World Champions Tyler Wright (AUS), Italo Ferreira (BRA, above), and John John Florence (HAW) were three of the top names eliminated from the event today as North Narrabeen provided clean, two-to-four foot waves all day.
Johanne Defay (FRA) continues to impress on the Australian leg of the 2021 CT, and today it came at the expense of two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS). Following her impressive 16.66 combined score (out of a possible 20) yesterday, Defay out-surfed Wright with an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) and a 5.83 to Wright’s 6.67 and 6.30. A former winner at Fiji’s Cloud Break, today Defay reminded the surfing world that she is one of the best backside surfers on the CT.
“This feels so good and I had a little cry out the back,” Defay said. “It’s insane how much pressure I was feeling in that heat. A few times she went on the first wave and the second one was better, which was so good and the fact I was able to perform well on them just felt so good for me. I’m so, so stoked.”
Wright now exits in equal 9th place, matching her results at Newcastle last week. After starting the season with a win, the eliminations are not ideal for Wright’s World Title campaign on the road to the Rip Curl WSL Finals.
Current World No. 1 Italo Ferreira Eliminated by Conner Coffin (above)
In one of the closing heats of the day, the high drama hit a crescendo with the elimination of reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) by Californian Conner Coffin (USA) in a matchup of two of the most contrasting approaches on the CT. As expected, Ferreira kept busy, finding lefts and rights, taking to the air in both directions, but Coffin’s patience paid off as he clinched victory on the last ride of the heat to book himself a second Quarterfinal spot this season.
“I had no idea what score I needed at the end of that heat but I knew I needed something,” Coffin said. “Coming up against Italo I knew I’d have to be on the best waves so I tried to stay patient and take the sets. I saw him flying around in the air and could hear the crowd going crazy and had to just compose myself and stick to my guns and luckily I did.”
World Champions Carissa Moore (above) and Stephanie Gilmore Looking Sharp for Quarterfinals
With Wright now out of the event, Carissa Moore (HAW) and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) are the only two World Champions left in the women’s draw. Moore, the current World No. 1 and reigning World Champion, eliminated Brisa Hennessy (CRI) with a 12.66 two-wave total in Heat 1 of the Round of 16. In Heat 7, Gilmore took down Sage Erickson (USA) with an epic display of fins-free surfing and will now face Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the Quarterfinals.
Keely Andrew (AUS) will come up against Moore in the Quarterfinals after taking out Malia Manuel (HAW) in R16, Heat 2. Andrew continues to prove she is a threat on this Australian leg and will look to improve upon her 3rd place result here in Narrabeen.
“I’m feeling good and am really proud of how I’m putting my heats together,” Andrew said. “It feels so good to be getting some results and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the year. My coach Andy (King) noted before the heat that it was slow out there so not to bother waiting and to take what you can get. I’ve always found I have to prove myself on my backhand, so moving forward I really want to post an excellent score going left.”
History Repeats Itself: Morgan Cibilic (above) Upsets CT, Knocks Out John John Florence
Australia’s CT future on the men’s side looks to be in safe hands as Australian youngsters Morgan Cibilic and Ethan Ewing booked spots in the Quarterfinals at the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic.
CT rookie Cibilic continued to upset the CT, taking down two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) for the second time in as many events. After overcoming Florence in the Round of 32 at Newcastle, Cibilic proved his performance wasn’t a flash in the pan, dominating the heat with a phenomenal display of backside, fins-free surfing. Cibilic will move into the Quarterfinals where he will meet another two-time Champion Gabriel Medina(BRA), while Florence will head to his happy hunting ground of West Aus, still searching for a decent result in this Australian leg.
“It was nice to get some waves that stood up for me as my last few heats weren’t that great,” said Cibilic. “It feels good to know I could back up my result at Newcastle. I know I have it in me, but it definitely feels good to have two wins over someone like him. I know he’s so good in big waves so I’d love to match up with him in West Aus and see if I can go again.”
Ewing took down veteran Jadson Andre (BRA) to guarantee his best ever CT result with a spot in the Quarterfinals where he will do battle with Frederico Morais (PRT).
Watch LIVE The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona opens April 16 and holds a competition window through April 26. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.comand the free WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
Italo Ferreira (BRA) continued his dominance on his way to the Rip Curl WSL Finals, today eliminating three-time World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) in Heat 9 of the Round of 32. Fanning’s final heat before retiring in 2018 was the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Final against Ferreira. In a deja vu rematch of that heat, the Brazilian defeated the surfing icon once again.
“That was a special heat to surf with Mick (Fanning),” Ferreira said. “I always knew it was going to be a big challenge surfing against him, so I’m so happy to get two good waves early in the matchup. I do try hard not to think about who I’m surfing against, I just go out and do my job and catch my waves. I’m feeling super confident right now, so I just want to keep going and continue my roll.”
Two-time World Champions Florence and Medina Advance to Round of 16
John John Florence (HAW) has already improved an equal 17th place finish from Newcastle after he took down an in-form Miguel Pupo (BRA) in Heat 4 of the Round of 32. Two-time WSL Champion Florence was able to find a couple of bigger right-handers to display his smooth and powerful frontside rail game and progress into the Round of 16. He will match up again with CT rookie Morgan Cibilic (AUS). Cibilic continues to find success on the Australian leg, this time with a win over Julian Wilson (AUS) in Heat 8.
“Getting out of that third round is definitely a plus and settles the nerves for sure,” Florence said. “After Newcastle, I thought my boards felt good and my surfing was there, but my wave choice wasn’t great so that was definitely a focus for me coming here and it seemed to be better just then. I’ve changed my equipment for that heat and it all worked well.”
Two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) took down local wildcard Dylan Moffat (AUS) in Heat 5. The Brazilian eliminated the local with only an 11.17 two-wave score (out of a possible 20) to Moffat’s 8.57, leaving the door open for Moffat to strike back. The Australian only needed a 6.27 but was unable to find the scoring wave in the dying minutes of the heat. Moffat exits his career-first CT event in equal 17th place.
“I’m feeling good and definitely happy there are good waves today,” Medina said. “It was a bit of a slow heat for me, which was a shame as I wish there was more opportunity but a win is a win and that’s what matters most. I had never heard about Dylan (Moffat) before this heat and then when I saw him and realized he is a great surfer and will probably be with us on the CT one day and I told him that. I’m happy with my performance because I had minimal opportunities, but when they came, I took them.”
Defay Drops Highest Heat Total of Event, Wildcard Enever and Rookie Nichols Eliminated in Round 2
Johanne Defay (FRA) showcased incredible surfing in Newcastle last week, and today continued her strong form with an excellent 16.66 two-wave score (out of a possible 20), the highest combined score of the event so far. Her win gave her a comfortable lead over competitors Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and CT rookie Isabella Nichols (AUS).
“I really wanted to win that heat,” Defay said. “There is a big difference between trying to not lose a heat or to straight out win a heat. Before that three-person heat, I was really keen to win and not just make it through. I was excited to be coming to a place like North Narrabeen because I love to go left and feel really comfortable on my backhand. Although there was a mixture of left and right-hand waves I was able to find two of the better lefts, which felt great.”
After a dream run in Newcastle, Nichols faced early elimination from Narrabeen in equal 17th place. Hennessy knocked out Nichols with only a 9.87 two-wave score (out of a possible 20). Hennessy will now take on four-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in Heat 1 of the Round of 16.
Event wildcard Laura Enever (AUS) also faced early elimination in Round 2, falling to Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) by only 0.02 points. In the same heat, Tyler Wright (AUS) bounced back from her opening heat loss with a win that advances her to the Round of 16 where she will face Defay.
Watch LIVE
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Remaining Round of 32 (H13-16) Matchups:
HEAT 13: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
HEAT 14: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
HEAT 15: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
HEAT 16: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
The life of an Irish tow surfing influencer may seem to be all lattes and biscotti, 4x4s and dry haired barrels on hot sunny days. But in reality you have to be prepared to bodysurf Mullaghmore upside down in the barrel…
Welcome to IG vs Reality Ep3 with Gearoid McDaid.
Produced & filmed
Clem Mc Inerney
Featuring
Darragh & Ruari Tivnan
David Dineen
Conor Maguire
Conor Flanagan
James Monaghan
Additional footage
Conor Flanagan
Music
VOW LOW « NOW WE’RE READY TO SPEND »
Jean- Christophe Couderc / Benoit Raymond
(p)&(c) Born Bad Records
Three-time Surfing World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) has been awarded the event wildcard for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, marking his first CT event since retiring in 2018. This year also celebrates 20 years since Fanning won his first CT event, also as a wildcard, at the 2001 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
“I am excited to be back in a jersey,” said Fanning. “I haven’t really had a challenge in the last few years. I injured my knee in 2019 and then have been working towards getting a level of fitness and level of surfing that I was happy with. I’ve been training and working to get my knee back to one-hundred percent. I wanted to get my surfing back to a level that I was happy with, as well. I feel like I am getting there. I’ve been working pretty hard in the last few months just personally, and then having this goal to be ready for this event has definitely kickstarted a bit of fire in there.”
Prior to his retirement, Fanning spent 17 years competing on the elite CT. His illustrious tenure includes 22 Championship Tour victories and three World Titles, cementing him as one of the greatest surfers and sportsmen in history.
Fanning will be against reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) and CT rookie Morgan Cibilic (AUS) in men’s Seeding Round 1, Heat 6 when the competition gets underway. Ferreira, fresh off of a first-place finish, and Cibilic, with a career-best 3rd place, will bring their Newcastle momentum when they come up against the surfing icon.
Reef Heazlewood To Replace Kelly Slater at Narrabeen
Reef Heazlewood (AUS) has been awarded wildcard entry as the WSL Event Replacement. This will be the third CT start for the Sunshine Coast local, and an opportunity to once again showcase his skills on the elite stage. Heazlewood will aim to repeat his standout performance from the 2019 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast when he eliminated Julian Wilson (AUS) from the event.
Heazlewood will face CT veterans Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Adrian Buchan(AUS) in Heat 4.
“I’m so excited to receive a spot in the draw for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic,” said Heazlewood. “There’s so much history at Narrabeen so it’s so cool to be able to participate now there is an event back. There are definitely a few locations I’d love to compete at and Narrabeen is at the top of that list. I’m really hoping for some big running lefts with barrels or ramps. I really hope that I can put on a show when I get out there.”
Local Heroes Laura Enever and Dylan Moffat Prepare for CT Start
Laura Enever (AUS), former CT competitor, will trade in her commentary microphone for a jersey at her home break event. Since falling off of the CT in 2017, the 29-year old has made moves in the big wave surfing scene and is now known to charge waves of consequence. With sizeable swell currently on offer at Narrabeen, Enever could upset the competition in her CT return. Enever will face current World No. 1 Carissa Moore (HAW) and compatriot Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) in Heat 3.
Dylan Moffat (AUS), Narrabeen local, will compete in his first CT event with the support of his home crowd. Moffat was awarded his wildcard spot through the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club as he is the highest-rated QS competitor in the club. The young Australian will face Brazilians Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Jadson Andre (BRA) in Heat 5.
Fanning was awarded the event wildcard through the event’s title partner, Rip Curl. Enever and Moffat were awarded wildcard entries for Narrabeen through the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club. Heazlewood was awarded wildcard entry as the WSL Event Replacement for 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, who withdrew from the event due to an ongoing foot injury.
The event window for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Coronaopens April 16 and holds a competition window through April 26. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
For fans wishing to attend the event in person, event entry will be first-come, first-serve starting at 7:00 a.m. AEST on each ‘on’ day of competition. The venue capacity will be limited to a maximum of 5,000 people at one time, adhering closely to NSW state government guidelines. This capacity could change each day due to beach size changing with tides and swell size.
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona is proudly supported by our partners Rip Curl, Corona, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Northern Beaches Council, Red Bull, Oakley, Hydro Flask, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Dometic Outdoor, Bond University, BF Goodrich, and Oakberry.
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Seeding Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Malia Manuel (HAW), Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
Heat 2: Caroline Marks (USA), Tyler Wright (AUS), Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW), Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), Laura Enever (AUS)
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Johanne Defay (FRA), Sage Erickson (USA)
Heat 5: Lakey Peterson (USA), Isabella Nichols (AUS), Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 6: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Courtney Conlogue (USA), Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Seeding Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Yago Dora (BRA), Connor O’Leary (AUS)
Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW), Frederico Morais (PRT), Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Mikey Wright (AUS)
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Dylan Moffat (AUS)
Heat 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Morgan Cibilic (AUS), Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 7: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Peterson Crisanto (BRA), Ethan Ewing (AUS)
Heat 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS), Michel Bourez (FRA), Leonardo Fioaravanti (ITA)
Heat 9: Owen Wright (AUS), Seth Moniz (HAW), Matthew McGillivray (ZAF)
Heat 10: Julian Wilson (AUS), Conner Coffin (USA), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 11: Jack Freestone (AUS), Wade Carmichael (AUS), Deivid Silva (BRA)
Heat 12: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Jack Robinson (AUS)
Tom Curren, Conner Coffin and Mason Ho on The Search as they wander the streets of San Francisco, instruments in one hand and surfboards in the other, chasing sneaky barrels in the cold Pacific waters of Northern California. From windy beachies to cliffside wedges, from Janis Joplin’s dreaming tree to Jimi Hendrix’sred house, Tom, Conner and Masonbusk their way through just about every corner of the foggy city.
Tom is band lead, Conner is guitarist, and Mason spends the week seeking to find his true musical calling.
Mikey February goes on a spiritual journey up and down the East and West coasts of South Africa in the first episode of Sonic Souvenirs, a new series of portraits exploring the interconnectedness of art, sound, and surfing, directed by Kai Neville.
Growing up in South Africa, Mikey’s style is the result of a harmonious blend of his natural environment including the ocean, art, music, and culture. In this first episode, Mikey embarks on a visually and sonically inspiring experience as he visits his childhood home of Cape Town and the smaller villages in the surrounding area, shedding a light on the diversity that exists within the region and how it influences the people, music and overall culture.
While Sonic Souvenirs was filmed during last year’s lockdown, forcing the crew to rethink traditional methods and for Kai to direct remotely from Australia, Mikey said they are amazed and excited to share the outcome,
“Our main goal was to be as inclusive as possible, trying to capture the pure sound and vision from what we experienced on the trips, and that’s exactly what the film gives you when you watch it. Music, culture, people, surfboards, and waves— it is the sum of all these things that make a trip unique and special.”
An overarching backdrop throughout the entire series, music continues to play a pivotal role in Mikey’s life and his surfing. In the first episode of Sonic Souvenirs, set to original music by South African musician Madala Kunene and friends, Mikey recounts how music became a driving force for him at a young age. He also addresses the joys and pressures of growing up so close to South Africa’s East Cape, one of surfing’s most renowned destinations, and how this has shaped his perspective and approach.
Mikey represents a new generation of surfing in Africa, receiving global attention for his seemingly effortless approach, as much as for the new path he blazes. Growing up with J-Bay just a quick plane ride away, Mikey shaped himself into one of the most stylish surfers today. He’s also been instrumental in Vans’ philanthropic initiative to inspire at-risk youth in South Africa through surfing in partnership with Waves for Change. As a result of that work, Mikey and his wife were inspired to found their own organization, JUJU, a non-profit dedicated to highlighting and supporting emerging surf sites in Africa.
