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
Usually, the days after a Pipe final are filled with stories of heroics, striking images of overhead waves, and newfound hyperbole regarding the healthy state of competitive surfing. This year, we’re just going to quietly make our way up the Kamehameha Hwy to take refuge in the Hurley Sunset Pro. I’m stoked for Jack and … Read more
It’s been a while, sorry. We were so consumed by the changes required to test and design the post-cut fantasy game that we didn’t have time for a preview at GLand. We then had no data to analyse at the new event in El Salvador. Before we knew it, Rio was upon us and so … 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
It feels weird to be kicking off the title race at Pipe. No world title scenarios, no qualification predictions, no pressure, no form to look at. Nothing. Don’t get me wrong; I’m psyched to have the tour back, and I’m super keen to share our fantasy game with the world, but the Pipe build-up is … Read more
After a prolonged hiatus, the WSL men’s and women’s tours are stretching on the beach in preparation for a re-launch. In any regular season, the Billabong Pipe Masters and Roxy Maui Pro would serve as the championship crescendos. They represent the jewels in the WSL’s world title crowns where, when the conditions and ratings combine, … 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