Cory Lopez, former World Tour heavy, has been leading the charge for the US Team for a few years now. Last year, he took second place at the China Cup to Heath Joske. You know he wants gold this year.

Last year’s Hanan Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival presented by Quiksilver was quite a show. Would you expect any less of ISA President Fernando Aguerre?

Team Hawaii’s Kaoliopuuwai Kahokuloa looks ready to surf the Open Mens. If the surf is small, he’s a guy to watch.

The local economy loves when surfing comes to town.

While surfers were warming up for the China Cup, the local fishermen were holding their own good-luck ceremony.

France’s Maxime Huscenot will surf the China Cup for the first time. He seems to have the left dialed.

Team Japan is ready to tear into some clean lines.

How much pride is at stake with the China Cup? Sunny Garcia left the North Shore during the winter to surf for Hawaiian Pride. He and Kaipo Jaquias have become anchors for the squad recently.

China may not seem like an ideal surf destination but with warm water, fresh fruit, fish, and decent waves, surfing can look past cultural differences.

Team Hawaii got there early and is looking pretty stacked this year with female rippers like Alessa Quizon