Ricardo Christie – NZL, R Rank: 32 Proj: 31
Here’s a guy with no CT experience, not even as a WC, and he’s never won a QS. So what’s he doing in the top crop? Well, Christie cleaned house in the 2014 MQS as best you can without a win. He posted 39 heats over 12 events for a sub-average 3.25 REA and 477.04 TFP, but held up an impressive 15.9 AHS over that stretch. With no FA and a sluggish 7 QSF, though, it’s tough to see Ricardo faring better than 30th overall this year.
Surf: Point/reef right-handers of medium size on clean days. Ricardo’s a big boy, similar in size to Jordy Smith but without the air prowess, he’ll display his power best on a long wall with plenty of recovery opportunity. As most rookies do, he’ll need this room for error.
Trestles, Jeffreys Bay
Beach: Barrel-centric, double-overhead left-handers in tropical climates. That should bring a few spots to mind. Maybe Ricardo is a tube master, but he has yet to show it. Until he does, we recommend you leave him behind at:
Fiji, Teahupoo, Pipeline
Overall: We recommend sitting on Christie until at least the J-Bay Open. It’s late at #6, but by then we will have a clearer idea of his strengths and weaknesses.
2015 Bold Prediction: Ricardo fares better in English speaking countries.
Wow, this is really cool!