Huntington Beach's own Brett Simpson is right where he wants to be in life. This year, it seems that just about everything is falling in place for the 24-year-old Californian. Despite having a chipped bone in his ankle that's required a bit of rehab, Simpson's looking stronger than ever as of late. Currently nestled comfortably at the number-eight position on the 'QS, Simpo is looking strong to qualify for the 'CT next year. If that wasn't enough, he's also accomplished a lifelong dream of his, winning the US Open and the richest prize purse in surfing's history, affront a crowd of thousands--all with that nagging chipped bone in his foot. On the heels of his US Open win, Simpson is surfing as a wildcard at the Hurley Lowers Pro this week and is slated to surf against...err...Slater in Round 3 of the comp. Before the event started, we caught up with Simpo to get his take on his phenomenal year and his game plan for Trestles.

You're coming off a huge win at the US Open and you're going into the CT at Lowers as a wildcard. How important would you say being on a roll is in competitive surfing?

I'd say a lot of it has to do with confidence and confidence is huge in any competitive sport. When you're feeling good about what you can do, it definitely helps a lot. Look at basketball or other sports. When you're confident, it really shows.

So how have you been preparing yourself for the event?

I've just been trying to get my cardio up a bit and just strengthening up the rest of the body. I've also been surfing as much as possible to stay in game shape even though the waves have been small the last few days.

What would be considered a good showing to you at the event and what would be considered a disappointment?

Well, I'm really stoked to just be in the event. These are the best surfers in the world, and I'm glad to be there. As far as what would be considered a good showing goes, I'm not gonna kill myself or anything if I get a 33rd. I'll be a little disappointed but I'm not too stressed. And a good showing? I'd say anything better than a ninth would be a good showing for me.

In your eyes, who's the biggest threat in the event and why?

Probably Joel Parkinson. He's been on a roll all year and has shown that he can surf point breaks like Lowers really well. He's so smooth on his forehand that he'll be someone to keep your eyes on at Lowers for sure.

Can you walk me through what your typical night looks like before a big heat?

For me, I'm pretty mellow, especially before an event. I'll probably go to bed around 10 pm and get up early and go for a surf before my heat. I try and eat really healthy too. I definitely eat a healthy meal the night before I surf, actually, I really start eating healthy and getting my body into it about a week before the event.

As far as venues go, do you think Lowers suits your surfing well?

Yeah, definitely. It's such a good wave. There aren't really any barrels out there, but it's so rippable and good for maneuvers...and I think that's where I can stand out a lot. There's a whole lot of wall to work with out there and I'm just really stoked to be surfing in this event.