Kelly Slater – OUT
Slater doesn’t need a reason, but here goes: because he’s down on form, doesn’t like the contest at the best of times, the forecast sucks and he has a world-class wave pool at his disposal. Does anyone blame him?
Replaced by TBA
Joel Parkison – OUT
No reason given. Is he just avoiding the jet skis at this event? Is there a hint of a knee injury? He may just be busy surfing better waves in Bali. We’re not too sure on this one, but he can probably expect a fine from the WSL.
Replaced by Dusty Payne (current world #35 after 2 events)
Kai Otton – OUT
“Personal reasons”, i.e. he doesn’t personally like the idea of going to Brazil during the Zika virus epidemic.
Replaced by Bino Lopes (highest ranked Brazilian WQS surfer)
Taj Burrow – OUT
Reitired. He will participate in the Fiji event as a wildcard.
Replaced for the rest of the year by Adam Melling (current world #28)
Mick Fanning – OUT
We saw a relaxed Fanning surf a moderately successful two events of 2016 WCT tour. Having already announced his intentions to take leave from most of the events this year, Rio is at least one event the champ will not be attending. We will wait with anticipation to see if he decides to show up in Fiji.
Replaced by Leonardo Fioravanti (current WQS leader and world #21 after one event)
Owen Wright – OUT
Owen has confirmed that he will sit out the start of the 2016 season to continue his rehab from his head injury, suffered while surfing Pipe during the Vans Triple Crown 2015 season, and this continues for the Oi Rio Pro. It’s unlikley, but here’s hoping we will see the return of Owen by the time Fiji comes around next month (and see him back up last years awe-inspiring AND record breaking win).
Owen will be replaced by Stu Kennedy (current world number 12)
Bede Durbidge – OUT
Durbo is busy brewing beer, making sure he can still walk, and being an all-round legendary ambassador for ‘rangas everywhere. Don’t expect to see him surfing in Rio though.
Bede will be replaced by Sebastian Zietsz (current world number 2)
Filipe Toledo – IN
All eyes will be on Flippy and his return to the 2016 WCT tour. After a 2-event time-out due to a groin injury (suffered whilst dominating a QuikPro semi-final this year), the reigning Oi Rio Pro champ is back to reclaim his rightful place on the podium. CrownBet.com.au has him tipped as event favourite (6:1), ahead of other hopefuls Gabriel Medina (7:1), John John Florence (8:1) and Julian Wilson (10:1). The Rio conditions are Filipe’s bread and butter, so if he’s even close to 100% he’ll be a massive inclusion.
Jack Freestone – IN
Jack missed Bells and Margs due to injury, and will be chomping at the bit to prove his worth as a solid ‘CT contender in the beach break ramps of Rio.
Jadson Andre – IN
Another injury suffered during the unforgiving Australian tour, Jadson was subbed out at the last second before Margaret River, catching everyone off guard (including us!) and giving Jay Davies another shot at ‘CT glory. Jadson is back for Rio, and will no doubt be super keen to represent well on home ground.