5 Photos: Quiksilver Festival Day 2

8 to 10 foot slabs came marching through Les Culs Nus for day 2 of the Quiksilver Festival. Jeremy Flores has brought professional surfing back to Hossegor. 20 of the world's best surfers have come to compete in a new format.

It was a day of diamonds in the rough and not a day I’d ever suggest attempting to have a crack at if you’re a mere mortal, but the cast of surfers in attendance are not your average weekend warriors. The theme of the day was biggest single move and there was no shortage of giant thrills and spills. Here are my favorite of the day —Brandon Guilmette

FRENCH PERFECTION

Photo by Ben Potier

I couldn’t count how many epic waves I saw today. A handful of them were left completely untouched — only to be mind-surfed. A sacrificial one to the wave gods is sometimes necessary. This one rolled through and spewed its guts out as the ski navigated its way back to the sweet spot. The longer you stare the more perfect it gets.

JEREMY FLORES

This is France! Even Jeremy Flores was impressed. Jeremy and Joan Duru moved over to this massive left-hander during their heat just as it started to pulse. A few of the biggest waves of the day rolled through this afternoon during their heat. Jeremy just wrapped up the heat and watches Joan Duru paddle over a perfect, giant left on the biggest set of the day.

CLAY MARZO

During day 1 Clay fell victim to the rip and couldn’t quite find the sweet spot. We saw many glimpses of his brilliance dying to poke it’s face out and give everyone a show. Today after watching poundings go down everywhere, Marzo got out the back and found his rhythm. Clay found himself on three of the best waves of the day in a matter of 15 minutes. It was glorious and everything we all had hoped for.

HUGHIE VAUGHN

I had heard a little bit about Hughie before seeing it first hand here in France. This kid has blown me away in every way the last few days. From the bombs he was packing a couple days ago (see here) and today while they went on a short break between rounds Hughie paddled out by himself sent it on some of the heaviest waves of the day down the beach. There was an open slot in one of the afternoon heats so he whacked the jersey on a paddled out for another go.

JACKSON DORIAN

Photo by Ben Potier

Jackson was about 8 inches away from bagging the first 10-point ride of the event on this wave. He drove through one of the longest and deepest barrels of the day before racing towards the doggy door. He would have scored a brand new Breitling watch, but instead he copped four thousand gallons of French Atlantic on the dome and a massive round of applause on the sand from his peers and the crowd down at Les Culs Nus.