Hope you get what you want and spend time with those who you love.
Special shout to all those that have to work.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Taj wins
Taj Burrow has won the Reef Pro in very un-Hawaiian waves. This obviously gives him the lead in the Triple Crown.
The waiting period for the next event at Sunset starts tomorrow. Taj has done well here in the past as he has at Pipe so he must have a good shot at the crown.
The waiting period for the next event at Sunset starts tomorrow. Taj has done well here in the past as he has at Pipe so he must have a good shot at the crown.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Days off
Got a couple of mid week days off as I'm working the weekend. Emailed a few people with view to heading south. There were a few that were keen but it ended up being just me and Tweeds.
Conditions were nice. The swell was pretty small (around 1.4 on the buoy) and the offshore was howling but after checking three spots we decided on a beach break just north of Supertubes.
The waves were only about 1 - 2 foot but super clean and wally. Even at that size there was plenty of push.
The warning of a washed up whale carcass bringing sharks kept us watching and the super clear water had every piece of weed looking like a creature.
It took me a while to get some rhythm, missing a lot of waves and getting stuck behind the section but Tweeds was surfing better than I had seen before. We swapped boards and he pulled off a couple of big slashes on my short and looser dhu-fish.
The only negatives were having to leave with waves still pumping in, ending up with a swollen elbow from a rail collision and sunburn.
Did I mention that we were the only ones out ?
Elsewhere there were plenty of winter banks hanging around. The stretch from Rabbits past Shallows had a number of peaks and quite a few surfers. Mitchell Rocks may not have been throwing up the Cyclone Biancca wedge but there were one or two peaks. They did look a bit frustrating as the surfers tried to decide to wait out the back or inside for the suckier and more consistent one.
Hot and offshore over the next few days. It doesn't look like there will be much swell but you can always be surprised.
Conditions were nice. The swell was pretty small (around 1.4 on the buoy) and the offshore was howling but after checking three spots we decided on a beach break just north of Supertubes.
The waves were only about 1 - 2 foot but super clean and wally. Even at that size there was plenty of push.
The warning of a washed up whale carcass bringing sharks kept us watching and the super clear water had every piece of weed looking like a creature.
It took me a while to get some rhythm, missing a lot of waves and getting stuck behind the section but Tweeds was surfing better than I had seen before. We swapped boards and he pulled off a couple of big slashes on my short and looser dhu-fish.
The only negatives were having to leave with waves still pumping in, ending up with a swollen elbow from a rail collision and sunburn.
Did I mention that we were the only ones out ?
Elsewhere there were plenty of winter banks hanging around. The stretch from Rabbits past Shallows had a number of peaks and quite a few surfers. Mitchell Rocks may not have been throwing up the Cyclone Biancca wedge but there were one or two peaks. They did look a bit frustrating as the surfers tried to decide to wait out the back or inside for the suckier and more consistent one.
 |
| Mitchell Rocks/Wyadup |
Hot and offshore over the next few days. It doesn't look like there will be much swell but you can always be surprised.
 |
| Shallows |
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Contest news
The Hawaiian season is just about to kick off. The Vans Triple Crown is back thanks to the ASP giving some events extra points despite not meeting the prize money thresholds.
The first event a Haleiwa has been on hold for the last few days. It will be webcast in the middle of the night at http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/reefhawaiianpro2011 and is expected to start tonight.
Over in Italy the final event in the World Longboard Tour has finally started in one foot wind swell 180 ks away from the primary venue. Apparently a solid overhead swell smashed the venue the day before the event started and it has been billiard table flat since then. The WLT has smaller fields so they hope that the little pulse will allow them to finish the event today and crown a world champ. Heats are in the water right now but due to the change in venue there is no webcast.
The first event a Haleiwa has been on hold for the last few days. It will be webcast in the middle of the night at http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/reefhawaiianpro2011 and is expected to start tonight.
Over in Italy the final event in the World Longboard Tour has finally started in one foot wind swell 180 ks away from the primary venue. Apparently a solid overhead swell smashed the venue the day before the event started and it has been billiard table flat since then. The WLT has smaller fields so they hope that the little pulse will allow them to finish the event today and crown a world champ. Heats are in the water right now but due to the change in venue there is no webcast.
More Taj and Jay Davies down south boosting in onshore crap.
1111 from Elsegoodproductions.com on Vimeo.
Something different and scary
This doesn't look quite as scary as I thought it would but I bet in real life your heart would be pounding out of your chest.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Oops !!!
Slater isn't the eleven times world champ yet. The ASP have messed up and miscalculated.
To win he needs to get through one more heat or Owen Wright to lose. To lose he would need to not win another heat and Wright would need to win the the Search and Pipe.
Look for some make up scores for Slater.
This is a huge stuff up for the ASP. Kelly's win was getting mainstream publicity but now all the focus is on their inability to understand their own rule book.
With judging controversies, the mid year cut off causing angst, Bobbies rant and now this the ASP is not doing a good job of convincing surfers it is the best way to go.
Perhaps now that they awarded the title on the anniversary of Andy Irons death they will leave the contest on hold so they can make it 11 on 11/11/11 !
There have been a few lay days in a row because of bad weather. The rumour is Monday is the next go day.
To win he needs to get through one more heat or Owen Wright to lose. To lose he would need to not win another heat and Wright would need to win the the Search and Pipe.
Look for some make up scores for Slater.
This is a huge stuff up for the ASP. Kelly's win was getting mainstream publicity but now all the focus is on their inability to understand their own rule book.
With judging controversies, the mid year cut off causing angst, Bobbies rant and now this the ASP is not doing a good job of convincing surfers it is the best way to go.
Perhaps now that they awarded the title on the anniversary of Andy Irons death they will leave the contest on hold so they can make it 11 on 11/11/11 !
There have been a few lay days in a row because of bad weather. The rumour is Monday is the next go day.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Ke11y
Kelly Slater has just won world title number eleven.
The Search round three continues. Taj is out, losing by less than a point.
The Search round three continues. Taj is out, losing by less than a point.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Here's a selection of some of the best videos from WA recently surfacing on the net to get you over the flatness and post-CHOGM blues !
Pumping waves down south
And up north
And a bit of both
Pumping waves down south
Brenno Dorrington // North Point from Tom Jennings on Vimeo.
Bunny Bay from Taj Burrow on Vimeo.
And up north
Low tide delight..gnaraloo from nate brejnak on Vimeo.
And a bit of both
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
In the Newsletter
Some videos and stuff mentioned in the newsletter.
Funny Surfer Dude
Even better set to music !
Funny Surfer Dude
Even better set to music !
Slater nears 11
By making the final of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Kelly Slater is a ninth away from an eleventh world title.
After winning two heats with last minute waves Taj had the tables turned when Slater pulled out a 10 in the last minute of their semi. Ironically Slater had joked in his interview after the quarters that he would have to beat Taj in the last minute again after the two have had some epic heats this year go to the wire each time.
The waves and surfing at this event were some of the best I have ever seen in years of watching pro surfing. On the last day most people lost heats holding at least a nine and some, like Julian Wilson, holding a ten ! Even though most scoring waves were tubes it wasn't boring pull ins like Chopes and the easy paddle out meant plenty of waves were caught. Despite the long days the webcast/broadcast was top quality and the commentators did a good job
Taj has moved to fifth with his third and Adriano up to third with his win. In reality Kelly would have to crash very early in the next two events and Owen Wright win for him not to be world champ yet again.
Next event San Francisco. I bet Kelly would love to have win a world title in mainland USA.
After winning two heats with last minute waves Taj had the tables turned when Slater pulled out a 10 in the last minute of their semi. Ironically Slater had joked in his interview after the quarters that he would have to beat Taj in the last minute again after the two have had some epic heats this year go to the wire each time.
The waves and surfing at this event were some of the best I have ever seen in years of watching pro surfing. On the last day most people lost heats holding at least a nine and some, like Julian Wilson, holding a ten ! Even though most scoring waves were tubes it wasn't boring pull ins like Chopes and the easy paddle out meant plenty of waves were caught. Despite the long days the webcast/broadcast was top quality and the commentators did a good job
Taj has moved to fifth with his third and Adriano up to third with his win. In reality Kelly would have to crash very early in the next two events and Owen Wright win for him not to be world champ yet again.
Next event San Francisco. I bet Kelly would love to have win a world title in mainland USA.
RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL REMAINING FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.67
2 – Kelly Slater (USA) 14.73
1 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.67
2 – Kelly Slater (USA) 14.73
RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL REMAINING SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.50 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.87
SF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.83 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.03
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.50 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.87
SF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.83 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.03
RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL REMAINING QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.94 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.50
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.70 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 7.67
QF 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17.60 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 17.53
QF 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 17.10 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.60
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.94 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.50
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.70 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 7.67
QF 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17.60 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 17.53
QF 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 17.10 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.60
RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL REMAINING HEAT 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) 6.83 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 3.50
Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) 15.40 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.74
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 18.93 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 17.96
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 17.44 def. John John Florence (HAW) 17.06
Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) 6.83 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 3.50
Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) 15.40 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.74
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 18.93 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 17.96
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 17.44 def. John John Florence (HAW) 17.06
RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL REMAINING ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.13, Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.70, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.10
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.30, Heitor Alves (BRA) 17.20, Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.40
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.30, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.64, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.67
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.00, John John Florence (HAW) 17.84, Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.10
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.13, Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.70, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.10
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.30, Heitor Alves (BRA) 17.20, Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.40
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.30, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.64, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.67
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.00, John John Florence (HAW) 17.84, Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.10
RIP CURL PRO PORTUGAL REMAINING ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.60 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 8.10
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.56 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.30
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.27 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.54
Heat 12: John John Florence (HAW) 17.33 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 16.96
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.60 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 8.10
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.56 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.30
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.27 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.54
Heat 12: John John Florence (HAW) 17.33 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 16.96
ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 5 (after Rip Curl Pro Portugal)
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 58,150 pts
2. Owen Wright (AUS) 45,650 pts
3. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 42,450 pts
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 41,100 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 40,950 pts
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 58,150 pts
2. Owen Wright (AUS) 45,650 pts
3. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 42,450 pts
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 41,100 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 40,950 pts
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Bazzas
Portugal is pumping again and there are nines and tens everywhere. Currently it is the quarter final between Slater and Alvez.
Already they have finished round three, all of rounds four and five and the first quarter. The current plan is to crown the winner today.
Taj had surfed twice for two wins including in round four where he got a high eight with less than 30 seconds to go. In his quarter he beat Julian Wilson by 0.4 with a nine on his first wave and a high eight in the last minute to match a killer from Wilson that scored a ten.
John John Florence had treated the place like Backdoor Pipe without the consequences and getting shacked of his nut. However he just lost to Bede in a close heat that was starved a little for waves.
The swell is dropping but there are enough waves that almost every losing surfer has at least two eights and every winner a nine.
With Owen Wright and Jordy both out Kelly can put one hand on number eleven with a win.
Six more heats or 250 minutes of water action left. The webcast is consistent as is coverage on FuelTV.
Already they have finished round three, all of rounds four and five and the first quarter. The current plan is to crown the winner today.
Taj had surfed twice for two wins including in round four where he got a high eight with less than 30 seconds to go. In his quarter he beat Julian Wilson by 0.4 with a nine on his first wave and a high eight in the last minute to match a killer from Wilson that scored a ten.
John John Florence had treated the place like Backdoor Pipe without the consequences and getting shacked of his nut. However he just lost to Bede in a close heat that was starved a little for waves.
The swell is dropping but there are enough waves that almost every losing surfer has at least two eights and every winner a nine.
With Owen Wright and Jordy both out Kelly can put one hand on number eleven with a win.
Six more heats or 250 minutes of water action left. The webcast is consistent as is coverage on FuelTV.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Wowwwwww
The Rip Curl Pro is turning on one of the best days of pro surfing in ages. The waves are grinding beach break pits breaking a few metres from shore and going both ways.
Round two has finished and they are well into round three. Taj has won both his heats today.
The last heat Kai Otten and Julian Wilson was all time. Both started with a nine. Otten's first wave looked like he had been caught in the tube twice but he busted out for a deserved claim. Wilson backed his nine with one of the biggest waves, a solid six foot plus and a deep, perfect tube ride.
There is another two or so hours of surfing left in a marathon day. They have talked about knocking over the event tomorrow which could see the winner surf six times !
FuelTV and the webcast are amazing.
Round two has finished and they are well into round three. Taj has won both his heats today.
The last heat Kai Otten and Julian Wilson was all time. Both started with a nine. Otten's first wave looked like he had been caught in the tube twice but he busted out for a deserved claim. Wilson backed his nine with one of the biggest waves, a solid six foot plus and a deep, perfect tube ride.
There is another two or so hours of surfing left in a marathon day. They have talked about knocking over the event tomorrow which could see the winner surf six times !
FuelTV and the webcast are amazing.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Portugal is go
Round one has hit the water a few minutes ago in some clean beach break waves. The swell is expected to build over the day and Parko and Freddie P have already got barrelled.
Rip Curl's webcast is on and working and it is being shown live on FuelTV for those with Foxtel.
Rip Curl's webcast is on and working and it is being shown live on FuelTV for those with Foxtel.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Rookie wins
In the battle of the next generation Gabriel Medina has beaten Julian Wilson. Medina has only just made the tour at 17 and two years ago he won the "King of the Groms" section at this same even two years ago.
Wilson has had a second half comeback after a poor start to his rookie year.
Next event - Portugal
Wilson has had a second half comeback after a poor start to his rookie year.
Next event - Portugal
Old bulls versus young bulls
Today is finals day in France and its young versus old for each heat except the one in the water at the moment. So far its one all. Taylor Knox has continued his run beating Michel Bourez but in an upset 17 year old rookie Gabriel Medina has thrashed Slater 16.66 to 8.60.
The current quarter is Jordy v Alejio Muniz followed by the old bull Burrow and young bull Julian Wilson.
I would love to recommend that you watch it on the webcast but again it just jumps backwards and stops then jumps backwards again. It is 100% unwatchable. Shame Quiksilver shame.
The current quarter is Jordy v Alejio Muniz followed by the old bull Burrow and young bull Julian Wilson.
I would love to recommend that you watch it on the webcast but again it just jumps backwards and stops then jumps backwards again. It is 100% unwatchable. Shame Quiksilver shame.
Monday, October 10, 2011
More of the same
Taj, Slater, OwenWright, Julian Wilson and Jordy Smith are all through to round four. Taylor Knox is having his best contest for ages and new boy Gabriel Medina is also through.
Taj just made it after beating Travis Logie by a fraction of a point. Taj's two scoring waves were short on manoeuvres but those he pulled off were massive. Martin Potter and the other commentator didn't think he got the score on his last wave, a big backhand smash and finished the heat off talking up Logie. Unfortunately for them the score on Taj's last wave took forever to get locked in and wasn't final until seconds after the heat finished.
Logie is one of my least favourite surfers on tour. For years he clung to the bottom rung, barely winning a single heat all year but to give credit where its due his surfing this year has improved massively. He had a third in Tahiti and is only just losing a couple of other heats.
After some fog this morning France time a lay day has been called.
Taj just made it after beating Travis Logie by a fraction of a point. Taj's two scoring waves were short on manoeuvres but those he pulled off were massive. Martin Potter and the other commentator didn't think he got the score on his last wave, a big backhand smash and finished the heat off talking up Logie. Unfortunately for them the score on Taj's last wave took forever to get locked in and wasn't final until seconds after the heat finished.
Logie is one of my least favourite surfers on tour. For years he clung to the bottom rung, barely winning a single heat all year but to give credit where its due his surfing this year has improved massively. He had a third in Tahiti and is only just losing a couple of other heats.
After some fog this morning France time a lay day has been called.
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE REMAINING ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 9: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.70 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.60
Heat 10: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.53 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 6.50
Heat 11: Brett Simpson (USA) 13.76 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 7.67
Heat 12: Kieren Perrow (AUS) def. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 9: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.70 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.60
Heat 10: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.53 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 6.50
Heat 11: Brett Simpson (USA) 13.76 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 7.67
Heat 12: Kieren Perrow (AUS) def. Chris Davidson (AUS)
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA) 9.77 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 6.50
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.76 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.60
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.34 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 12.00
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.83 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.26
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.56 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.96
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.90 def. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 6.90
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.16 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.83
Heat 8: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.60 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.76
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.33 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.07
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.47 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.34
Heat 11: Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.00 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.34
Heat 12: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.17 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 8.57
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA) 9.77 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 6.50
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.76 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.60
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.34 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 12.00
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.83 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.26
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.56 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.96
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.90 def. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 6.90
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.16 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.83
Heat 8: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.60 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.76
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.33 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.07
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.47 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.34
Heat 11: Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.00 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.34
Heat 12: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.17 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 8.57
QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Owen Wright (AUS)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Quikie Pro France
The Quiksilver Pro has started in France. Round one is done and round two is in the water right now.
Taj is through to round three as is Slater, the back from injury Jordie Smith and Fanning. Young guns Owen Wright and Julian Wilson also topped their first heat.
The big casualty so far is Parko, who has just been eliminated by a Moroccan wildcard in a heat where neither had a double figure two wave score.
The waves have some size with sets in the eight foot range. However there is plenty of crap amongst the nuggets.
As usual the Quiksilver webcast is terrible. It doesn't stream properly, keeps stopping and jumping back to repeat the same footage over and over. It didn't happen at the Trestles or Chopes or any contest not sponsored by Quiksilver.
Taj is through to round three as is Slater, the back from injury Jordie Smith and Fanning. Young guns Owen Wright and Julian Wilson also topped their first heat.
The big casualty so far is Parko, who has just been eliminated by a Moroccan wildcard in a heat where neither had a double figure two wave score.
The waves have some size with sets in the eight foot range. However there is plenty of crap amongst the nuggets.
As usual the Quiksilver webcast is terrible. It doesn't stream properly, keeps stopping and jumping back to repeat the same footage over and over. It didn't happen at the Trestles or Chopes or any contest not sponsored by Quiksilver.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Same again
For the third event in a row Kelly Slater and Owen Wright have faced off in the finals. This time is was Slater showing that he is still better than yet another generation of rippers by riding the winning wave in the last minute and with a mix of air and full rail vertical surfing.
Josh Kerr continued his career season as is now in fifth. Julian Wilson has finally found some form and is starting find his feet (getting revenge on Parko for his last wave loss in round four). Slater has pulled just a little closer to his 11th title and Taj is now sixth and hoping for a miracle. Jordy's injury has dropped him to 8th but he can throw both of these events away at the end of the season.
The next event is the Search in San Francisco.
Josh Kerr continued his career season as is now in fifth. Julian Wilson has finally found some form and is starting find his feet (getting revenge on Parko for his last wave loss in round four). Slater has pulled just a little closer to his 11th title and Taj is now sixth and hoping for a miracle. Jordy's injury has dropped him to 8th but he can throw both of these events away at the end of the season.
The next event is the Search in San Francisco.
HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES FINAL RESULT:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 17.50
2 – Owen Wright (AUS) 16.74
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 17.50
2 – Owen Wright (AUS) 16.74
HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.40 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 16.57
SF 2: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.74 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 10.04
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.40 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 16.57
SF 2: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.74 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 10.04
HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.77 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.50
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.60 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.07
QF 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.67 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.67
QF 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.23 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.93
QF 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.77 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.50
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.60 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.07
QF 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.67 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.67
QF 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.23 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.93
HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.74 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.80
Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.27 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.97
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.23 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.27
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.67 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.37
Heat 1: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.74 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.80
Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.27 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.97
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.23 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.27
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.67 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.37
CURRENT ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 10 (After Hurley Pro at Trestles)
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 44,950 pts.
2 – Owen Wright (AUS) 39,900
3 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 35,400
4 – Adriano de Souza (BRA)31950
5 – Josh Kerr (AUS)30,800
6 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 29,250
7 – Mick Fanning (AUS)28,200
8 – Jordy Smith (ZAF)27,500
9 – Jeremy Flores (FRA)23,700
10 – Michel Bourez (PYF) 22,250
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 44,950 pts.
2 – Owen Wright (AUS) 39,900
3 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 35,400
4 – Adriano de Souza (BRA)31950
5 – Josh Kerr (AUS)30,800
6 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 29,250
7 – Mick Fanning (AUS)28,200
8 – Jordy Smith (ZAF)27,500
9 – Jeremy Flores (FRA)23,700
10 – Michel Bourez (PYF) 22,250
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Round four finally goes big
The promises of high performance round four heats was finally met last night. With sets around head height and runners both ways there were plenty of big hacks and airs. Unfortunately the judging continues to baffle everyone and feed the conspiracy theorists (see this post from philosurfical). There seems to be bonus points given to the top 10 (except Bede Durbridge). The judges have obviously decided that anyone can do an air but not everyone can do a reo. Even I can do a reo (every now and then) but I'm will never do an air (on purpose).
Taj was fairly beaten by Adriano de Souza with both going to the air. Julian Wilson couldn't beat Parko's re-entries with an air where he switched the board around, landed surfed goofy, switched back and threw and air reverse. Owen Wright beat John Florence who surfed well in his maiden event (he made the tour due to Yaden Nicols broken leg).
The internet rumours are that the event will finish tonight as the forecast if for a dropping swell.
Head to the website and watch the heats on demand. They have built on the format from the Quikie Pro so you can watch entire heats or any of the scoring waves. You can also select your favourite surfer or only waves over a certain score. And unlike the Quikie it actually works and streams nicely.
Taj was fairly beaten by Adriano de Souza with both going to the air. Julian Wilson couldn't beat Parko's re-entries with an air where he switched the board around, landed surfed goofy, switched back and threw and air reverse. Owen Wright beat John Florence who surfed well in his maiden event (he made the tour due to Yaden Nicols broken leg).
The internet rumours are that the event will finish tonight as the forecast if for a dropping swell.
Head to the website and watch the heats on demand. They have built on the format from the Quikie Pro so you can watch entire heats or any of the scoring waves. You can also select your favourite surfer or only waves over a certain score. And unlike the Quikie it actually works and streams nicely.
UPCOMING HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES ROUND 5 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 3: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 3: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.33, Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.93, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.23
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.90, Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.60, Heitor Alves (BRA) 11.77
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.73, Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.20, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.46
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.06, Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.77, Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.50
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.33, Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.93, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.23
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.90, Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.60, Heitor Alves (BRA) 11.77
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.73, Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.20, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.46
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.06, Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.77, Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.50
HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.50 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 12.97
Heat 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.50 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.10
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.27 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 9.57
Heat 4: Heitor Alves (BRA) 11.63 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.43
Heat 5: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.33 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.83
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.64 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 12.93
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.84 def. John Florence (HAW) 17.13
Heat 8: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.13 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.17
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.80 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.40
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.00 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 16.80
Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.23 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 9.00
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.93 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 13.17
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.50 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 12.97
Heat 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.50 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.10
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.27 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 9.57
Heat 4: Heitor Alves (BRA) 11.63 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.43
Heat 5: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.33 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.83
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.64 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 12.93
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.84 def. John Florence (HAW) 17.13
Heat 8: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.13 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.17
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.80 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.40
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.00 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 16.80
Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.23 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 9.00
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.93 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 13.17
Monday, September 19, 2011
Confused at the Hurley Pro
Round one of the Hurley Pro was run overnight in small, slightly fat but contestable waves. The standard of the surfing was good but the judging was completely unfathomable. One surfer seemed to get a seven for some standard reos and someone else would get five for the same turns but an air reverse as well. The only consistencies were that vertical re-entries that popped the fins out the top of the wave were scored high and the top seed in each heat seemed to get the bonus points.
Watch the heats on demand that Parko, Taj, Slater and Julian Wilson won. They all did enough to win but compare their scores with the others in their heats. Jadson Andre in Parko's was throwing fins out turns for no return, yet Travis Logie was getting better scores for rides that I could have pulled off.
The judging just seems to get more confusing every event. One day airs are scored high, next its floaters, then its reos, then airs again, no wonder the ASP struggles to reach their dream of "mainstream audience" appeal. If someone who has surfed for 25+ years and watched competitive surfing for as long can't get close to working out the score then how do they expect a footy fan from Northam to understand it ?
It seems that there might be a lay day tonight but if not and you're up around 11.00 pm onwards then FuelTV is broadcasting plus a good webcast and iPad apps.
HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.96, Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.53, Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.00
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.43, Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.13, John Florence (HAW) 9.43
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.66, Adam Melling (AUS) 12.36, Chris Davidson (AUS) 9.80
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 13.60, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.37, Conner Coffin (USA) 11.87
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.57, Rob Machado (USA) 13.50, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.40
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.67, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.13
Heat 7: Taylor Knox (USA) 13.70, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 13.50, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.80
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.40, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50, Kai Otton (AUS) 9.83
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.17, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.87, Dusty Payne (HAW) 8.77
Heat 10: Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.60, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.33, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.53
Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.00, Damien Hobgood (USA) 9.90, Daniel Ross (AUS) 6.75
Heat 12: Brett Simpson (USA) 12.40, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 11.94, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.90
Watch the heats on demand that Parko, Taj, Slater and Julian Wilson won. They all did enough to win but compare their scores with the others in their heats. Jadson Andre in Parko's was throwing fins out turns for no return, yet Travis Logie was getting better scores for rides that I could have pulled off.
The judging just seems to get more confusing every event. One day airs are scored high, next its floaters, then its reos, then airs again, no wonder the ASP struggles to reach their dream of "mainstream audience" appeal. If someone who has surfed for 25+ years and watched competitive surfing for as long can't get close to working out the score then how do they expect a footy fan from Northam to understand it ?
It seems that there might be a lay day tonight but if not and you're up around 11.00 pm onwards then FuelTV is broadcasting plus a good webcast and iPad apps.
HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.96, Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.53, Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.00
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.43, Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.13, John Florence (HAW) 9.43
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.66, Adam Melling (AUS) 12.36, Chris Davidson (AUS) 9.80
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 13.60, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.37, Conner Coffin (USA) 11.87
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.57, Rob Machado (USA) 13.50, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.40
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.67, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.13
Heat 7: Taylor Knox (USA) 13.70, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 13.50, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.80
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.40, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50, Kai Otton (AUS) 9.83
Heat 9: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.17, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.87, Dusty Payne (HAW) 8.77
Heat 10: Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.60, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.33, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.53
Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.00, Damien Hobgood (USA) 9.90, Daniel Ross (AUS) 6.75
Heat 12: Brett Simpson (USA) 12.40, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 11.94, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.90
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Owen Wright plus $300 000
For the second event in a row Owen Wright and Kelly Slater have fought it out for the title. However this time the young Aussie was successful, easily winning after a blitz in the first few minutes.
Slater holds onto his number one spot and moves a little further away. After his first win on the big boys tour Wright has moved to number two.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK FINAL:
1 – Owen Wright (AUS) 17.90
2 – Kelly Slater (USA) 14.53
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.07 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.33
SF 2: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.84 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.63
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.77 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.37
QF 2: Kelly Slater (AUS) 15.50 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.00
QF 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.10 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 10.10
QF 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 12.93 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.44
ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 10 (After Quiksilver Pro New York):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 34950 pts
2. Owen Wright (AUS) 31,900 pts
3. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 30,200 pts
4. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 27,000 pts
5. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 26,750 pts
6. Josh Kerr (AUS) 25,600 pts
7. Taj Burrow (AUS) 25,250 pts
8. Mick Fanning (AUS) 23,000 pts
9. Michel Bourez (PYF) 20,500 pts
10. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 19,700 pts
Slater holds onto his number one spot and moves a little further away. After his first win on the big boys tour Wright has moved to number two.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK FINAL:
1 – Owen Wright (AUS) 17.90
2 – Kelly Slater (USA) 14.53
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.07 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 18.33
SF 2: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.84 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.63
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.77 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.37
QF 2: Kelly Slater (AUS) 15.50 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.00
QF 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.10 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 10.10
QF 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 12.93 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.44
ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 10 (After Quiksilver Pro New York):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 34950 pts
2. Owen Wright (AUS) 31,900 pts
3. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 30,200 pts
4. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 27,000 pts
5. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 26,750 pts
6. Josh Kerr (AUS) 25,600 pts
7. Taj Burrow (AUS) 25,250 pts
8. Mick Fanning (AUS) 23,000 pts
9. Michel Bourez (PYF) 20,500 pts
10. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 19,700 pts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Again
Taj has lost to Slater again despite holding a nine and leading with just over two minutes to go. The margin was less than a point.
Needing better than a mid seven Slater has taken off on a decent sized wave, pumped for speed and blasted a huge air 360 landing no hands and claiming. For that single move he got a 10 ? It didn't deserve a 10 but was probably a high 8. Taj came back with another nine but it just wasn't enough after the overscore.
Owen Wright is in the water now against some Brazillian. I hope he wins. If he does expect the final to be won above the lip. I won't be awake to see it.
Needing better than a mid seven Slater has taken off on a decent sized wave, pumped for speed and blasted a huge air 360 landing no hands and claiming. For that single move he got a 10 ? It didn't deserve a 10 but was probably a high 8. Taj came back with another nine but it just wasn't enough after the overscore.
Owen Wright is in the water now against some Brazillian. I hope he wins. If he does expect the final to be won above the lip. I won't be awake to see it.
Finals dat
Final day starts in a few minutes in New York. Taj is first up against Jadson Andre. Slater is the only American left in the contest with the rest of the spots filled by Aussies or Brazillians. He will take on Josh Kerr who has been racking up huge airs and nine pointers all contest. Watch his round four heat for his "varial", punting, spinning his board under his feet and landing goofy (he is a natural). He followed it up with a huge alley oop.
With Parko out and Jordy not competing Kelly can consolidate a bit of a lead, especially if he wins. Taj can also make up some points after a couple of bad results.
Potentially one of the best heats is the fourth quarter between Owen Wright and Julian Wilson. Both will go big.
Looking at the webcast it look like there are still waves and at the moment it is offshore.
With Parko out and Jordy not competing Kelly can consolidate a bit of a lead, especially if he wins. Taj can also make up some points after a couple of bad results.
Potentially one of the best heats is the fourth quarter between Owen Wright and Julian Wilson. Both will go big.
Looking at the webcast it look like there are still waves and at the moment it is offshore.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Bobby disqualified
The rest of round two and some of round three was run in slightly bigger but messier waves in New York last night. It was pouring down with rain at times and the event (like the US Open tennis) has a break mid morning to let it pass.
Bobby Martinez won his heat and gave a heart felt post heat interview where he expressed his disgust at the state of the ASP and the mid season cut which happens after this event.
There is the odd surfer like Owen Wright or Julian Wilson that you think could go straight to the top level tour but even they have struggled in the big time. When you look at the ratings people like Bobby, CJ Hopgood and Freddie P might be dropped for some no name Brazillian who can throw airs and claims in hip height surf.
Regardless of the truth of the matter he was disqualified for "damaging the image of the sport". It will last until the ASP can decide if to ban him for the rest of the year. It is probably academic as he will miss the cut and is not likely to chase points in the prime events.
The ASP emailed Bobby his suspension notification. It seems to be spiralling out of control at the moment. There apparently will be no Triple Crown in Hawaii this year, the womens tour has already finished and the top surfers are choosing not to turn up to events. The judging is inconsistent at best and the administration seems to wander between press releases that make matter worse not better (eg: remember this one after the Owen Wright "commitment" debacle in Brazil or click here to see their email to Bobby). The ASP need to be careful as their core audience is starting to get annoyed and will start watching something else.
On the positive side Taj is through easily to round four but will probably draw his nemesis Josh Kerr. Being a non-elimination round their might be some big airs being thrown down. Mick Fanning lost to Freddie P this morning and Slater got a walk through due to Bobby's naughtiness.
The event is on now and rumoured to finish tomorrow. It is still brown and small enough for you to imagine that Bunno could hold its own world tour event. The webcast is patchy again.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 5: Josh Kerr (AUS) defeated Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez *Will not be surfed. Martinez disqualified from competition.
Heat 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) lost to Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 8: Kieren Perrow (AUS) lost to Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 12: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Bobby Martinez won his heat and gave a heart felt post heat interview where he expressed his disgust at the state of the ASP and the mid season cut which happens after this event.
“First of all, I’d like to say (an the ASP are going to fine me) ‘cuz I don’t want to be a part of this dumb f***ing wannabe tennis tour. All these pro surfers want to be tennis players. They want to do a halfway cutoff. How the f*** is somebody who’s not even competing against our caliber of surfers ahead of 100 of us on the one world ratings. They’ve never been here. They’ve never f***ing made the right to surf against us, but now we’re ranked upon them. Come on now. That’s Bullshit. That’s why I ain’t going to these stupid contests no more. This is my last one because FTW, my sponsors is here and I just tell it like it is. This is my last one and I don’t like tennis. I don’t like the tour… Who gives a f***? You know what I mean?”
“I’ve been here before. I love this city. I’ll tell you right now, if my sponsor wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be here for this dumb contest. ASP? They f***ing…surfing’s going down the drain thanks to these people.”
This has been his line for a few weeks and he does have a point. He doesn't think that someone on the world tour should be dropped because someone on the lower level, who never surfs against the best in the world happens to get a better one world ranking off that tour.There is the odd surfer like Owen Wright or Julian Wilson that you think could go straight to the top level tour but even they have struggled in the big time. When you look at the ratings people like Bobby, CJ Hopgood and Freddie P might be dropped for some no name Brazillian who can throw airs and claims in hip height surf.
Regardless of the truth of the matter he was disqualified for "damaging the image of the sport". It will last until the ASP can decide if to ban him for the rest of the year. It is probably academic as he will miss the cut and is not likely to chase points in the prime events.
The ASP emailed Bobby his suspension notification. It seems to be spiralling out of control at the moment. There apparently will be no Triple Crown in Hawaii this year, the womens tour has already finished and the top surfers are choosing not to turn up to events. The judging is inconsistent at best and the administration seems to wander between press releases that make matter worse not better (eg: remember this one after the Owen Wright "commitment" debacle in Brazil or click here to see their email to Bobby). The ASP need to be careful as their core audience is starting to get annoyed and will start watching something else.
On the positive side Taj is through easily to round four but will probably draw his nemesis Josh Kerr. Being a non-elimination round their might be some big airs being thrown down. Mick Fanning lost to Freddie P this morning and Slater got a walk through due to Bobby's naughtiness.
The event is on now and rumoured to finish tomorrow. It is still brown and small enough for you to imagine that Bunno could hold its own world tour event. The webcast is patchy again.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 5: Josh Kerr (AUS) defeated Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez *Will not be surfed. Martinez disqualified from competition.
Heat 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) lost to Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 8: Kieren Perrow (AUS) lost to Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 12: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Taj finally overscored
Taj has won his round one heat in New York, beating Pat G and Bobby Martinez. The waves look like a good day in Bunbury, muddy, brown and hip height. Most of us would struggle to get past the first section in the offshore mush.
Taj got a big score for a single air and then probably just a little overscored on a couple of backhand hacks. Regardless he deserved to win (Pat was overscored too) and he will have no problems in both the small conditions and if the waves pick up. The forecast is for a rising swell from a hurricane that is travelling along the coast.
As usual the Quiksilver webcam is a bit patchy and there is no live coverage on FuelTV.
Taj got a big score for a single air and then probably just a little overscored on a couple of backhand hacks. Regardless he deserved to win (Pat was overscored too) and he will have no problems in both the small conditions and if the waves pick up. The forecast is for a rising swell from a hurricane that is travelling along the coast.
As usual the Quiksilver webcam is a bit patchy and there is no live coverage on FuelTV.
Monday, September 5, 2011
New York
The Quiksilver Pro New York starts tonight. First call is around 10.00 pm our time so most will have to watch via heats on demand.
Plenty of injuries with Jordy Smith the biggest. He obviously hasn't recovered from his broken ribs caused by big Chopes. This has given Travis Logie another event as an injury wildcard.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dane Reynolds (USA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Asher Nolan (USA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Balaram Stack (USA)
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS, Chris Davidson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Michel Bourez (PYF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: Damien Hobgood (USA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 12: Julian Wilson (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Plenty of injuries with Jordy Smith the biggest. He obviously hasn't recovered from his broken ribs caused by big Chopes. This has given Travis Logie another event as an injury wildcard.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dane Reynolds (USA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Asher Nolan (USA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Balaram Stack (USA)
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS, Chris Davidson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Michel Bourez (PYF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: Damien Hobgood (USA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 12: Julian Wilson (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Fathers Day videos
The best of Chopes from last weeks Billabong Pro
Or if you've got a spare three hours view the tow day as streamed live
Or if you've got a spare three hours view the tow day as streamed live
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Slater wins again
Kelly has just won the Billabong Pro Tahiti, beating Owen Wright in clean overhead surf.
In his 61st final Slater held a nine and high eight to win by just over a point. Owen had a nine and a high seven. Slater took a couple of poundings including going over the falls backwards as he tried to hustle Owen towards the end of the heat.
With the rest of the top six losing early Kelly is back in the title race after missing J-Bay to stay in Fiji.
The next event is in New York starting later this week. The event infrastructure is being rebuilt after having to be taken down due to Hurrican Irene.
In his 61st final Slater held a nine and high eight to win by just over a point. Owen had a nine and a high seven. Slater took a couple of poundings including going over the falls backwards as he tried to hustle Owen towards the end of the heat.
With the rest of the top six losing early Kelly is back in the title race after missing J-Bay to stay in Fiji.
The next event is in New York starting later this week. The event infrastructure is being rebuilt after having to be taken down due to Hurrican Irene.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Peter McCallum at Aussies
Congratulations to Peter for making the WA team that has just contested the Australian Festival of Surfing at Port Macquarie.
Pete went out after the first re-qual heat in the over 35s going down to eventual winner and former ASP pro Jake Spooner. Unfortunately he suffered a similar fate in the over 40s.
Pete went out after the first re-qual heat in the over 35s going down to eventual winner and former ASP pro Jake Spooner. Unfortunately he suffered a similar fate in the over 40s.
Tow big !!!
Tahiti was too big for the third round of the Billabong Pro. A government "red alert" meant that there were restrictions on boat traffic and using the contest tower but didn't stop some tow crews.
The Billabong Pro website continued to webcast the action despite there being no contest and there were some massive and ugly waves. Even towing was very hit and miss.
Round two was run a few days ago and some big names went down. Taj, Parko and Bede all lost in round two and Julian Wilson in round three. In most heats the higher ranked surfer lost. Slater, Jordy and Fanning are still there.
Chopes isn't a very good contest venue. Despite what it looks like on video the waves don't pump constantly they come in very defined and staggered sets. Each heat will get a small number of these sets so if you blow a wave there isn't necessarily another around the corner. When waves do come through they will always barrel but not always let you get out. It is a place where you are either going to come out and get a 7+ or get pinched and get a 2. There is no in between and no building momentum. This is why there is often carnage amongst the seeds as they are just as likely to come on the bad side of this 50/50 shot as the good one.
Taj can pretty much write off his chances of winning the world title this year. I'm hoping that I will be eating these words in December but with two 25th finishes and a third round exit already he will have to hold the 17th. Not to many people have taken the lot with one of those left in their hands. On the plus side the waves at the next few contests should suit him and he will probably be re-seeded so he doesn't keep meeting Slater in the third round (especially with two events in the US to come)
The Billabong Pro website continued to webcast the action despite there being no contest and there were some massive and ugly waves. Even towing was very hit and miss.
Round two was run a few days ago and some big names went down. Taj, Parko and Bede all lost in round two and Julian Wilson in round three. In most heats the higher ranked surfer lost. Slater, Jordy and Fanning are still there.
Chopes isn't a very good contest venue. Despite what it looks like on video the waves don't pump constantly they come in very defined and staggered sets. Each heat will get a small number of these sets so if you blow a wave there isn't necessarily another around the corner. When waves do come through they will always barrel but not always let you get out. It is a place where you are either going to come out and get a 7+ or get pinched and get a 2. There is no in between and no building momentum. This is why there is often carnage amongst the seeds as they are just as likely to come on the bad side of this 50/50 shot as the good one.
Taj can pretty much write off his chances of winning the world title this year. I'm hoping that I will be eating these words in December but with two 25th finishes and a third round exit already he will have to hold the 17th. Not to many people have taken the lot with one of those left in their hands. On the plus side the waves at the next few contests should suit him and he will probably be re-seeded so he doesn't keep meeting Slater in the third round (especially with two events in the US to come)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Billabong Pro Tahiti
The Billabong Pro Tahiti has run round one in nice waves at Chopes. Waves were around the four foot plus size with nice open barrels and light winds.
Every heat bar one has had plent of waves coming through and some good scores have been dropped. Unfortunately Taj has continued his career long problem with round one heats losing his but he'll get another shot in round two.
The last heat of the day is in the water at the moment. FuelTV is broadcasting the event along with the usual webcast and iPad apps. However most days start about 4 am WA time.
The forecast is for a massive swell next weekend and the event organisers are worrying about there being too much swell. With another 11 days left in the waiting period it could become a classic event.
Every heat bar one has had plent of waves coming through and some good scores have been dropped. Unfortunately Taj has continued his career long problem with round one heats losing his but he'll get another shot in round two.
The last heat of the day is in the water at the moment. FuelTV is broadcasting the event along with the usual webcast and iPad apps. However most days start about 4 am WA time.
The forecast is for a massive swell next weekend and the event organisers are worrying about there being too much swell. With another 11 days left in the waiting period it could become a classic event.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Orange means go faster
The winter of swell doesn't seem to want to give up. The last three days had offshore full tide mornings and low tide glass offs in the afternoon and a front that should hit in the next few hours will bring another big red blob of swell next week.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Taj was robbed
Taj has been ripped off again. He clearly beat Slater but was underscored whilst Kelly was overscored.
Taj's first wave had a huge air but got a 6. Then he and Slater had identical waves where they both threw the same moves outside but TB did an extra in the shorie. However Slater gets a low seven when Taj gets a high six.
Slater gets a short barrel and a decent cutback for a high eight. Taj gets buried deep, so deep he was being written off by the commentators then burst out the doggy door for an 8.1. Twice as long, deeper, harder to control and obviously not worth the same !
Taj was not happy throughout the heat and the blatantly poor judging (and worse comments from one of the webcasters) totally ruined what should have been the heat of the day. There should have only been about half a point between them but the result should have been the other way around.
I suppose 100 000 yanks want to see Slater win not an Aussie. And we have to remember that this is the contest where in the 80's they rioted because someone saw some boobs. Maybe the judges wanted to be able to get to their cars after the event.
Taj's first wave had a huge air but got a 6. Then he and Slater had identical waves where they both threw the same moves outside but TB did an extra in the shorie. However Slater gets a low seven when Taj gets a high six.
Slater gets a short barrel and a decent cutback for a high eight. Taj gets buried deep, so deep he was being written off by the commentators then burst out the doggy door for an 8.1. Twice as long, deeper, harder to control and obviously not worth the same !
Taj was not happy throughout the heat and the blatantly poor judging (and worse comments from one of the webcasters) totally ruined what should have been the heat of the day. There should have only been about half a point between them but the result should have been the other way around.
I suppose 100 000 yanks want to see Slater win not an Aussie. And we have to remember that this is the contest where in the 80's they rioted because someone saw some boobs. Maybe the judges wanted to be able to get to their cars after the event.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
TB vs KS
It's Taj v Kelly in the second semi of the US Open starting in about 15 minutes.
The waves are ok and both guys have been going big all event. I think it will be a killer and my money would normally be on Taj but Slater always gets an extra fraction of a point for his rides here. Another hometown advantage.
Google US Open Surfing for the webcast if you are still awake.
The waves are ok and both guys have been going big all event. I think it will be a killer and my money would normally be on Taj but Slater always gets an extra fraction of a point for his rides here. Another hometown advantage.
Google US Open Surfing for the webcast if you are still awake.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sun and southerlies
Finally some sun, even if it did make the morning freezing cold. The swell has dropped to around three metres and the wind have swung into the south
The trip across the hill to Yallingup revealed double overhead conditions with only a five guys out (and a whale). The wind was cross shore and there were some decent walls to carve if you caught the right one. One guy caught a long, long left and ended up coming in at Rabbits because that was closer than coming into the reef.
Smiths had some nice conditions and a few people dotted amongst the beach break. It looked like the people shooting the Tim Winton film were out at Supertubes. There were a couple of jet skis but not much action.
The trip across the hill to Yallingup revealed double overhead conditions with only a five guys out (and a whale). The wind was cross shore and there were some decent walls to carve if you caught the right one. One guy caught a long, long left and ended up coming in at Rabbits because that was closer than coming into the reef.
Smiths had some nice conditions and a few people dotted amongst the beach break. It looked like the people shooting the Tim Winton film were out at Supertubes. There were a couple of jet skis but not much action.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Big is beautiful
There is plenty of footage of the massive and perfect swell that hit Fiji a couple of weeks ago. These are some of the best. It might be in slow motion but when you see people sliding down the face because they can't penetrate the surface you know there is some juice.
Cloudbreak XXL July 2011 from surfreportes on Vimeo.
Tavarua Dreaming: Part Two from Surfline on Vimeo.
Paddling Monsters - 12th July 2011 from Tim Bonython Productions on Vimeo.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Rhinos
Big, big, big swell forecast for the weekend and beyond. Plenty of purple and the odd bit of black on the swell charts.Stormsurf.com has some cool animations and the Naturaliste buoy is already over 5 metres and dropping out.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Home town hero
Jordy has beaten Mick at J-Bay. No home town Brazillian judging here, he was on fire for the whole event.
The event will shake up the ratings coming into the mid year changeover.
The event will shake up the ratings coming into the mid year changeover.
Mick v Jordy
Its a Jordy Smith vs Mick Fanning final at J-Bay. The conditions are very average but still surfable despite the wind and rain. Jordy has been the form surfer of the contest so far but Mick hasn't been far behind. Both have racked up big scores in the nine point range.
There is a little gap till the final, hopefully long enough to watch the final quarter of the derby. If not it looks like a TV/iPad combo - thats why you have two eyes !
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Bummer
Taj has just lost in round three to Josh Kerr and he is not happy. He was beaten fair and square but with Adriano DeSouza also out he missed an opportunity to get to number one.
Kerr pulled off two "club sandwiches", full upside down, under the lip fins out flips and it was just to much in the dropping conditions. He has become a nemisis for Burrow. Taj had him comboed a few years back in the final at Marges only for Kerr to pull out a couple of massive airs for a nine and a ten and the win.
The non-elimination round four will be in the water soon. The forecast for tomorrow isn't looking great but it has to run regardless.
Kerr pulled off two "club sandwiches", full upside down, under the lip fins out flips and it was just to much in the dropping conditions. He has become a nemisis for Burrow. Taj had him comboed a few years back in the final at Marges only for Kerr to pull out a couple of massive airs for a nine and a ten and the win.
The non-elimination round four will be in the water soon. The forecast for tomorrow isn't looking great but it has to run regardless.
Bummer
Taj has just lost in round three to Josh Kerr and he is not happy. He was beaten fair and square but with Adriano DeSouza also out he missed an opportunity to get to number one.
Kerr pulled off two "club sandwiches", full upside down, under the lip fins out flips and it was just to much in the dropping conditions. He has become a nemisis for Burrow. Taj had him comboed a few years back in the final at Marges only for Kerr to pull out a couple of massive airs for a nine and a ten and the win.
The non-elimination round four will be in the water soon. The forecast for tomorrow isn't looking great but it has to run regardless.
Kerr pulled off two "club sandwiches", full upside down, under the lip fins out flips and it was just to much in the dropping conditions. He has become a nemisis for Burrow. Taj had him comboed a few years back in the final at Marges only for Kerr to pull out a couple of massive airs for a nine and a ten and the win.
The non-elimination round four will be in the water soon. The forecast for tomorrow isn't looking great but it has to run regardless.
Dawnie
The Billabong Pro started this morning at first light. With only two days left in the waiting period and only two rounds run there was a need to get going. Luckily there are waves and they are cleaning up and getting better as the day goes on.
No surprises as yet and the great surfers are really showing their class in the last few heats. Julian Wilson got a ten, Jordy was throwing huge off the top snaps and got three barrels on one wave (making two and snapping his board on the last) and Fanning was running at twice the speed of everyone else.
Parko is in the water at the moment and Taj is in the last heat of round three.
The contest is being broadcast on FuelTV for those with Foxtel as well as on the net
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Gilmore wins
Steph Gilmore got a little bit of revenge for losing the world title by beating Carrissa Moore in the final of the Roxy Pro. This is Gilmore's best result this year.
Friday, July 15, 2011
New World Champ
Hawaiian Carissa Moore has just been crowned 2011 women's world champion after she made the final and Steph Gilmore knocked out her only rival Sally Fitzgibbon in the semis.
Moore will probably be pretty loose in the Roxy Pro France final against Gilmore later today. The womens longboarders are in the water now.
Moore is one of the new breed of surfers and rips pretty hard. She is at home in big waves and punting in little ones. She was one of the first star surfers to get mainstream sponsorship, signing with Target and Nike 6.0. Her win will help push Nike deeper into the action sports market.
Moore will probably be pretty loose in the Roxy Pro France final against Gilmore later today. The womens longboarders are in the water now.
Moore is one of the new breed of surfers and rips pretty hard. She is at home in big waves and punting in little ones. She was one of the first star surfers to get mainstream sponsorship, signing with Target and Nike 6.0. Her win will help push Nike deeper into the action sports market.
J-Bay
First round heats have started at the Billabong Pro at J-Bay. The waves are small and the wind side/onshore and pretty inconsistent.
Taj has to surf in round two after not getting through his heat. At least he turned up which is more than can be said for Kelly Slater who decided to stay in Fiji and surf massive waves. He is expected to make round two but you never can be sure.
Coverage on the web, iPads, iPhones and FuelTV for those with Foxtel.
I'm finding it very hard to watch J-Bay, the Roxy Pro, the Tour de France and the footy all at once !!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
International Surfing Day
ISD is either today or tomorrow depending on which site you look at. Get wet and pick up a peice of rubbish.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Leave a message
Nike have released a surf movie "Leave a Message" for free download in both normal and high definition. The movie stars Nike's sponsored female surfers including Coco Ho, Carissa Moore and Laura Enever. Each of the six girls gets her own one song segment and there is some good surfing by most of them.
A few years ago most blokes surf movies would contain some of the better sequences so it is great to see womens surfing reach a point where it is worth watching. You can be really picky and find some obvious style faults in a couple of the surfers but at the end of the day most of you will never surf anywhere as good as they do.
Get to the movie by clicking here.
If you don't believe how far womens surfing has come watch this video staring four World Champs and WA's Jodie Cooper at Tavarua.
A few years ago most blokes surf movies would contain some of the better sequences so it is great to see womens surfing reach a point where it is worth watching. You can be really picky and find some obvious style faults in a couple of the surfers but at the end of the day most of you will never surf anywhere as good as they do.
Get to the movie by clicking here.
If you don't believe how far womens surfing has come watch this video staring four World Champs and WA's Jodie Cooper at Tavarua.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Rip off in Rio
The ASP has been in damage mode after the feedback on the judging of Adriano DeSouza's semi against Owen Wright and to a lesser extent the final against Taj.
In the semi Adriano did a big floater and got an eight. His other scoring wave consisted of two standard back hand reos. After a couple or standard turns Owen landed big airs on both his waves, scoring sixes. The judges have released a statement saying in part that Adriano's wave were bigger and his floater was more committed than Owen's air because anyone pro can do an air.
My two cents worth - any pro (and most decent amateurs) can pull off a floater. This one was big but it wasn't anything special and the reason he did the floater is because his wave choice put him on a close out. Floaters have generally been either a linking move, to get around a section or something to finish with in the shoredump. If they are the only move on a wave they generally don't score well because it reflects bad wave selection.
Owen selected waves that gave him room to work and surfed them as well as they could be surfed. Yes they were smaller but wave size is not part of the criteria and the smaller ones weren't closing out. He did a series of moves that were committed, different from each other and used the full potential of the wave. If you ignore what Adriano got for his rides you would say they were awarded scores that were pretty close to what they deserve. Compare them to Adriano and they were high eights.
The waves for the final were pretty bad. Taj's waves were pretty fairly scored but again Adriano best scoring wave was overscored by probably two points. He blew his second move, which was a pretty standard backhand reo and did three identical moves. Personally he should lose points for claiming every wave he catches but that's not in the criteria.
The ASP have made it worse by releasing the judges statement. It just looks like they are making piss weak excuses for why they screwed up. Since the change in the judging criteria it has been almost impossible to work out what needs to be done to get a decent score. I don't like judges deciding that they will score tubes higher at his place, on this bank or tide but vertical moves in this round. Judge how the surfer surfs. If he get a wave a Chopes that suits him doing an eight foot air reverse rather than a tube give him the score it deserves. If he rips the bag out of a smaller wave because it is cleaner and holds up, don't reward his competitor who flukes an out of control move on a close out because its bigger. The ASP are starting to lose more credibility and eyes on their events with the inconsistent judging.
Judge for yourself -
Click here for the statement from the judges
The final work goes to a tweet shown on the ASP web site from Taylor Knox - "I just did a floater .... Winning !!!!!"
In the semi Adriano did a big floater and got an eight. His other scoring wave consisted of two standard back hand reos. After a couple or standard turns Owen landed big airs on both his waves, scoring sixes. The judges have released a statement saying in part that Adriano's wave were bigger and his floater was more committed than Owen's air because anyone pro can do an air.
My two cents worth - any pro (and most decent amateurs) can pull off a floater. This one was big but it wasn't anything special and the reason he did the floater is because his wave choice put him on a close out. Floaters have generally been either a linking move, to get around a section or something to finish with in the shoredump. If they are the only move on a wave they generally don't score well because it reflects bad wave selection.
Owen selected waves that gave him room to work and surfed them as well as they could be surfed. Yes they were smaller but wave size is not part of the criteria and the smaller ones weren't closing out. He did a series of moves that were committed, different from each other and used the full potential of the wave. If you ignore what Adriano got for his rides you would say they were awarded scores that were pretty close to what they deserve. Compare them to Adriano and they were high eights.
The waves for the final were pretty bad. Taj's waves were pretty fairly scored but again Adriano best scoring wave was overscored by probably two points. He blew his second move, which was a pretty standard backhand reo and did three identical moves. Personally he should lose points for claiming every wave he catches but that's not in the criteria.
The ASP have made it worse by releasing the judges statement. It just looks like they are making piss weak excuses for why they screwed up. Since the change in the judging criteria it has been almost impossible to work out what needs to be done to get a decent score. I don't like judges deciding that they will score tubes higher at his place, on this bank or tide but vertical moves in this round. Judge how the surfer surfs. If he get a wave a Chopes that suits him doing an eight foot air reverse rather than a tube give him the score it deserves. If he rips the bag out of a smaller wave because it is cleaner and holds up, don't reward his competitor who flukes an out of control move on a close out because its bigger. The ASP are starting to lose more credibility and eyes on their events with the inconsistent judging.
Judge for yourself -
Click here for the statement from the judges
The final work goes to a tweet shown on the ASP web site from Taylor Knox - "I just did a floater .... Winning !!!!!"
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Kites crash
Never took up windsurfing even though I thought about it many times. Always though that the flat water stuff was to boring and didn't have the patients to do the basics so I could start doing the jumping and surfing parts which looked fun. Same goes for kite surfing which looks even more fun including on flat water. This video shows some professional kiters who took on a killer slab down south before the session turned to shit.
Horror session - kitesurfing Western Australia from BENWILSONVISION on Vimeo.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Rivers rock
Rip Curl have been adding these videos over the last few weeks. Usually tidal bores and river surfing is either stationary waves or go straight mush burgers. These bore is anything but. Overhead in spots, big hacks, airs and proper tubes. Almost makes you forget the raw sewerage and dead cattle floating around.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Newsletter out Sunday
Hopefully the next newsletter will be out Sunday arvo. When you read it the reason for this post will become clear !!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
TB - the Bridesmaid !!!
Taj has lost his first heat in his last four contests at Snapper. On the positive side it was the final and he was beaten by Slater in terrible waves. With a forecast of howling onshores and bad weather for the limited time that remained in the waiting period the organisers were stuck running it today and hoping the lower tide made for decent waves. Still the best two surfers all event made the final and now sit one and two leading into Bells.
The TV News is reporting that Slater will join Burrow at next month's Margaret River Pro prime event. They should be joined by some talent as everyone scrambles to avoid or take advantage of the mid-season cut. Now we just need the weather to change and some swell to arrive.
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL MATCH-UPS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 11.20
2 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.17
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.77 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 8.20
SF 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.56 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.40
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.40 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.06
QF 2: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.64 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.40
QF 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.30 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.60
QF 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.03 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.95
ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 5 (After Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 10,000 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 8,000 points
3. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 6,500 points
3. Tiago Pires (PRT) 6,500 points
5. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 5,200 points
5. Brett Simpson (USA) 5,200 points
5. Dusty Payne (HAW) 5,200 points
5. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5,200 points
The TV News is reporting that Slater will join Burrow at next month's Margaret River Pro prime event. They should be joined by some talent as everyone scrambles to avoid or take advantage of the mid-season cut. Now we just need the weather to change and some swell to arrive.
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL MATCH-UPS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 11.20
2 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.17
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.77 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 8.20
SF 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.56 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.40
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.40 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.06
QF 2: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.64 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.40
QF 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.30 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.60
QF 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.03 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.95
ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 5 (After Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 10,000 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 8,000 points
3. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 6,500 points
3. Tiago Pires (PRT) 6,500 points
5. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 5,200 points
5. Brett Simpson (USA) 5,200 points
5. Dusty Payne (HAW) 5,200 points
5. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5,200 points
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
New girls and epic battles
The Roxy Pro finished today with the new crop staking a claim in 2011. Steph Gilmore lost to new comer Laura Enever in the quarters as did stalwarts Slivana Lima and former world champ Chelsea Hedges. The only "rookie" to go down was Coco Ho to Sally Fitzgibbons. Sally (20 and in her 3rd season) didn't last another heat getting beaten by Carissa Moore. The final was between Moore and Owen Wright's more successful little sister Tyler with the American taking home the bacon.
The semi consisted of a 17, 18, 19 and 20 year old with a combined four years on tour. Wright and Enever are both in their first world tour events as proper members rather than wildcards. Changing of the guard ?
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.34
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.37
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 17.53 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 11.84
SF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.00 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.50
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.77 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.44
QF 2: Laura Enever (AUS) 15.67 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.50
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 19.20 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 14.50
QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 18.37 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 11.83
The Quiksilver Pro ran in some nice but flukey conditions. Both the non-elimination round four and round five ran. Round five had some super close heat and a classic between Taj Burrow and Adriano de Souza. The final combined heat score between the two of them was 38 out of 40 with both both holding two nines !!!! The only real name to fall out today was Parko in a close one to Jordy, who eats up drivey crumbling rights.
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Dusty Payne (HAW) 14.07, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.83, Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.80
Heat 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.53, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.14, Kelly Slater (USA) 11.06
Heat 3: Brett Simpson (USA) 16.60, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.63, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.87
Heat 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.23, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.76, Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.56
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.80 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.60
Heat 2: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.27 def. Michel Bouez (PYF) 12.94
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 19.06 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18.94
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.67 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.17
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
QF 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
QF 3: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)
QF 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
The semi consisted of a 17, 18, 19 and 20 year old with a combined four years on tour. Wright and Enever are both in their first world tour events as proper members rather than wildcards. Changing of the guard ?
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.34
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.37
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 17.53 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 11.84
SF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.00 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.50
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.77 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.44
QF 2: Laura Enever (AUS) 15.67 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.50
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 19.20 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 14.50
QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 18.37 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 11.83
The Quiksilver Pro ran in some nice but flukey conditions. Both the non-elimination round four and round five ran. Round five had some super close heat and a classic between Taj Burrow and Adriano de Souza. The final combined heat score between the two of them was 38 out of 40 with both both holding two nines !!!! The only real name to fall out today was Parko in a close one to Jordy, who eats up drivey crumbling rights.
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Dusty Payne (HAW) 14.07, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.83, Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.80
Heat 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.53, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.14, Kelly Slater (USA) 11.06
Heat 3: Brett Simpson (USA) 16.60, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.63, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.87
Heat 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.23, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.76, Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.56
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.80 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.60
Heat 2: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.27 def. Michel Bouez (PYF) 12.94
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 19.06 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18.94
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.67 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.17
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
QF 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
QF 3: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)
QF 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
More Bianca
Yet another Cyclone Bianca video. Taj and friends have released yet another angle of Mitchell Rocks grinding. Just when you think that Taj or Jay Davies or Dino Adrian can't possibly make it out of this grinding sandpit they do.
Keep an eye out for the guy getting sucked over the falls sitting on his board !!!
Keep an eye out for the guy getting sucked over the falls sitting on his board !!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Roxy and Quik Pros roll on
Round three of the Men and four of the Women were run in good but changeable conditions today. It looks like the Roxy Pro will finish tomorrow and possibly the non-elimination round four for the blokes.
Taj, Parko and Slater just smashed it (look at the heats on demand especially for Slater's body surfing tube) and were another level up. However Julian Wilson and Jordy aren't far away. Mick Fanning was the big scalp in heat one
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Dusty Payne (HAW), Tiago Pires (PRT), Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Brett Simpson (USA), Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Heat 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Taj Burrow (AUS)
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)
QF 4: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)
Taj, Parko and Slater just smashed it (look at the heats on demand especially for Slater's body surfing tube) and were another level up. However Julian Wilson and Jordy aren't far away. Mick Fanning was the big scalp in heat one
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Dusty Payne (HAW), Tiago Pires (PRT), Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Brett Simpson (USA), Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Heat 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Taj Burrow (AUS)
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)
QF 4: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Taj wins again
Taj Burrow has just won the Breaka Pro in small but fun looking waves at Burleigh. A couple of linked rides puncuated with a big spinning air give him to mid sevens and the lead for most of the contest.
Parko came second mainly due to a typical Parko wave full of big smooth moves and a little spin. Bede Durbridge started strong but couldn't get the bigger scores and would be a little annoyed that Parko snuck past him at the end. Jayke Sharpe couldn't get any decent waves.
This the second year in a row that Taj has started the Aussie leg with a win in this event. Last year he backed it up with first in the Quikie Pro. He has to be considered a threat for the world title again this year if the judging finally goes for him.
The Flores/Garcia incident has made the mainstream news, thanks to some pretty ugly looking video. It now seems that a local got into a blue with Sunny's 16 year old son and wore a pretty bad beating for his stupidity.
Parko came second mainly due to a typical Parko wave full of big smooth moves and a little spin. Bede Durbridge started strong but couldn't get the bigger scores and would be a little annoyed that Parko snuck past him at the end. Jayke Sharpe couldn't get any decent waves.
This the second year in a row that Taj has started the Aussie leg with a win in this event. Last year he backed it up with first in the Quikie Pro. He has to be considered a threat for the world title again this year if the judging finally goes for him.
The Flores/Garcia incident has made the mainstream news, thanks to some pretty ugly looking video. It now seems that a local got into a blue with Sunny's 16 year old son and wore a pretty bad beating for his stupidity.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Taj through to semis
Taj is through to a tough semi tomorrow although both semis are tough. TB is up against world tour surfers Tiago Pires and Jay "Bottle" Thompson and video star Jayke Sharp.
The second semi has Parko, Bede Durbridge and super-grom Julian Wilson against Tom Woods.
The waves have been small and onshore but contestable and if they clean up the surfing will be red hot.
The event website shows that Jeremy Flores was disqualified for some sort of physical confrontation whilst free surfing in the event area. They go on to say that Sunny Garcia is also facing a disiplinary hearing so maybe they clashed. My money would be on Sunny to win !
The second semi has Parko, Bede Durbridge and super-grom Julian Wilson against Tom Woods.
The waves have been small and onshore but contestable and if they clean up the surfing will be red hot.
The event website shows that Jeremy Flores was disqualified for some sort of physical confrontation whilst free surfing in the event area. They go on to say that Sunny Garcia is also facing a disiplinary hearing so maybe they clashed. My money would be on Sunny to win !
Thursday, February 17, 2011
ASL/Oakley Big Wave Award nominees
Surfers Village has all the ASL/Oakley Big Wave Award nominees for 2010/11. Click here to go to the site
Heres a taste
Heres a taste
Tow surfing
Australian Longboard Magazine has highlighted video of what might be the first time tow surfing was undertaken. It was way before jet skis, way before inflatable boats but in the time of the airship !!!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
More Bianca
Some video has started to surface of the waves from Cyclone Bianca. Coastalwatch has some of the deepest tube riding probably ever down south and definately at this spot (because it never breaks). One tube will leave you shaking your head. Click here.
And here is some footage taken of other side of the moon.
Cyclone Bianca hits the Moon from Rory Gollow on Vimeo.
And here is some footage taken of other side of the moon.
Cyclone Bianca hits the Moon from Rory Gollow on Vimeo.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Cyclone Bianca
For most of us cyclone Bianca brought nothing but a cracking north swell.
Check out Epic Swells for some highlights. I think it's Mitchell Rocks at the north end of Inji doing the grinding Kirra imitation.
Even Bunbury had a classic surf day. Crowded with all manner of craft and skill but the mystical right off BP reef pumped all day and the groyne didn't look dissimilar to Kirra either (just too fast to make on a stand up which is the reason that Bunbury is the home of the gut slider).
Check out Epic Swells for some highlights. I think it's Mitchell Rocks at the north end of Inji doing the grinding Kirra imitation.
Even Bunbury had a classic surf day. Crowded with all manner of craft and skill but the mystical right off BP reef pumped all day and the groyne didn't look dissimilar to Kirra either (just too fast to make on a stand up which is the reason that Bunbury is the home of the gut slider).
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Night Surfing
This is every where at the moment but is it really better surfing that the old night surfing event at City Beach in the early 90s ?
Mark Visser Night Surfing At Jaws from Surfing Life on Vimeo.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Whips
A couple of days ago I was checking out Coastalwatch surfcam at Smith. The onshore was into it really bad but there was a jet ski down at Supers. This is what they were doing.
Super Soaring from Elsegoodproductions.com on Vimeo.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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