The best surfing in California? Founders Cup event suggests that may be true

On hand to show off his masterpiece was the architect of modern surfing, Kelly Slater, who led a team of American surfers to the first-day team lead in this first annual event. Slater was all smiles as he and his fellow surfers, from all over the planet, took to waves and demonstrated why they're the best at this sport in the world. Slater was everywhere Saturday as he posed for pictures and talked to the press. He also managed to turn in several impressive performances on the waves.

The sold-out crowd arrived early at surf ranch on a near picture-perfect day for first of two days of surfing. And they were not disappointed as they watched five teams battle for the Founders Cup title. Groups included the USA squad, and teams from Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Team World.

The event was covered live by CBS from 11 a.m. to noon.

According to fans, the Surf Ranch provides the best viewing advantages of any world surfing event as fans fill bleachers and surrounding areas to catch the action. Saturday's top three teams were expected to vie for the title on Sunday when yet another wave of surfing fans converged on Surf Ranch.

Photos by Gary Feinstein, Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

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