There have been many times in the history of the US Open of Surfing when the energy and anticipation of a large crowd has gotten the better of even the most restrained competitor. In conditions at the HB pier providing plenty of size and power, but lacking for much open face, Heitor Alves tapped into a fan base searching for a thrill and threw caution to the wind. Scratching in late to a line-up runner, the Brazilian stomped a big f/s 540 and thrust his fist into the air. The crowd roared. Alves was the conquering hero, at least for the moment.
