National Surf League | The Game

Fireworks came early on the Fourth of July. The girls of Team USA proved their independence to the rest of the world at the debut of women’s surfing at X Games 13 today.The best female surfers from around the globe came to Puerto Escondido’s Mexican Pipeline to take sides in The Game. Team USA defeated the World 55 to 52—one of the narrowest margins in Game history. 

"This was the most exciting Game we’ve seen in the six years we’ve been doing this," said Game founder and event organizer Brad Gerlach. "The girls were charging."

USA’s Melanie Bartels was largely responsible for the victory as she bagged a remarkable 8.5 out of a possible 10 on one of the best waves of the day and credited the team format as a major factor in her performance.

"A good set came in and my teammates called me over because they knew I needed a wave. I just kept pumping and saw it running. I didn’t even think I was going to make it out. It was probably my longest barrel ever," said Bartels of her mammoth tube ride. "All the other girls were telling me to go. If it wasn’t for them I probably wouldn’t have got it. I like this as a team sport. It’s more relaxing knowing they’re there to support you."

While it was a close match down to the last ticks of the clock, the World team laid it all on the line in a last ditch effort for the win. "If they didn’t claim Hawaii all those years ago, it would have been a different event," joked World Coach, Martin Potter. "All we needed was one point each wave. Our girls fell off on a lot of waves at the end because they were going for it."

Regardless, this unique format kicked off a groundbreaking show in what surely will be an ongoing rivalry for years to come. Check back tomorrow as the Mens event looks to go off in perfect surf.

Team U.S.A.

Team World

(click here ESPN’s coverage including video highlights and photos)