Youth and experience in women’s war of waves

Mike Sciacca

Two surfers from opposite ends of the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing

spectrum both have the same goal this week -- winning an individual

title.

For Jodie Nelson, she’ll attempt to put on yet another strong

showing in the women’s competition. Yet today, she seems to be

surfing on her own terms, a spot most surfers would like to be in.

For Courtney Conlogue, this is her first venture into U.S. Open of

Surfing territory.

But don’t let that naivete fool you.

“You don’t know how excited I am,” said an exuberant, well-spoken

Conlogue who, at 12, has become a seasoned and respected amateur with

a bright future in the sport. “It’s going to be an awesome

experience.”

Here’s a look at each competitor:

Courtney Conlogue

Age: 12

Resident of: Santa Ana

Career highlights: A two-time member of the USA Surf Team, which

will represent the United States at the World Junior Championships in

October in Surf City; semifinalist at the 2004 Hello Kitty surf event

How she got her start: “It started with my dad , and I was

4-years-old and riding a boogie board. I didn’t want to lay on it; I

wanted to stand on it. That’s how it started.”

Her take on entering her first U.S. Open of Surfing contest: “I’m

just very focused. I look at it like I’m competing against myself.

I’m looking forward to seeing how I will do with my efforts, and what

I can do in that first heat.”

Her look at the pros: “I really respect the pros for all the work

and contributions they’ve given to surfing. A lot of the women kill

it out there. Not only that, but a lot of them are nice and very

helpful. They really impress me.”

Her goals: “I want to try to advance as far as I can in this

competition. If I can make it to the semifinals, then that’d be

great. My main goal is to become a professional surfer and one day,

world champion.”

Final thoughts on competing: “I really want to show what I can do.

It’s going to be really, really exciting, seeing all the pros out

there and the big crowds. It’s going to be a thrill to surf in front

of so many people.”

Jodie Nelson

Age: 28

Resident of: Surfside

Years as a pro: 10

Best finish at U.S. Open of Surfing: “I’ve been in either the

semifinals or finals the last three or four years.”

What distinguishes the U.S. Open of Surfing from other surfing

contests: “It’s held in the mecca of surf central, and every surfer

in Southern California knows that at the end of July, this contest

rolls into town. It’s just a great event to be a part of, and it’s

got a great history in a great surf town.”

Thoughts regarding female competitors worldwide: “The talent is

just unbelievable right now. The up-and-coming girls are just killing

it -- like the Australians, for example. In the U.S., we have some

really good up-and-comers, too, but those Aussies are really upping

the ante.”

Career moves: “I’m enjoying my career now more than ever. I have

so much more freedom, and that’s been great. I’ve been traveling the

world, focusing on doing editorial pieces or photo trips, and I’ve

been to some amazing places.”

Final thoughts: “I like to do events in California and Hawaii, and

I tend to focus on individual results in contests that I do enter,

rather than my overall points and ratings standing. I’m just looking

forward to being a part of the U.S. Open again. It’s a stress-free

thing for me, but at the same time, I have a very competitive

spirit.”