In many ways, Margaret River has filled the qualification space that Pipe used to occupy before it was roughly bisected from the season end. Now, the oft-maligned mid-season cut looms large at then end of the Margaret River Pro, dominating the thoughts of surfers and column inches of ‘journalists’ in this, the new tour normal. … Read more
Hawaii is done and dusted, and the reality of the 2023 tour doesn’t quite resemble that which we imagined. Just have a quick look at the rankings: Australians Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum wear the Yellow Jerseys (along with ‘Riss) after a near-flawless Hawaiian leg. Filipe leaves Hawaii – yes, Hawaii – with a 90% … Read more
I know it’s not our first time doing this, but there’s something wrong about kicking off the title race at Pipe. No world title scenarios, no qualification predictions, no season-long pressure, no form to look at. Nothing. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. It’s a banger of a way to start the year, and … Read more
I often wonder how surfers, let alone the rest of the world, will receive surfing as an Olympic sport. Mostly I’m sure it will exist as a novelty highlights package between women’s water polo and the equestrian events. Could we hope for anything more? Surely, if the best surfers in the world represent our sport … Read more
Hawaii has already served up some hefty drama this week, what with Tyler’s stunning comeback, Steph’s 5th Honolua win, Carissa’s 4th title, and Lakey’s fall at the final hurdle, it was a massive end to the women’s season. Not to be outdone, Sunset brought the men’s QS picture into focus with some quality conditions on … Read more
While Pipe may be the ‘Superbowl of surfing’, Portugal certainly punches above its weight when it comes to world title speculation. Throw in the race for Olympic qualifications and a decent forecast, and we have plenty to get psyched about for Portugal. Medina, Seabass, Filipe, and Jordy et al. may have ensured that most fantasy … Read more
France is always interesting to watch, but it has felt even more exciting since the pool event was added to the tour. The Freshwater Pro undoubtedly has its flaws, but the WSL hardly help themselves by juxtaposing it against the Tahiti and France events. Tahiti, with its fear factor and raw power, makes the pool … Read more
The Wave The event will be held at the KS Wave Ranch, located amongst the rural countryside of Lemoore, California. The man-made wave is manufactured in a 600m (2000′) long and 150m (500′) wide lake originally built for water skiing. It is created when under-water hydrofoils run down a track at around 30 kilometres per … Read more
How are you travelling at the all-but-halfway point in the season? Fantasy wise, that is. I don’t mean that hollow sensation growing deep within your soul that reminds you that you’re nearly 40 and still dedicating far too much time to fantasy sports. No? Just me? Anyway, how is your team looking? Were you riding … Read more
I know, I know; my post-event articles have disappeared like Julian’s title aspirations. Sorry. Life’s been getting in the way. If, for some masochistic reason, you crave more surf-stats content, then my old-man social accounts on Facebook or Twitter give readers more regular intel, such as FSS leaderboard shout-outs, last-minute injury news, and random stats. … Read more