Let’s start with who’s not STOKED, that is, who is majorly BUMMED. And that’s an easy one, it’s the U.S. Olympic Skateboarding Team, given that the skateboarding competition at the Paris Olympics Games was rained out on Saturday and postponed. (Of the 12 skaters from Team USA, nearly half of them are from San Diego County.)

Assuming the weather cooperates, Saturday’s men’s street skateboarding will be held at the outdoor venue of La Concorde Urban Park in Paris on Monday, while the women’s event will be on Sunday, reports the AP.

Surfing Starts

The good news is that the first round of the surfing competition, both men’s and women’s, was held today as planned, at fearsome – but picturesque –Teahupo’o, in French Polynesia, Tahiti.

Truth be told, the waves were a bit on the small side, though the surf picked up as the morning progressed, with some sets reaching over head-high.

Oceanside’s Caitlin Simmers, surfing for Team USA, surfed in the fourth heat. Her score of 12.93 was good enough to beat Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb (10.33) and Australia’s Molly Picklum (8.44).

San Clemente’s Caroline Marks, the World Surf Leagues’ 2023 World Champion, easily took out Sarah Baum of South Africa and Yolanda Hopkins of Portugal.

In round one of the men’s competition, Hawaii’s John John Florence, who was favored to win, defeated Mexico’s Alan Cleland Quinonez and Spain’s Andy Criere with a score of 17.33. San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto’s score of 17.03 was enough to beat Kauli Vaast of France (read: Tahiti) and Lucca Mesinas of Peru.

Mexico’s Cleland-Quinonez, it should be noted, also known as Alan Cleland, Jr., is the son of Alan Cleland, Sr., who was a renowned surfer from the San Diego area. While he didn’t compete extensively, he was a respected figure in the local surfing community, known for his exceptional skills and fearless approach to riding the waves. Seeking new challenges and adventures, he eventually moved to Boca de Pascuales, Mexico, where he met his wife and had children, including Alan Jr. Despite his relatively low profile compared to some professional surfers, Cleland Sr. left a lasting impact on the surfing world through his son, who has become a rising star in the sport.

Simmers’ Meteoric Rise

Oceanside’s Caitlin Simmers is an incredibly talented surfer and only 18. She’s quickly making a name for herself as a rising star in the world of surfing.

Despite her young age, Simmers has already achieved remarkable success. Her impressive performance at the US Open of Surfing in 2021, where she became the second-youngest winner, catapulted her into the spotlight. This victory secured her a spot on the WSL Championship Tour, but she opted to focus on honing her skills before diving into the professional circuit. She was one of only five surfers who competed for the World Surf League Championship Title in 2023.

Road to the Olympics

Simmers’ exceptional talent and dedication have paved her way to the 2024 Paris Olympics. She’s currently ranked as one of the top surfers in the world, showcasing her incredible skill and determination.

Caitlin Simmers is known for her dynamic and progressive surfing style. Her powerful rail game and impressive aerial maneuvers have earned her comparisons to surfing legend Dane Reynolds. She’s not afraid to push the boundaries of the sport, making her an exciting surfer to watch.

Simmers’ journey to the Olympics has been meteoric. Her early success, including winning the US Open at a young age, showcased her immense talent. While she opted out of the Championship Tour to focus on her development, her dedication to improving her skills has undoubtedly prepared her well for the Olympic stage.

Potential for Olympic Gold

With her exceptional talent, youthful energy, and unwavering determination, Caitlin Simmers is undoubtedly a strong contender for an Olympic medal. Her ability to perform under pressure and her versatility in various wave conditions make her a formidable opponent.

Editor’s Note: John John Florence and Griffin Colapinto on the men’s side and Caity Simmers and Caroline Marks on the women’s side will advance straight to Monday’s third round, while Mexico’s Alan Cleland-Quinonez will compete in round 2, the elimination round, on Sunday. The quarterfinals, semifinals and bronze medal and gold medal heats will be on Tuesday, assuming Mother Nature cooperates.