SoCal surfer takes first in women's division at the US Open of Surfing

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Lakey Peterson, a Santa Barbara, CA native, poses with fans on Friday, August 3. Peterson went on to win the women's pro division on Sunday.

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Tens of thousands surfing and skateboard fans braved huge crowds and long lines to attend the week long 2012 U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

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Surfing fans look on during the U.S. open of Surfing on Friday, August 3, 2012.

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Pro surfer, Malia Manuel, of Hawaii, signs autographs after her Quarter Final heat on Friday, August 3, 2012.

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Hawaii native, Malia Manuel, on her way to a round 4 victory at the U.S. Open of Surfing on Friday, August 3, 2012.

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Long lines were the norm on Day 7 at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

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A surfer catches air near the Huntington Beach pier during the U.S. Open of Surfing competition on Friday, August 3, 2012.

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Friday, August 3rd, was the 7th day of competition at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach.

Santa Barbara surfer Lakey Peterson boarded to victory in the women's final of the U.S. Open of Surfing, one of two surfers to score a perfect 10 last weekend.

Wins from Peterson, 17, and 23-year-old men's division winner Julian Wilson marked a new wave in the sport.

"The younger generation has come in and we're changing the sport for the better," Peterson told the L.A. Times. "I think it's a really positive thing and it's only going up from here."

Also the youngest female in the Association of Surfing Professionals, Lakey Peterson snagged $100,000 after besting last-year's competition winner.

The younger surfers spend more time out of the water with a newer style of surfing that involves more aerials, kickflips and 360s, according to the Times.

Thousands of swimsuit-clad spectators came to Huntington Beach to watch some of their favorite pro-surfers catch air.