The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today. Competition ran through the remaining heats of Round 2 followed by the opening four heats of Round 3 before being called off as conditions deteriorated. The WSL Top 34 battled to avoid early elimination in three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf at Jeffreys Bay. Top seeds dominated the day’s action, winning eight of the twelve match-ups.
Jordy Smith (ZAF) was the day’s top performer and commanded his Round 3 heat. The home-town hero stormed through his match-up against Kolohe Andino (USA) with an 18.20 heat total. Smith used his experience at Jeffreys Bay to find back-to-back excellent rides that earned him an 8.70 and 9.50 and a place in Round 4. Andino was left in a combination situation and leaves the competition in 13th place.
“I’m just so happy to be home and surfing good waves — it’s been absolutely firing,” said Smith. “There’s a lot of history here for me so it definitely brings up a lot of emotions. I’m just going to stick to the same things I’ve been doing. Just surf, wait for the good ones, and have fun with it. That’s it really.”
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) also posted big scores and gave an impressive performance in Round 2. Dantas built his scoreline steadily throughout the heat, finishing with a near-perfect 9.50 to net an excellent 18.27 two-wave heat total and the win over compatriot Jadson Andre (BRA). Dantas will surf in Round 3 when competition continues while Andre is eliminated in 25th place despite a strong showing.
“I knew it was pumping and I had priority so I just tried to get the next wave and get a good score,” said Dantas. “I felt comfortable and had fun surfing J-Bay with two guys in the water. I put everything into the wave. It’s hard surfing against Jadson. He’s a friend of mine, but a heat’s a heat and there are no friends in the water when you compete.”
John John Florence (HAW) and Dusty Payne (HAW) went head-to-head in an all Hawaiian match-up in Round 3 Heat 2. With Florence chasing a World Title and Payne fighting for requalification the pair battled for the advantage. Payne kept busy catching nines waves, but Florence took the win by just 0.90 thanks to an 8.33 on his third wave and moves on to Round 4.
Payne, who leaves the contest in 13th place, previously posted the highest single-wave score of event so far, a near-perfect 9.77, in his Round 2 heat against Stuart Kennedy (AUS).
Josh Kerr (AUS) showed variety and flair in this Round 2 heat against Jack Freestone (AUS) and an excellent 8.23 at the midway point gave him a solid lead over his compatriot. Kerr followed this with a technical stalefish reverse aerial maneuver for 6.27 and finished with a near-perfect 9.23 to seal the win and his place in Round 3.
“I had a frustrating heat yesterday,” said Kerr. “Today I was so excited — the sun’s out and it’s warmed up. It’s about as rippable as J-Bay gets out there. It definitely zaps you with no jet ski assist, especially when you want to take chances on waves and catch a lot and make some scores happen. You come in pretty tired, especially with 35-minute heats. When you don’t have those howling offshores and it’s pretty buttery out there you can do whatever you want to do — some big turns or airs, it’s pretty fun.”
Kerr’s excellent run of form continued in Round 3 when he eliminated current No. 4 on the Jeep Leaderboard ItaloFerreira (BRA) in Heat 3. Kerr wowed with crowd with more aerial antics to net a 16.40 two-wave heat total and secure his place in Round 4.
Two-time event winner and 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) took on Matt Banting (AUS) in Round 2 Heat 7. Parkinson opened up strong with with a 7.67. Despite two good scores from Banting, Parkinson found a 7.50 to back up his opening score and take the lead, leaving his compatriot in need of an excellent 8.67. Parkinson moves on to Round 3 and Banting takes home his third 25th-place-finish of the season.
“I was really pleased to surf early this morning because conditions were great,” said Parkinson. “I’m feeling almost 100% again and am improving every day. I love J-Bay so it’s great to be back here.”
Alejo Muniz (BRA), three-time Quarterfinalist at the J-Bay Open, found two long waves to eliminate Nat Young (USA) in Round 2. Young was the busier of the two surfers, riding nine waves to Muniz’ four, but could not match the Brazilian’s top two scores and leaves the competition in 25th place.
“Yesterday I had a little bit of a shocker in my heat,” said Muniz. “I was really excited to go out and be in a heat with Conner (Coffin) and Mick (Fanning) , which I think are the best two guys out here. I was just too excited and didn’t stay calm so today I wanted to fix that and take off on the good waves and try to do my best. There’s a little bit of pain in my knee still. It’s cold in the mornings here, which is why I didn’t surf before my heat, so I could rest.”
“Whenever you’re sitting out there in second place with the time winding down all you want is the opportunity,” said Young. “I got the opportunity but the wave wasn’t all that good with a flat spot in the middle of it. It’s definitely a bummer for me. It’s a long journey and to lose that first round is tough. I feel lately I’ve been so dedicated and I feel like I do everything I can to make it through heats, so it’s a bummer when you put in all that work and come up short, but there’s the next contest.”
Michel Bourez (PYF) dispatched 2016 WSL Rookie Ryan Callinan (AUS) in a close battle in the opening heat of the day. The rookie held control for a majority of the heat with a 12.90 heat score, but an excellent 8.40 ride at the buzzer pushed Bourez into the lead to earn a spot in Round 3.
“It was kind of stressful out there,” Bourez said. “I was waiting for that last one. I let Ryan go on that small wave and I knew he was going to get the good score. I knew the set was breaking wider than it was supposed to do and it worked out. I don’t really get good results in cold waters so I feel like it is hard for my body to get used to it. At the end of the day, J-Bay is the best place and it is just beautiful.”
Adam Melling (AUS) stole a win from 2016 WSL Rookie Connor Coffin (USA) with some last-minute heroics in Round 2 Heat 9. Coffin held the lead through most of heat with a 14.67 heat total, but a score of 6.93 from Melling at the end of the bout saw him claim his place in Round 3 by just 0.19 points. Coffin is eliminated in 25th place.
“It was a pretty hectic heat,” said Melling. “He got the first wave, which I thought looked really nice, but my one doubled up pretty nice and I’m pretty happy to get the score there. It was a bit of a tricky one because I hadn’t really surfed much before I came here. I love right-hand points and that’s what I grew up on so I feel pretty confident out there.My ankle is playing on my mind a bit but it’s good to get through that heat.”
“Going forward I’ll be mixing it up a bit, not doing the same maneuver,” said Coffin. “It sucks losing at J-Bay. Fiji and J-Bay were the two events I was looking forward to. You have to try and learn from all your results but it’s also important not to think about it too much. You surf the way you surf.”
The final heat of the day saw 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) dispatch Adrian Buchan (AUS) with an early score of 6.33 on the best wave of the heat. Slater advances on to Round 4 while Buchan is eliminated in 13th place.
“It was a tough heat for both of us because the wind sprung up early on,” said Slater. “I was fortunate that I was in the right position early in the heat to pick off the best wave. That was the difference between winning and losing.”
Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:
Fading, but fun size, SW swell mix prevails Thursday as wind backs down (and turns side/onshore in the afternoon). A potentially larger SW swell could move in for the weekend, although wind conditions do look more problematic with at least some periods of onshore flow. We’ll be watching for a fun size swell around mid next week, with potential for larger swell during the final weekend of the waiting period.
J-Bay Open Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.47 def. Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.93 Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.27 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 11.77 Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.54 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 14.34 Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 3.87 Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.07 def. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.90 Heat 6: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.27 def. Nat Young (USA) 12.93 Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.17 def. Matt Banting (AUS) 12.17 Heat 8: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 18.27 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 17.13 Heat 9: Adam Melling (AUS) 14.86 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 14.67 Heat 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.67 def Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.44 Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) 18.06 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 15.26 Heat 12: Dusty Payne (HAW) 17.47 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 11.44
J-Bay Open Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18.20 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.10 Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 14.83 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 13.93 Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.40 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.20 Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 11.73 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 5.20
J-Bay Open Upcoming Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 5: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF) Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS) Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS) Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA) Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (USA) Heat 11: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) Heat 12: Adriano De Souza (BRA) vs. Davey Cathels (AUS)
You’d be forgiven for not noticing the J-Bay comp started today with the news in a constant tailspin at the moment. There’s just too much happening. Huge news stories are struggling to get noticed as history stumbles onwards. But. Surfing is a solace. Sure you might consider it sticking your head in the sand while the world goes to hell in a hand basket but it’s probably wise.
There’s been some good surfing going down today at the bay of Jeffrey. Some favourites did as expected, Jordy, Slater, Medina and the keenly watched, lightly injured, Mick Fanning zipped up the round one heats neatly.
JJF, Parko and Wilko didn’t. But Wilko lives to fight another day as he squeezed through a ridiculously low scoring round two heat that was there for the local wildcard Steve Sawyer’s taking. But the ocean had other ideas. JJF had to bounce back from being pipped by a grom in round one, a notch in the belt for Kanoa Igarashi, but again JJF brought his A-game in round two nailing one of the best waves of the day. Flip Toledo also looked particularly lethal in Rd2…
All in all it was a welcome diversion from real life. Which in the end is what makes surfing so great. Whether you doing it or watching it you can just unplug your mind from the world and enjoy the dance … for a while at least.
The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), commenced today and the world’s best surfers took to the water for a full day of exciting action at Jeffreys Bay. Competition ran through Round 1 and the opening four heats of Round 2, and the WSL Top 34 battled for a place in Round 3 in building three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf.
All eyes were on three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) who surfed in the opening heat of the day — his first heat at Jeffreys Bay since the dramatic J-Bay Open Final last year where he was attacked on live television by what is believed to be a 12-to-15-foot Great White Shark. Despite suffering an ankle injury during a freesurf last week, Fanning looked confident and claimed a solid victory over Alejo Muniz (BRA) and Conner Coffin (USA). Fanning found a classic Jeffreys Bay wave, one of the longest rides of the day, for a 7.50 to secure his win, while his opponents were unable to find the back-up scores required to challenge the Australian.
“It’s been a big week actually,” said Fanning. “I got here early but then hurt my ankle so had to sit on the sidelines and watch the amazing waves go through. The medical staff have worked wonders and I’ve got it taped up. I feel good when I’m up and riding and each day my ankle gets better and better. It’s great to get back out there.”
Julian Wilson (AUS) looked untouchable in the penultimate heat of Round 1 and delivered the day’s biggest scores. Wilson showed skillful wave selection and earned two excellent nine-point rides for a combination of barrels and carves. His near-perfect 18.77 heat total sees him move directly to Round 3, while his opponents Nat Young (USA) and Jack Freestone (AUS) will surf again in elimination Round 2 when competition resumes.
“It’s so nice out there today, there’s plenty of swell on the opening day and it’s incredible to be back,” said Wilson. “It’s one of the best heats I’ve had all year and the conditions are really nice. I’m just enjoying the waves here and it feels good to have a strong heat.”
Another of the day’s top performances came from replacement surfer Sebastian Zietz (HAW). A huge opening score (a 9.17) from Zietz gave him an early lead over Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Michel Bourez (PYF) in the final heat of Round 1. The Hawaiian quickly found an excellent back-up score for an impressive combination of attacking carves and left his opponents searching for opportunities.
“I am excited to be here in J-Bay and make it out of that heat,” said Zietz. “My boards were feeling good and after Fiji I got down here early to get my feet in the wax. I’m stoked to advance to Round 3 and excited to catch more waves.”
2016 CT Rookies Davey Cathels (AUS) and Kanoa Igarashi (USA) delivered big upsets today, both winning through their Round 1 heats and advancing directly to Round 3.
Cathels defeated No. 1 on the Jeep Leaderboard Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 6, sending him to elimination Round 2. Cathels managed to manufacture an 11.33 two-wave heat total to edge out Wilkinson and wildcard Steven Sawyer (ZAF) and claim an important Round 1 win.
“This is an event that I’ve always watched and wanted to come and compete at,” said Cathels. “It’s great to be here and really fun. Wilkinson is always so good out here and he’s having a hell of year so it feels good to get that win.”
Wilkinson went on to win through Round 2, defeating Sawyer in a close-fought battle. The South African finishes the event in equal 25th place and Wilkinson will advance on to Round 3. Wilkinson’s victory will see him retain the Jeep Leader Jersey heading into the next event on the CT, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.
“That was a super tricky heat,” said Wilkinson. “I’m lucky I can keep this jersey. I was so excited out there but I kept falling, so luckily I got through it. I’m excited to keep that jersey and excited to make it through.”
“It’s definitely a setback being ill, but it wouldn’t have changed the end result I don’t think,” Sawyer said. “I was falling and doing silly things out there. I was just waiting for that bomb but was uncomfortable on the waves I got. It’s bit of a bummer because I know I could have done it but I’ll have to come back next year.”
Igarashi caused another upset, defeating John John Florence (HAW) and Keanu Asing (HAW) in Round 1 Heat 3. It was a polished performance from the rookie who asserted himself early on in the heat with an excellent 8.17 for multiple tube rides. Igarashi, who showed no nerves taking on Florence, backed up his score with 7.47, leaving his Hawaiian opponents searching for scores.
“I’ve been here for six days now and I’ve just been surfing as much as I can,” Igarashi said. “I have a lot of experience around me, which probably helps me get more experience that I was lacking before. I feel like I haven’t been able to do my best surfing this year yet and I want to show what I can do in good waves like this. I’ve been having a good time, my boards are feeling good and I’m learning a lot so I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
Florence recovered from his Round 1 loss by storming to victory in Round 2 Heat 2 against Alex Ribeiro (BRA). Just two waves from the Hawaiian were enough for him to build a 17.27 heat total and advance to Round 3.
“The first time I came to J-Bay I think I was 12 or 13-years old,” Florence said. “I’ve been coming here every year since. This is one of my favorite places in the world. Going into Round 2 is always pretty stressful, but I am stoked because the waves are firing right now. It is a little less windy than it was this morning and I am excited that there are waves. It is fun to get some nice, open-faced waves.”
Current World No. 2 Gabriel Medina (BRA) was in top form, winning through his Round 1 heat with a 17.27 heat total. Medina kept busy throughout the 35 minute bout and dominated from start to finish. A combination of powerful turns and high-risk maneuvers earned the 2014 WSL Champion an excellent 9.10 and the win. Dusty Payne (HAW) and Ribeiro were both left in a combination situation and sent to Round 2.
“I like J-Bay. It is a tricky wave, but at the same time it is good,” Medina said. “I found a good board and tried to go for the set waves. I am feeling good. After Fiji I have not been surfing and that was my second surf, so it feels good to surf well and make the heat.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF) looked fired up for his first heat at Jeffreys Bay. The two-time event winner and lone South African on the men’s CT pulled together an impressive combination of maneuvers to find two excellent scores – an 8.10 and 8.33. Despite a near-perfect 9.27 from opponent Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Smith took the win, sending Dantas and Adam Melling (AUS) to Round 2.
“You really have to surf out of your skin at J-Bay to get good scores,” said Smith. “It was a great heat and there were lot of opportunities. Last year I didn’t really get the opportunity to surf my best so it feels good to be back. It’s incredible to be home and have the crowd behind me. Every time you do a big turn you hear the crowd erupt and it feels great — it’s good to be home.”
11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) defeated Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Matt Banting (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 7 and will advance directly to Round 3.
“Jeffreys Bay is so special because there aren’t many pointbreaks that barrel like here,” said Slater. “In that heat, I was just trying to find anything to give me a score. I did have a couple of good waves early, but it is tough out there with the bump on the face and the high wind gusts. I probably could have maximized a couple of other waves earlier in the heat and not put the stress on myself. I am super happy to win that heat and have another day to get acclimated and used to my boards and the waves.”
Toledo went on to storm through his Round 2 heat by taking to the air and netting an impressive 16.54 heat total to eliminate Kai Otton (AUS) from the competition.
“I’ve really been working a lot and trying to improve at places like J-Bay,” said Toledo. “I’m super excited to be here and surfing in perfect waves like this. I’m really happy. Surfers like me love to do airs and crazy maneuvers, but I know if I want to be a world champ I have to improve my other types of surfing like barrels.”
Reigning WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) also won through Round 1 to secure his place in Round 3. De Souza defeated Otton and Josh Kerr (AUS) in Heat 4.
“Before the event started, I saw the forecast and I’ve surfed this wave so much over the past ten days,” De Souza said. “I’ve been learning a lot here and know I need to apply what I’ve been doing in the last few weeks. I am happy to move on. It was a tricky heat against Kai and Josh, as they both have an amazing history here at J-Bay.”
Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:
Medium size SW swell mix prevails Wednesday along with very strong offshore flow, before trending down Thursday and into Friday morning as wind eases significantly. A potentially larger SW swell could move in for the weekend of the 9th-10th, although wind conditions do look more problematic with at least some periods of onshore flow. At this point the early to middle part of next week looks pretty slow, with some fun to possibly mid size SW swell around the last three days of the waiting period.
J-Bay Open Round 1 Results: Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.67, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.80, Conner Coffin (USA) 9.97 Heat 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.33, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.06, Ryan Callinan (AUS) 8.43 Heat 3: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 15.64, John John Florence (HAW) 13.24, Keanu Asing (HAW) 12.60 Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.76, Kai Otton (AUS) 10.80, Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.00 Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.27, Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.77, Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 12.27 Heat 6: Davey Cathels (AUS) 11.33, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.33, Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.43 Heat 7: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.26, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 12.00, Matt Banting (AUS) 9.43 Heat 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.16, Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.66, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.50 Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.43, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 15.10, Adam Melling (AUS) 9.40 Heat 10: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.26, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.60, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.90 Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.77, Jack Freestone (AUS) 10.17, Nat Young (USA) 7.50 Heat 12: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 17.90, Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.90, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 9.74
J-Bay Open Round 2 Results: Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.47 def. Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.93 Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.27 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 11.77 Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.54 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 14.34
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 3.87
J-Bay Open Round 2 Upcoming Match-Ups: Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS) Heat 6: Nat Young (USA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Matt Banting (AUS) Heat 8: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA) Heat 9: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS) Heat 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA) Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS) Heat 12: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Stuart Kennedy (AUS)
When you’re a grom summer stretches out forever. Even when you’re verging out of gromhood into college or uni years you still have epic, long summers of surf.
Make the most of it as once adulthood kicks in those long weeks of dicking about in the sea will only be visible through rose-tinted glasses. Two weeks off in the summer is never the same as the months of fun you have as a grom. Seize every day there’s surf with abandon. Just to encourage you to make the most of it here’s a handy listicle of reasons why being a grom is the best of times…
SIZE
When you’re a grom you’re generally a small human. Unless you are Angus Scotney. Who at 15 was larger than most full grown adult males of the species. If you are not Angus then you could well be a small person. This might not have a huge benefit when it comes to playing rugby but it’s amazing when you surf. For the following reason: ‘Small’ waves aren’t that small to you. Your head height wave could be nipple height on a big dude. And because you are smaller and lighter the physics of it all means you can rip small waves on a shortboard while the grown ups are struggling to get to their feet or resorting to riding longboards. And seeing as the summer is small swell time you’re killing it when it comes to rideable days.
CASH
As a grom you aren’t allowed to smoke, drink or drive a car. Three things that as an adult leave you very much out of pocket. Add to the fact you tend to be living at home rent free then any money you make from the shit-kicking evening/weekend job is all yours. Enjoy it. You’ll be richer as a grom than you ever will be once the real world comes crashing in when you leave the nest. Free to spend it on energy drinks you’re not really allowed and all the food that’s really bad for you because as a grom you can eat any old shit and burn it off without turning into a lard arse. If you surf of course. If you’re sat on the couch playing COD you’ll be off to fat camp before you know it.
SALT HAIR
No one likes bathing. Showers and baths are a bore. Being a grom, and hence keen as, you’re in the sea and sun all the time which keeps you a) nut brown b) sun bleached and salt mopped in the hair department c) kind of clean, you’re bathing in water of sorts so that’s enough. Just remember to flush your wetty out on the way in so you’re not known as ‘Pissy Boy’ to your mates.
THE OPPOSITE SEX
Summer means exposed flesh and, if you’re a regulation grom, hormones soaring out of control. Heady times indeed. Everyone looks better with a tan and surf all the time you’ll be looking more buff than the gym bunny fools slurping creatine shakes. Mainly because your muscles are being toned rather than being pumped up. Make the most of it and of course be safe. Summer loving is all about fun so don’t be a twat.
CARS
At 17 you can get your provisional license and learn to drive. Which means freedom. So make sure you bag a slightly older friend. One with rich parents that will obvs get bought loads of lessons and a decent car by the bank of Mum and Dad. You then have a ride. The world becomes your oyster and eco-not-friendly as cars are it means you can surf all over the place. No more limiting yourself to your home break or wherever you can blag the ‘rents to take you. This opens up the next point:
FRANCE
Doing the legendary summer mission to Hossegor is a rite of passage for groms. Super fun waves, boardshort temp water and the freedom to sunbathe in the buff if you prefer. It is, in short, heaven. All you need is the aforementioned friend with a car, a sleeping bag, boards, camping stove, pan, box of noodles and some cash for ten packs of ‘pain au chocolate’ and Yop and you’re off on the surf holibob of a lifetime. Sleep on the beach, being sure to avoid being minced by the beach cleaning tractors, and if wet sleep in the car. You can go for a month on hardly any cash and as you’re sleeping on the beach you hit the dawnies before the locals and get the choice waves. Then there’s the legendary French night life. Even if you aren’t old enough to partake in an ale the Centrale is chock full of fun every night in summer.
SCHOOL
Summer is awesome as school stops. College and uni stop for even longer. This is why it’s a good idea to go to university as you get three month summer breaks! Even more time to dick about in the sea. Even when in school it’s better than doing a job. Sure the money is not so hot but responsibility is zero. All you have to do is try and wangle some exams and be a thorn in the teachers’ backsides.
ICE CREAM
The most flavoursome cold food in the world IS summer. Eating it in the winter is all kinds of odd. It can actually help cool you down so it’s not only tasty it’s good for you medically. It’s like air conditioning for your guts. It does, of course, also power your surfing in the summer. And yes. If Ben & Jerry’s is on special you are allowed to nail a whole tub in one go … as long as you’ve surfed for at least five hours that day.
BEHAVING
As a grom it’s your duty to be a pain in the ass. Whether this means jumping off harbour walls when the harbour master would rather you didn’t (assuming you’ve done the sensible thing and snorkelled the landing area to survey depth/obstacles, cliff jumping into the unknown is idiotic), skating where you’re not meant too or paddling rings round grumpy old people in the line-up. You’re young and fast on your feet. They have to catch you to punish you. Being cheeky is your divine right. Assert it. Once old it doesn’t really work.
MATES
Simple. Good mates are your wingmen, co-pilots and co-conspirators. Treat them right.
LAUNDRY
When you’re an adult you have to do your laundry yourself. As a grom you just leave your rank dirty boardies and crusty t-shirts on the bedroom floor and they magically vanish and reappear the next day smelling all pine fresh. No one is quite sure how this happens. It’s probably because science.
FOOD
Same thing with food. It just gets served by that nice lady that lives in your house. The one that tuts and rolls her eyes at you. Saves you the bother of learning how to cook.
DOWNSIDES
The only downside to being a grom in the summer is grom abuse from the older crew. It’s your duty to accept this as another rite of passage. It’s proof you are being grom enough and probably getting too many waves. Being hung upside down by surf leashes or strapped to the roof of a car is kind of fun anyway.
You’ve only got one grommet-hood. Seize it with both hands.
Grant “Twiggy” Baker (ZAF) claimed victory today at the Puerto Escondido Challenge, besting a field of 24 of the world’s best big wave surfers in towering 20-to-35 foot surf off the coast of Mainland Mexico’s Puerto Escondido.
The first event of the 2016/17 World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour (BWT), the Puerto Escondido Challenge, tested the top big wave chargers with enormous and difficult beachbreak conditions. A solid swell from the South Pacific delivered massive surf over two days for the inaugural BWT event at the exceptionally powerful beachbreak known as “The Mexican Pipeline.”
Baker, 2013/14 BWT Champion, put on a stunning performance in Mexico, storming to victory in the Semifinals before his impressive showing in the Final.
“Yesterday was pretty difficult out there so I didn’t have a great heat but I made it through,” said Baker. “This morning when I woke up and saw it was my favorite size for Puerto and I was so happy.”
The South African showcased technical and precise surfing throughout the Final. Baker captured early control over the field and continued to solidify his lead with incredible rides. Baker locked in multiple excellent-range scores, but it was the perfect 10.00 awarded for escaping a massive tube that cemented his victory. Baker’s final combined score was an impressive 27.50 out of a possible 30.
“I’ve been coming here for 20 years and I love it,” continued Baker. “The waves are amazing and I want to thank all the locals for being so hospitable and making us feel so welcome. To my wife and baby at home, this one’s for you.”
Baker came into the event as an injury wildcard and his winning performance will kick off his 2016/17 BWT Title campaign with 12,500 points and first place on the BWT rankings.
Baker’s fellow finalists represented elite competitors of the big wave community, including Greg Long (USA), Pedro Calado (BRA), Carlos Burle (BRA), Will Skudin (USA) andMakuakai Rothman (HAW).
Greg Long (USA), two-time BWT Champion, captured second place at the event. Long’s chances were in doubt during the Semifinals when he had yet to catch a wave with five minutes left in the hour-long heat, but his experience at Puerto Escondido let him catch a single excellent-range wave at the last minute which was enough to put him through to the Final over other competitors with two lesser rides. Long’s runner up finish in the Final puts him in 2nd on the leaderboard and in position to defend his existing WSL Big Wave Title.
“I am happy with my result here in Puerto Escondido,” Long said. “I had a couple of really fun waves. I had to work hard for them, but it was worth it. I have a special place in my heart for Puerto Escondido. I came down here for the first time when I was 17-years-old and I am 33 now and I have literally not missed a big swell. This event was pretty spectacular by all accounts and one of the top days I’ve ever surfed.”
Pedro Calado (BRA) charged throughout the contest to capture the third place position. The young Brazilian cemented his reputation as the best teenage big wave surfer in the world, demonstrating commitment and fearlessness as he charged through heavy barrels and dispatched top-seeded competitors.
2009/10 BWT Champion Carlos Burle (BRA) rode three waves in the Final for a 16.87 heat total and fourth place.
Will Skudin (USA) finished in fifth place with a 12.97 heat total in the Final. Skudin, a native of Long Beach, New York, carries the torch for America’s East Coast onto the top ranks of the Big Wave Tour in 5th place on the leaderboard.
Last year’s BWT runner-up and 2014/15 BWT Champion, Makuakai Rothman (HAW), suffered an injury twenty minutes into the Final and was not able to come back to the competition. Rothman charged through a deep, heavy barrel, but was wiped out by a powerful wall of water. Rothman was in fine form in Mexico for this event, winning both his Round 1 and Semifinal heats. Rothman will walk away with a 6th place finish and takes 6th on the BWT rankings.
“I just want to apologize for not being able to put on a show for all the folks at home,” Rothman said. “I did my best and I was trying to represent Hawaii. I just went up and over the falls, and my ten-foot-board hit me in the ribs. Thank you to the WSL, this was a great call. Thank you to all the fans out there who make this possible for us and make it possible for us to live our dreams.”
Local wildcards Jimel Corzo and Rogercin Ramirez (MEX) suffered Semifinal eliminations today after a strong performances yesterday. Corzo put up a hard fight until the dying minutes of the heat, but could not close the 2.44 point gap required to advance. Ramirez caught two massive rides in the opening Semifinal heat, but his effort was not enough to make it through to the Final.
Jamie Mitchell (AUS), who gained entry into the 2016/17 BWT as a WSL Big Wave Awards Performer of the Year nominee, suffered a Semifinal elimination today after a stunning Round 1 performance. Mitchell, who posted the best heat score of the event in Round 1 Heat 4, a near-perfect 29.03, but was eliminated in his Semifinal against Rothman, Calado and Burle.
Two events, the Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Challenge in Chile and the Billabong Pico Alto Challenge Peru remain in the Southern Hemisphere window with potential to run, conditions permitting, before the August 31st close of the window.
Puerto Escondido Challenge Final Results:
1 – Grant Baker (ZAF) 27.50 2 – Greg Long (USA) 25.03 3 – Pedro Calado (BRA) 24.77 4 – Carlos Burle (BRA) 16.87 5 – Will Skudin (USA) 12.97 6 – Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 7.66
Puerto Escondido Challenge Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Grant Baker (ZAF) 26.34, Will Skudin (USA) 16.07, Greg Long (USA) 16.00, Kai Lenny (HAW) 14.74, Albee Layer (HAW) 13.41, Rogercin Ramirez (MEX) 10.83
Semifinal 2: Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 22.33, Pedro Calado (BRA) 21.01, Carlos Burle (BRA) 13.63, Jimel Corzo (MEX) 14.83, Jamie Mitchell (AUS) 13.74, Rusty Long (USA) 11.46
The 2016/17 BWT season is divided into Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere components hosting three possible events within each. The Southern Hemisphere window runs from April 27 to August 31, 2016 with event options in Mexico, Chile and Peru. The Northern Hemisphere window runs from October 15, 2016 to February 27, 2017 with event options in Portugal, Hawaii and Mexico.
2016/2017 WSL Big Wave Tour Schedule:
Southern Hemisphere: April 27 – August 31, 2016
Puerto Escondido Challenge: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Challenge: Punta de Lobos, Chile
Billabong Pico Alto Challenge: Pico Alto, Peru
Northern Hemisphere: October 15, 2016 – February 28, 2017
Pe’ahi Challenge: Haiku, Hawaii
Todos Santos Challenge: Todos Santos, Mexico
Nazaré Challenge: Nazaré, Portugal
The 2016 edition of the Nixon Surf Challenge – in association with Monster Energy, Reef, Lomography and Jam Traction – wrapped after an unforgettable five days exploring the untamed beauty that is the west coast of Ireland.
After coming so close to getting the nod from his fellow surfers in Iceland four years ago, free surfer Chippa Wilson (AUS) claimed a maiden Nixon Surf Challenge title. Speaking after a trip-ending visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Chippa said: “This is what it’s all about. To get that recognition from your peers after the best part of a week exploring the country and chasing waves feels more satisfying and fulfilling than any heat victory. What a trip!”
Five days earlier, Fergal Smith (IRL), Ireland’s first pro surfer, founder of Moy Hill Community Garden and Growing Farm and current Green Party candidate, welcomed everyone to his hometown of Lahinch in County Clare. There he invited his fellow surfers to get stuck in on the farm and share in the harvest.
“I was really happy Nixon chose to come to Ireland,” said Fergal. “It meant a lot having the guys here. I don’t get to see them as much as I used to since I made my decision to stop flying. We didn’t have loads of waves, but I really enjoyed showing them around, and we got to do a few other fun things. Getting everyone in the garden was amazing – I never thought I would see Sancho roll up his sleeves like that!”
From there, the Nixon Surf Challenge headed to the mythical Cliffs of Moher where everyone boarded a sailing boat for the day for a spot of dolphin spotting. With legendary big wave spot Aileen’s not exactly firing on command, it was time to hit the road in search of some much-needed waves during what turned out to be one of the warmest early summer weeks on record.
It was in and around the small, picturesque fishing town of Dingle in County Kerry – located on the southwest tip of Ireland – that the surfers got to satisfy their ever-present craving for waves. Blowing lightly offshore over crystal-clear emerald waters, the conditions served up heaps of fun bowls, lefts and rights and ramps for the likes of Charly Martin (GLP) and Chippa to air off. Marlon Lipke (POR/GER) put on a show with powerful combo carves, while Benjamin Sanches (FRA) tucked into a handful of fleeting barrels.
Despite being pushed all the way, particularly by Marc Lacomare (FRA) and Charly, it was clear that Chippa had earned his moment in the spotlight come the end of the trip. Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY), winner of the 2015 edition in Hainan, commented: “Chippa has that knack of making the impossible look effortless. He’s so technical, so good in the air, and his style is right up there – hats off to Chippa, nobody deserves it more.”
Henning Erlandsen, Nixon Surf Challenge event director rounded it all off, saying: “The beautiful thing about Ireland is its unpredictability – you never know which Ireland you’re going to score when you go there. That element of unpredictability lies at the core of the Nixon Surf Challenge, and the tropical weather combined with those unique surf spots and culture will live long in the memory of everyone lucky enough to experience this year’s adventure. Who knows where we’ll go next…”
#NixonSurfChallenge on Instagram
Attending surfers:
Chippa WILSON (AUS) – Benjamin SANCHIS (FRA) – Eric REBIERE (CNY) – Marlon LIPKE (POR/GER) – Marc LACOMARE (FRA) – Jonathan GONZALEZ (CNY) – Gony ZUBIZARRETA (SPA) – Fergal SMITH (IRE) – Roberto D’AMICO (ITA) – Charly MARTIN (GLP) – Kepa ACERO (SPA) – William ALIOTTI (FRA)
Gabriel Medina (BRA), 2014 WSL Champion, claimed an emphatic victory today at the Fiji Pro, besting current Jeep WSL FrontrunnerMatt Wilkinson (AUS) in solid 10-to-12 foot (3 – 3.5 metre) surf at the world-renowned Cloudbreak.
Stop No. 5 of 11 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, the Fiji Pro, culminated in dramatic fashion today with the remaining members of the world’s best surfers battling one another in the largest surf of the year.
Following a slow start, with both Finalists finding themselves out of position in the building swell, Medina struck with two back-to-back scores for impeccably-navigated tube rides, posting a 7.33 and a 8.27 to place Wilkinson into a combination situation. The Australian was unable to find a rhythm in the challenging conditions and Medina posted his first elite tour win since last October.
“It feels amazing and I am so stoked,” Medina said. “I just want to thank God and my family. That was a crazy week. We have been waiting for these waves and they finally came through. They were big and we got so many sets on the head. We got a lot of barrels and it was a sick event. I am just so happy.”
Today’s victory rockets the Brazilian to second on the WSL Jeep Leaderboard heading into the back half of the season.
“I am really tired right now, but I was saving my energy for the Final because I knew it would be tough,” continued Medina. “Wilko (Matt Wilkinson) has been surfing amazing since the first event and I do not know who can stop this guy. This is his third final of the year and I am really happy to make this final against him.”
Today’s second place finish strengthens Wilkinson’s lead on the WSL Jeep Rankings and the Australian will retain the Leaders’ Jersey heading into the J-Bay Open with a commanding 32,500 points. The Fiji Pro marks Wilkinson’s third Finals appearance in 2016, after his back-to-back wins on the Gold Coast and at Bells Beach.
“I am really stoked with second,” Wilkinson said. “If I came here knowing I would get a second, I would have been absolutely frothing. That Final was just so tough. It was disappointing not to get a big barrel when there were some to be had out there, but I just had twenty sets on the head and one barrel that I got caught in. Gabriel (Medina) was unbelievable out there. It is halfway through the year and I could not have dreamed of a better start. Everyone is obviously going to be coming for me, so it is definitely not time to let off on the accelerator. I am going to go into J-Bay as focused and ready as I can.”
Adrian Buchan (AUS) defeated three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) in the Quarterfinals before being eliminated by Wilkinson in the Semifinals. Buchan’s 3rd place finish is his best result in 2016 and his first Semifinal berth since Jeffreys Bay in 2015. Buchan was previously in 15th place on the Jeep Leaderboard and will now move to 7th.
“I’m pretty gutted right now,” Buchan said. “I spent the whole heat duck diving washed through sets. I fought back with that 7.8 midway through the heat and I just couldn’t get deep enough on that 4.1. I spent the last six minutes dodging wash-throughs again. That was frustrating, but you can’t get mad at the ocean. I’ve been pretty in rhythm all event and that heat I was completely out of rhythm. It was amazing to surf a heat against Matt (Wilkinson), but it just hurts when you are in rhythm and you have a heat like that.”
Fanning’s Quarterfinal berth earns him a fifth-place finish and sees him move to 16th place on the Jeep Leaderboard.
“It’s been an incredible event,” Fanning said. “Celebrating Taj’s final CT appearance, having a birthday, ending in pumping surf and just having a great time has made it a really special event. I appreciate all the support I’ve had throughout the window and will see everyone in Jeffreys Bay.”
Today’s Semifinal berth for Kelly Slater (USA) marks a great result for the 11-time WSL Champion, and his first Semifinal since Jeffreys Bay in 2015, after his worst ever start on the Championship Tour. During the match-up, Slater exchanged strong opening rides with Media, but the Brazilian got the edge with an excellent 8.40 over Slater’s 6.50. As sets rolled in, Medina continued to increase his lead with a 6.27. In the dying minutes of the heat, one last opportunity came through for Slater, but Medina utilized his priority to block the four-time event winner. En route to the Semifinal, Slater unleashed incredible performances including a near perfect 19.77, the highest heat total of the event. Slater will leave Fiji with a 3rd place finish and move up to 26th place on the Jeep Leaderboard.
“I am happy because I surfed well in this contest,” Slater said. “I feel like I finally got the computer working in my brain again, but I caught a couple of viruses in that heat. I probably got a little ahead of myself. I might have gotten a little too excited from the last heat and a couple of heats before that. You just have to focus on the job at hand. Gabriel (Medina) picked it right and played the heat the right way. I had my chances and made three or four mistakes. I am looking forward to J-Bay.”
Slater previously dispatched Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) in the Quarterfinals with an excellent 18.70 two-wave heat total.
John John Florence (HAW) battled eventual runner-up Wilkinson in Quarterfinal 4 but wasn’t able to take down the Australian and takes home a 5th place finish. Florence secured a solid 6.50 on his opening ride, but Wilkinson quickly captured the lead with a 7.73 and 6.90. Florence, with a 10.93 heat score, was not able to close the 8.13 point gap against Wilkinson. Florence remains in third place on the Jeep Rankings.
“The waves are really good right now and I just did not pick the best waves,” Florence said. “I had that one at the end but I was a couple feet too deep. This result is not too bad, it is still a keeper and it’s only halfway through the year. I am pretty excited for J-Bay. All in all, I am pretty stoked. I had some really great waves in Fiji.”
Adriano de Souza (BRA) was dispatched by Medina in the opening Quarterfinal. Medina locked in multiple maneuvers to earn a 6.33 to take control. De Souza battled with a 5.83, but could not find a strong enough back-up score to defeat Medina. Medina scored a 4.53 to gain a 2.03 point lead to eliminate the reigning World Champion from the event. De Souza will walk away with a 5th place finish and 5th on the Jeep Rankings.
“It was a tough day out there for me,” De Souza said. “I got so many waves on my head and a broken board. Gabriel (Medina) has so many skills and he is so smart and picked the right waves. Right at the end one wave came through. Needing a 5, I tried to get deeper and then that cost me to not make it through the last wave. I am just happy to be in the Quarters, as it is a good result when looking at the full year. Now I am focusing on J-Bay. Before that I will stay here another week and get more barrels.”
The next stop on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour will be the J-Bay Open in South Africa from July 6 – 17, 2016.
Fiji Pro Final Results: 1 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.60 2 – Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 6.34
Fiji Pro Semifinal Results: SF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.67 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 12.03 SF 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.00
Fiji Pro Quarterfinal Results: QF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 10.86 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 8.83 QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.70 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 9.40 QF 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.60 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.40 QF 4: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.63 def. John John Florence (HAW) 10.93
