Manuel gears up for semifinals

MANLY, AUSTRALIA — Wailua’s Malia Manuel was expecting the month of February to be nerve racking, but just not this early. Competing in the Australian Open of Surfing, a 6-star tune up before her debut on the Association of Surfing Professional’s Women’s Tour, Manuel advanced to the today’s semifinal on Wednesday, but it didn’t come easy.

After a relatively smooth route to the quarters, Manuel found herself in a dogfight against France’s Joanne Defay. Although Defay initially took the lead early, Manuel established herself with a two wave total of 11.67 in the final minutes. In flat conditions, Manuel’s score looked like it would hold, as Defay needed a ride of 6.01 to beat the Kauaian.

But in the dying moments, Defay caught one of the few good waves of the day and rode it well enough to force Manuel to scramble in search of wave knowing that Defay’s score would be a good one.

When Defay’s score was announced, it put Manuel in a situation she’s never been in before. Tied. Defay’s run of 6.0 equaled Manuel at 11.67 as time ran out. Manuel advanced because her top wave of 6.67 was better than Defay’s 6.0.

“It was nerve wracking toward the end. I don’t think I’ve ever been tied with anyone before,” Manuel told The Garden Island. “We can hear the scores getting locked in and it was just too close for comfort. Winning by a count back is not a position I really want to get comfortable being in, but luckily it went my way.”

Fortunately for Manuel, she had several days off before today’s semifinal against Peru’s Sofia Mulanovich — a former World Champion — to decompress. Manuel said she’s spent some time taking the ferry from Manly over to Sydney and has been enjoying all of the events — music and skateboarding contests — that come with the Open.

“It’s a busy atmosphere compared to mellow Hawai‘i,” she said. “But that’s what makes it a fun experience. The Aussies are friendly and are huge fans of surfing.”

While Manuel has enjoyed getting out and experiencing Australia, she said she’s eager to get back into the water for today’s semifinals. With the long waits in-between heats, she said it gives her too much time to think about the upcoming task.

“I’m getting a bit anxious to surf,” she said.  “It’s a little difficult being in a competitive mode, making heats, and then having to wait to surf on the final day.”

Manuel said her biggest wish for the semis is a little help from mother nature after a flat quarterfinal heat.

“I’m just happy to make it to the semis,” she said. “I just hope I don’t have another wave starved heat.”