The Hurley Pro Video Trials Go Live

Two weeks ago Stab reported that instead of live trials for the Lowers Pro, Hurley would be holding video trials. It’s exactly as it sounds: Surfer enter a clip of unseen footage, the top 16 are chosen by Hurley and presented to the public for rounds of voting. Dane Reynolds has entered. Mason Ho and Albee Layer have entered. And, uh, 13 other very good surfers. Voting has opened up, and here’s how the rounds look:

Dane Reynolds vs Austin Smith-Ford, Mason Ho vs Torrey Meister, Albee Layer vs Taylor Clark, Aaron ‘Gorkin’ Cormican vs Cam Richards, Ian Crane vs Sterling Spencer, Dylan Goodale vs Kanoa Igarashi, Granger Larsen vs Kalani Robb, Keanu Asing vs Luke Davis.

As of writing, Dane has had more votes than anyone and it ain’t looking excellent for his opponent, Austin Smith-Ford. Albee’s certainly a highlight and his two wave selection is one of the best entries. If we’re to talk statistically, and perhaps using Stab’s reader opinions from our recent reader survey, the surfer most likely to challenge Dane for the wildcard spot is Mason Ho. Mason’s surfing sure has personality but he’ll face Dane next round in the quarters. Admittedly, Dane’s entry is underwhelming but there ain’t a surfer in the world who isn’t aware of what Dane can do at Lowers (and he’ll almost certainly take this entire trials event). Thank baby jesus Dane (or his minders) don’t do social media. Can you imagine how out of character a Dane Reynolds request for votes might be!

Vote here.