Trials winner Nat Young upset eleven-time World Champion Kelly Slater by using his local knowledge in The Lane’s challenging conditions. Photo: Ellis

Young proving why his backhand is hard to beat at The Lane. Photo: Ellis

Cold and rainy early morning conditions gave way to afternoon sunshine. Photo: Lowe-White

Dusty Payne used his Coldwater Classic experience to defeat Mick Fanning and Kieren Perrow for his second Round 1 heat win of the year. Photo: Ellis

Feeling his first world title within arms’ reach, Joel Parkinson quickly jumped out to an early lead and never let up. Photo: Ellis

With an incoming tide and locals eager to start, contest director Chris Gallagher (right) made the tough call this morning to put competition on hold. Tomorrow he may face a similar decision. Photo: Ellis

For the second event in a row, current World No. 3 Mick Fanning failed to win his Round 1 heat. Fanning will face Jadson Andre in Round 2. Photo: Ellis

While his competitors fought for position, Gabriel Medina paddled over to Middle Peak lefts and earned a 9.43 for this full rotation. Photo: Ellis

Miguel Pupo heads out for his heat against Yadin Nicol and Owen Wright. Photo: Ellis

The afternoon saw an outgoing tide create shorter waits and bigger sets. Photo: Lowe-White

Michel Bourez and Josh Kerr battled for the biggest air and a Round 1 victory. Unfortunately for Kerr, the result went Bourez’s way. Photo: Lowe-White

Despite leading for the majority of the heat, Jeremy Flores couldn’t hold off an in-form Travis Logie. Photo: Lowe-White

On occasion, The Lane provides the short barrel. Jordy Smith, finding himself in the right place at the right time. Photo: Lowe-White

Needing an equal 13th or better to stay in the World Title race, Kelly Slater was one of the first surfers in the water for the evening freesurf. Photo: Lowe-White

O'Neill Coldwater Classic: Day One