The hosts are the defending team champions at the event here and look well on their way to winning again, with almost the entire team still in the main event.

If the US were to win here, they would claim the first consecutive titles since Hawaii managed the feat in 2013 and 2014.

Among the successful surfers from the US was Cole Houshmand, who advanced through round three in the boys' under-18 main event today.

"Team USA went a perfect 24 out of 24 through the first two rounds," he said.

"The team is doing really well now, so we are stoked.

"It's great having the event in our home turf.

"Most of us are from Southern California, so we surf this wave all the time."

Currently, however, the United States are not alone atop the leaderboard, as Australia, Brazil, France and Japan have all their surfers in the competition still.

Meanwhile, all three past individual champions who are competing here are still in the main event.

They are Japan's Joh Azuchi, Hawaii's Summer Macedo and Alyssa Spencer from the US.

They have all moved into round four at under-18 level.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said the team rankings were now "taking shape".

"The strongest nations and future stars of the sport are making themselves known," he said.

"Anything can happen at this stage.

"I've seen many champions fight through the repechage rounds, so keep an eye on the team rankings as they shake up over the remainder of the event."