body Glove pro is once again being held at Lower Trestles through Saturday.

The Body Glove Surfbout, presented by Adio Footwear, is a four-star Assn. of Surfing Professionals event that boasts a field of 192 international surfers who will compete for a chunk of the $75,000 purse, ASP ratings points, and standing in the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series.

Also being held is the Oakley Pro Junior, in conjunction with the Surfbout, a Grade-2 ASP event, which pits 32 grommets against each other in a competition that will provide them with both valuable experience and a shot at winning a portion of the $10,000 prize offered.

Big-name entries include this year’s defending champion, South African David Weare, along with California veteran surfers Taylor Knox, Rob Machado, Tim Curran and “Endless Summer” star Pat O’Connell. San Clemente native Chris Ward will also be among a host of international surfing superstars.

My pick for the Body Glove pro title is none other than the plastic, fantastic man Rob Machado, who will again be surfing lightning fast on his way to another first-place check in 2006 ? just as he won the Hansen’s Pro earlier this year at the famed Banzai Pipeline.

On the ASP World Championship Tour, much is the same, as Kelly Slater has made it two for two this year ? just winning the Rip Curl Pro last week at the infamous Bells Beach in Australia, defeating the likes of Joel Parkinson in the final.

It was a stunning upset that saw Mark Occhilupo defeat former three-time world champion in the quarterfinals before bowing out himself in the semi finals. It’s good to see tour legends like “Occy,” as he is known in surfing world, still giving the kids a run for their money.

Kelly Slater stands atop the world rankings as he has won both events so far this year, followed by Taj Burrow and Joel Parkinson, who are tied for second, with tour rookie Bobby Martinez in fourth. Former three-time world champion Andy Irons rounds it out at number 5.

Stay tuned as the Surfing Soapbox returns next week with the latest results and more.

Peace.