The best surfers in the world flock to Steamer Lane each fall to participate in one of California’s most historical surf competitions, and this year’s O’Neill Coldwater Classic did not disappoint.

Nate Yeomans—a Professional Surfer from San Clemente—took home the title of 2009 Coldwater Classic champion. Yeomans won the six-star surfing competition by posting a collective two-wave score of 15.33 out 20 possible points in the final, defeating Australia’s Heath Joske, who could only muster a meager 8.60. Yeamons combination of style, flow wave size and difficulty in maneuvers propelled him to victory, and his hard work and stellar surfing earned him $20,000.

Chest-to-head surf hit Santa Cruz for the series, held this year from Nov. 2 through Nov. 8. A huge north swell swept through Steamer Lane for the competition’s final two days, producing 10-to-12-foot waves and a perfect ending to a great event.

Nat Young, who won the 2008 Coldwater Classic winner, looked to defend his title on Day Two of the competition but it was not meant to be, as he was knocked out of competition in his first-round heat.

But Young still found his way to the winner’s podium. Running between Cold Water heats was another surf competition known as the Oakley Pro Jr. The event displayed a crop of surfers under the age of 20, whose surfing talents rival the big boys in the Cold Water Classic. Young Defeated Hawaii’s Tonino Benson and Dylan Goodale, along with Florida’s Cody Thomson in the final of the Pro Jr. to win his third Oakley Pro. Jr. title in as many years.

More than a thousand spectators watched as surfers displayed flawless style amid difficult conditions.

Jet skis lent their services to the surfers Saturday, picking them up and bringing them to the break. The size of the waves added difficulty to an already physically demanding sport—and conditions made it nearly impossible for the athletes to paddle back to the break without the jet skies.

Surfers had to rely on their own energy to get back out to the waves during the last day of the competition—the jet skis were a no-show.

Local Kieran Horn had the best showing for all Santa Cruz surfers. Horn made it to the final day of competition but was knocked out, finishing fifth overall.

After the competition there was a tangible stoke in the air from fans and spectators who realized they’d just enjoyed one of the best Coldwater Classics in the competition’s 15-year history.

Photo by Dana Baldzikowski