Santa Cruz, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2004) -- Organizers made the drastic and historic decision to take the Cold Water Classic on the road today when a stubborn Steamer Lane refused to produce decent contest surf. Tents, judges, computers, and all other necessary items were trucked north and set up in a dirt parking lot at the mouth of Waddell Creek. "Everybody helped out. And the guys from the state, The Rangers, were super cooperative and helped us keep it going," said operations manager Dante Giuliano. "We got lucky on two counts: with the conditions and the Rangers being so cool."

Waddell Creek, known for it's excellent surf and intimate relationship with the food chain, turned out to be a gracious host. There were plenty of decent 2'-3' foot waves and those notorious afternoon winds remained a manageable 10-15 m.p.h. A few better-than-average sets impressed spectators who were spread across the beach, perched on boulders and the hoods of cars. With the exception of an unhealthy third world vibe coming from the only two port-a-potties, it almost seemed like the whole day had been planned in more than just a couple of hours.

"There's a lot at stake, not only with the points but the prize money. We want the surfers to enjoy what they're doing and we want people to be able to watch and enjoy everything as well." O'Neill's Bret MuhIitner said about the bold decision to change venues. "It's not just for the promotion of the event, it's for everyone involved."

Men's Round of 96 (Heats 4-16)
Once the logistics were finally settled it was time to once again focus on the action in the water. In heat 7 (round of 96), San Clemente's Pat Gudauskas made everyone forget about the morning's hassles with a 14.40 total score that turned out to be the highest of the day. Included in that solid performance was an air that seemed a lot bigger than anyone should have been able to go given the "less-than-ideal" conditions.

Indonesian phenom Dede Suryana continues to burn through heats despite putting on a full wetsuit for only the first time three weeks ago. Hawaiian Dustin Cuizon had the highest scoring wave of the day and advanced thanks to the second highest heat score. Tomorrow he'll meet Tom Curren in the round of 64. Dino Andino, who was on the beach in Newport coaching his son Kalohe to a contest win in the Elementary School division just a few weeks ago, posted the day's second highest scoring wave (an 8.33) on his way to easily winning heat number 13.

Austrailian Corey Ziems advanced, tying Dustin Cuizon and Dede Suryana for the second best scoring heat of the day (14.0). His 8.0 also tied for third best wave.

And here's a little something to remind everyone what a difference a heat can make: Austin Ware and Ian Walsh both had one great wave today (they tied Corey Ziems for third with an 8.0), but neither could find a decent match, forcing them to settle for modest overall scores. Ian was punished for his inability to get one more as his 11.77 left him in third--eliminated. Just one heat later, Austin Ware put up an even more modest total score of 11.0, but finished first and advanced to tomorrow's round of 64.

Women's Round of 48 (heats 1-8)
The ladies received a bit of a rude welcome to the 2004 Cold Water Classic as they paddled out into the discomforting chop and glare of a NorCal afternoon. But Waddell still managed to deliver a few solid waves like the ones ridden by Jessi Miley-Dyer, who scored an 8.6 and 7.83 to top the heat totals with a 16.43. Not far behind was fellow Australian Dara Penfold with a 16.37. Today's winners hope to be back surfing at Steamer Lane on Saturday where they'll be going up against pre-qualified talent like Holly Beck, Prue Jeffries, Rochelle Ballard, Serena Brooke, and last year's champ Melanie Bartels.

Tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004)
Saturday will offer the first look at some big names who were automatically seeded into the round of 64, including Tim Reyes, Dean Randazzo, Jason "Ratboy" Collins, Cory Lopez, Chris Ward, Roy Powers, and the legendary Tom Curren. -- Rob Campbell