Stories by David Simon

Zietz comes in under the wire for thrilling win

It looked like it would be an early exit for Sebastian Zietz as the clock ticked down on his second-round heat against Joan Duru. Both had surfed well and Duru pulled ahead late to seemingly advance into round three of the Oi Rio Pro, Tuesday at Brazil’s Saquarema beach break.

Favorites handle their business at Oi Rio Pro

First off, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties and hanai mamas out there. You may not hear it as much as you should, but I’m sure you are appreciated more than you will ever know.

Founders’ Cup has Olympic feel this week at Surf Ranch

The theme of the week is nationality and it’s definitely covering a lot of ground. With the Founders’ Cup set to open up on Saturday morning, the surf world is breaking from its typical individual competitions in favor of the rarer team format. Five teams will come together at the Surf Ranch in Leemore, Calif. to test out some man-made waves ahead of the Championship Tour event that will take place there later this year.

No names called, but a pair of free agents emerge from Hawaii

Through seven rounds of NFL draft picks, there weren’t any Rainbow Warriors who heard their names called over the past three days. But that doesn’t mean none has a chance to live out their NFL dreams. A pair of University of Hawaii football players were signed to free agent contracts Saturday, with Dejon Allen joining the Chicago Bears and Trayvon Henderson signing with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Puzzling decision sees UH snubbed in favor of UC Irvine

When talking about snubs, we’re usually referring to teams not being selected for March Madness, individuals not making an all-star team, maybe movies or TV shows not being nominated for an award. The “snub” conversation typically comes up a few times each year and almost always under very similar circumstances. There are occasions where a swipe left seems to come out of nowhere when the swipe right appeared to be the obvious decision.

Hawaii crew starts strong at Margaret River in tough conditions

The first two days of the waiting period saw expected minimal swell and action at the Margaret River Pro didn’t get underway until Friday. But even when the competitors were given the go, the waves were sometimes haphazard, hostile and unpredictable in nature at North Point.

Margaret River ready to roll as Aussie leg wraps up

The third and final event of the Australian leg that annually kicks off the Championship Tour season is set to get underway as Tuesday opened the waiting period for the Margaret River Pro. A diminishing swell was likely to delay the start and prompt lay days for both Tuesday and today, but Thursday looks like a promising potential day one.

Tati eyeing second CT title as Bells approaches finals day

After a second-round loss to start her 2018 season, Tatiana Weston-Webb has a big result locked up at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Weston-Webb is into the semifinal round but her path to what would beher second Championship Tour title appears at least manageable on its surface.

Is Seabass Mick’s final foe? Tati into quarters at Bells

While the men’s draw has remained fairly predictable through two rounds, the women’s event featured a few shockers in the early stages of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Among the casualties were two-time women’s world champ Tyler Wright, who fell in the third round against Tatiana Weston-Webb and Silvana Lima.

Bells Beach is fitting site for Fanning’s finale

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has gained a strong following through the years. Those who get to ring the bell at the end of the event seem to relish that moment as one they won’t forget for the rest of their careers. It’s always a fun contest, regardless of the world title implications or who ends up with the trophy.

Heavy hitters battle for two remaining Final Four slots

It’s day eight of this 2018 NCAA Tournament and it may be the very first one that actually feels like one we may have anticipated. While the rest of the tournament has been dominated by the heroics of Loyola-Chicago, UMBC, Florida State, Marshall, Nevada and a host of others, we will complete the Final Four with some of the most recognizable names in college hoops royalty.

What just happened? NCAA madness reaches new heights

You know how each year you say to yourself, “I’ll remember to include more upsets in my March Madness bracket next year” because the chalk always lets you down? Hopefully, the 2018 version of you took that 2017 version’s advice because this tournament has been nuts from the get go.

Early exits for Seabass, John John; Malia heads into Snapper semis

Talking with tourists lately, the main topics of conversation have been whether the sun still exists (evidence is inconclusive) and the number of people on island. With the tourism industry booming over the last several years, the idea of an “offseason” has basically evaporated on Kauai.