25 heats in one day!!! That hasn't been done since the tour switched to a two tiered system in 92'.
The second day of the comp was action pact and there were at least 5 not to miss heats. I'm going to start by acknowledging that I was way off on my predictions for this event. Everyone in the top 5 dropped out by the end of round 3. Fanning was handed his first 33rd since Simon Anderson put three fins on a board. His consistent run finally came to an end and it seems like the fanning from last year is on holiday. The big surprise was Slater's early exit to eventual finalist Manoa Drollet. It started slow for Slater, with a loss in round 1 to Drollet. Then it was redemption time against former boy wonder now man/freak Jamie O'Brien. Slates killed it and for a few moments, you thought the motivation was back and it was going to be a three-peat. This heat was spectacular. Slater crushed O'Brien. when you compare the surfing in that heat against a majority of the top 48, it was leaps and bounds above the rest. But then Slater was against Drollet and it was a shocker. Slater was pulling into anything that moved and had he made some of the waves he could have done it but the conditions never came together and Drollet got one real decent score and it was over.
I was right with one of the predictions, Bede did not disappoint and he flopped in round 3 to an unstoppable Chris Ward. Wardo threw himself into the most critical waves and pulled it with control and style. I mean, some people when they surf barrels backhand, they may drag a hand or if they are really good they'll drag their arse a little bit. Wardo, He freaking dragged his body! I mean full body buried into the face and then getting shacked so deep. Great surfing from a guy who might go to jail.
The suprise surfer of the comp had to have been Adriano De Souza! The little Brazo kid looked solid and seemed to shake off his small surfer moniker. The kid can get pitted! He scored one of the highest heat totals of the comp!
The most hyped heat was the Dane v Jordy heat! It had potential but Jordy just didn't have it. Dane killed it. I mean, the kid went right at Chopes and not only made it but even pulled a couple of turns. Then he proceeded to get pounded on the reef but one could see that Dane's surfing in critical waves was a step above Jordy. Jordy pulled a sweat air reverse right onto the inside reef only to turn around and see Dane get perfectly slotted on a bigger and more critical wave. So far, it's Dane who is turning out to be the real deal and Jordy has just not really lived up tot he hype. Jeffrey's is going to be the make it or break it comp for Jordy. If he doesn't get a result there, consider the year a failure for him. As for Dane, his year is already a success in my book. He's in the top 10 already. He's a real threat to take out a comp this year. Dane v Jordy: 1-0
Andy had a chance to gain ground this comp and put himself back into contention but for him it was another quarters finish. Parko took him down this time. I don't see the hunger anymore. I think we could soon see Andy take a semi retirement soon. What's the point in him being on tour if he's not in it to win it?
Parko and CJ did a great job to gain some ground. Parko showed he really wanted it after he pulled a "Dooma" on Tiago Pieres and forced an interference. Game, Set, Match!
CJ was on fire!!! He looked like the man to beat throughout the whole comp. I think we could see a big result from him in Fiji!
The final was anti-climatic with the Brazo, Bruno Santos getting the only real barrel during the whole heat. The sentimental favorite was Drollet but it was not meant to be. Either way, it was quite an accomplishment for two wild cards to make the final. The last time that happened was at the 97' Pipe Masters with Mike Ho and Johnny Boy Gomes.
Now, Tavarua is up next! Damo Hobgood is back and will be taking the place on. Look for him to make a dent. He's gonna want make up for missing his bread and butter event. Slater is still going to be the favorite and if anyone who has seen his "Letting Go" movie will know that he dominates the place. I think Dane could be a dark horse at this event. CJ is also going to be the one to watch. One last pick is Kai Otton. If the surf is pumping he's going to be the one charging the hardest.
There is no break for the tour surfers. Tavarua starts this weekend. Game on!!!
Now for the Fantasy Surfer Ratings.
LISurfer has surged to the lead with a solid performance for the Billabong. LISurfer's saving pick was Manoa Drollet. That put them right up at the top. Catchafire holds onto Second place with Swampfox in third, Bonebratz in 4th and yours truly rounding out the Top 5. BoneBratz had a great showing with a second place for the Billabong. The points are close and anyone int he top 5 can steal the lead with the next event. Puerto Rico is looking closer and closer.
LISurfer will receive a 25% off Gift card at Sundown Ski and Surf.
Remember everyone else, The overall winner will get a free roundtrip plane ticket to PR from NY. So choose carefully for your next few events. They are going to be critical events.
Good luck and Live Viewings of the Globe Fiji Pro at Sundown all throughout the week. Call to check if the comp is on. 516-796-1565
Cheers
China Ty
Sundown Ski and Surf
516-796-1565
