Big Wins for USA vs. World

For the fifth year, from July 3-6, X Games surfing was back with the biggest names in the water, using the new 'Game' team format and the premier of a women's division. No one was left disappointed - except maybe the surfers on the World teams - as the USA took both the Women's and Men's contests among some serious surf. The "Mexican Pipeline" in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, lived up to its hype as a break that throws one of the best waves in the Pacific.

What is more summer than surfing? Well, maybe flowers and beaches and bikinis and, oh, wait those are all SURFING things! Yeah, surfing is summer and it is also Summer X. The Red Bull women’s surf sensations took to their passports and flew down to the Puerto Escondido, where the only thing heavier than the surf, were the consequences!

See the results below, and watch Keala Kennelly rip in Mex on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 9-11:00pm EST on ESPN. See the full schedule.


MEN'S SURF FINAL - 7/5/2007:
Just like the women, the USA was able to hold off the World team in another close contest in the waves of the Mexican Pipeline at Puerto Escondido. They edged out a victory by only .75 points - 81.75 to 81.

See the EXPN Coverage.



WOMENS SURF FINAL - 7/4/2007:
In the debut of Women's Surf at the X Games, Puerto Escondido served up same gnarly tubes and the ladies answered the call. The USA took a close 3 point victory over the world team in an exciting contest for athletes and audience alike. Led by the hard charges of MVP Melanie Bartels and backed by the consistency of Keala Kennelly and Rochelle Ballard, the USA won by a score of 55-52 after the three heat Game team format.

See the EXPN Coverage.

RED BULL ATHLETES
Keala Kennelly helped the US women with consistent runs in this years win. KK is an an all-around bad ass - both in her acting roles (like on HBO's "John From Cincinatti") and also anywhere there are huge waves to ride. She's looking forward to hitting Puerto Escondido, "The Mexican Pipeline", see her EXPN Interview. Also, see HBO's video Conversations with Keala about surfing, what it means to her and acting on JFC.

Although Sofia Mulanovich had an off day at the X Games this year, look for her to be taking her frustrations out on the waves and her competitors on the pro tour. She's proven herself an equal bad ass as Keala, both on the world tour (named Best Surfer last 2 yrs), as well as in the "Biz" (she released a documentary).



LOCALS SHRED - 7/3/2007:
X Games lets the locals get wet for some big time exposure and a cool prize. Winner David Rutherford will get to join the World team for competition in the Games. EXPN Coverage.



WEATHER OUTLOOK - 7/2/2007:
For the next three days, the world's best will truly be tested as Mother Nature as upped the ante throwing down huge swell in the Oaxaca zone, which is where the contest is being held. Surf reports are calling for overhead conditions on one of the gnarliest beach breaks in the world which means that the consequences just got bigger and in the zone known as Mexican Pipeline, these riders better get ready to get barreled! The over 7ft swell is supposed to push straight through the contest days of July 3-6 making this Summer X one to really put all the riders on edge. No more working ankle swell, this is the real deal.

You can also check the swell for Puerto Escondido or your local break at Surfline.com or CLICK HERE!