Friday, May 31 The 1st Semi Final began 'Cloudbreak' in solid 8-10 ft (2.5-3m) surf, but after only the 1st semifinal, it was decided to move back to the famed left-handers of 'Restaurants', where waves were a little smaller but almost perfect at 4-6ft (1.5-2m).

It was Shea Lopez who won the battle of the Floridians against a still charging World Champion CJ Hobgood in the 1st Semi - Final.
The 22year old reigning World Champion Hobgood, began with three quick rides from the outset. He then became more selective, but together with Lopez, were caught inside by numerous 10-12 ft (3-4m) set waves that tumbled them like clothes in a washing machine.
Despite securing two decent scores midway through, and requiring a change of equipment after losing a fin off his board, it was his opponent's 8.5 barrel that changed the tone of the match.
"I really thought I was in it until the very last second," said Hobgood. "I kept catching the bombs and they'd have a sick drop, and then they were so intense through the inside. I got worked pretty much every wave I stood up on, as well as cleaned up a bunch by the sets, and it did start taking a toll, as I was really tired toward the end. In conditions like that it’s you against the ocean, and I guess I didn't prevail." He finished.
CJ moves into the Top 5 now though with a consistent run of final appearances over the last 3 events.

This left the lone Aussie, and last year's Rip Curl Cup Hawaii runner up and World #8 Mick Lowe to fight it out with Cory Lopez - Shea's brother, before reaching the final.