Kanoa Igarashi: the tail-high, air reverse that gave him the win at the 2018 US Open of Surfing | Photo: Morris/WSL

Kanoa Igarashi and Courtney Conlogue have taken out the 2018 US Open of Surfing, in Huntington Beach, California.

The local stars defeated Griffin Colapinto and Stephanie Gilmore, respectively, in contestable three-foot waves breaking next to Surf City USA's iconic pier.

Igarashi, who represented the Japanese flag, locked in the first back-to-back win since Brett Simpson's triumphs in 2009 and 2010.

Kanoa had a slow start, but he was able to answer Colapinto's strong opening ride with a 7.60 wave that put him in the game.

With two minutes to go, and needing a 7.41, the Huntington Beach talent used his priority, applyied a couple of average maneuvers, and finished the wave with tail-high, air-reverse. The crowd erupted, and Igarashi celebrated in the whitewater.

"Last year, I won this event for my family and friends, but this year it belongs to the city of Huntington Beach for all their support and just firing me up so much," underlined Kanoa Igarashi.

"I barely remember that last ride, I feel like something just came over me and whatever I was going to do on that wave I was going to land it. It felt like as soon as I stood up on that wave I already got the score."

In the women's division, Conlogue was finally able to fulfill her dream. The American surfer had recently recovered from a foot injury, and was looking forward to win the US Open of Surfing.

"It's not been the easiest road to recovery, but I fought through it all and now I'm standing here on top of the podium. It's unbelievable. I love performing for my home crowd," concluded the Santa Ana athlete.

2018 Vans US Open of Surfing | Finals

Men
1. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 15.77
2. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.00

Women
1. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.83
2. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.86

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