The Surf Was Up

THE SURF WAS UP at the 2003 X Games. For the first time in this adrenaline sports competition, teams from the East Coast and the West Coast squared off in Huntington Beach, California.

Two four-man squads from each team took turns riding the Pacific. While the waves crested at only about two to three feet (with an occasional four-footer), the athletes made the most of the conditions by busting big airs and carving out mean lines. The East Coast also showed its jawing abilities as captain Kelly Slater started the trash-talking early by asking his West Coast rivals during practice if they just “wanted to forfeit.” The West Coasters laughed and the game was on.

The visitors surfed first with Shea Lopez, Aaron Cormican, Ben Bourgeois, and Damien Hobgood taking to the waves. Notching a combined score of 46.04, this fearsome foursome set the tone. The West Coast team didn’t get any real waves and began with a low score.

The East Coast added to its lead when six-time world champs Slater, Cory Lopez, Taj Burrow, and Shane Dorian took to the ocean. The West countered with Rob Machado, Pat O’Connell, Tim Curran, and Kalani Robb. Curran led the group with a huge frontside 360 air. The first East Coast group went back in the water, and Cormican blasted a monster frontside 360 air and three additional technical moves to score a 9.0. The West’s Dane Reynolds answered with a frontside grab five-foot air to score 9.07—the highest score of the day! But it was too little too late, and the East took home the first X Games gold medal for surfing.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT The East Coast beat the West on the waves, and they also battered them with their words. Throughout the competition, the East trash-talked the West. For some athletes, that’s the way they psych out their opponents.

But as followers of Jesus, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard. The Bible tells us not to use abusive language. That applies to the sports field, the classroom, and our everyday life. Instead, our words should encourage others.

GOAL! Next time you feel like trash-talking an opponent, think about what God says. Try to have your speech honor him at all times.