Supertubes?

The Moche Rip Curl Pro window opens today and the forecast is looking interesting to say the least. Looks like a few lay days to start and then depending on what models you’re looking at all hell breaks loose. Couple of mega feisty lows brewing. It won’t be flat we know this much. But if you’re tracking the storms on the pressure maps you’ll know there’s a big degree of *shoulder shrug* every time the models are run the next batch of charts have changed wholesale. It’s a chaotic system living up to its name. We’ve got our fingers crossed the Atlantic delivers.

In the meantime here’s what happened on our trip down there last winter…

Medina's 540 & Other Quik Pro Goodness…

MEDINA’S BACKSIDE 540. So the contest has continued to pump, the quarterfinalists have been MEDINA’S BACKSIDE 540 decided and it’s set up for an awesome finale. The girls are live MEDINA’S BACKSIDE 540 now so hit the WSL site for the feed MEDINA’S BACKSIDE 540. As for yesterday the highlight was MEDINA’S BACKSIDE 540. Reproduced in various angles in the videos presented here. Seen a better air this year?!?!

The Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro France, Stop No. 9 on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), ran in pumping conditions, deciding the men’s and women’s Quarterfinalists at Culs Nus. Huge crowds gathered on the water’s edge to witness an epic day of mind-blowing performances from the world’s best surfers.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 21, reigning WSL Champion, blew up in his non-elimination Round 4 matchup and posted the men’s event first perfect 10 point ride for a no-grab stratospheric full-rotation. Medina then turned to maximum-risks vertical backhand hooks to back it up with a couple of 9 point rides and put his opponents in a combination situation. The 2011 Quiksilver Pro France winner, Medina looked unstoppable in the pumping conditions and will look to go all the way and post his first event win of 2015 when the competition resumes.

“It felt like I was free surfing, surf against Wilko and Owen we’ve been doing this for a long time as we always stay in the same house as a team. It was sick, I had a lot of fun,” Medina said. “This might have been the biggest air I’ve ever done. It feels good to be in the quarters. I’ve had a couple of losses early this season and I’m surfing more relaxed now, not thinking about World Titles and just enjoying.”
The high-flying Brazilian will be joined by defending event champion John John Florence (HAW) in a much anticipated superheat when the event resumes.

Julian Wilson (AUS), 26, current WSL No. 5, dominated his Round 4 bout to put an end to a series of unlikely 13th place finishes in Tahiti and Trestles. Wilson fired up and entertained the capacity crowds with aerial maneuvers and carves on the glassy canvas conditions provided.

“The waves are fun, the tide just turned before our heat and gradually as our heat went on the waves got a better shape to them,” Wilson stated. “The medium ones are definitely the best, but even on those big sets if you know it’s going to reform with a big section in the inside, you can roll the dice under priority, there was lots of opportunities out there.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 34, three-time WSL Champion, marched through Round 4 to get one step closer to an unprecedented fifth event title in France, as the current Jeep Rankings Leader unleashed his signature power carves to rack up two excellent scores. Fanning did not let yesterday’s close call against wildcard Huscenot hinder his momentum and looked lethal in the rippable peaks.

“It felt like I’m building and my surfing is getting a bit better,” Fanning reflected. “Hopefully comes final day it can peak and I can put another good performance. I like these big matchups, even though they are stressful, they keep you in a good frame of mind. Sometimes when you surf easy heats, then you get those big matchups and you sort of forget what to do.”

Adriano De Souza (BRA), 28, followed right into Fanning’s path with a similar approach to dispatch of Jeremy Flores (FRA) and John John Florence (HAW) on his way to an exciting quarterfinal matchup against Owen Wright (AUS). De Souza laid down his sharp forehand turns to collect the day’s second-highest total of 18.50.

“I was watching conditions since the first heat of the day and I realized our heat was going to be pumping,” De Souza said. “I watched John John’s last heat, he smashed it and Jeremy grew up here and knows everything about it so I really had to do everything I could. I’m happy to make this heat and am looking forward to finals day.”

WSL Top17 athletes had previously launched the day’s action with the completion of Round 3 at the Roxy Pro France to determine the first four surfers in the quarterfinals. With waves pulsing all the way through the changing tide, the women later took it to the lineup to complete the fourth round as well.

Local favorite Johanne Defay (FRA), 21, continued her successful Roxy Pro France campaign with an important win this morning to skip a round and obtain her quarterfinal ticket. Defay chose her waves wisely in a tricky lineup and applied her smooth style on the clean shoulders to send defending event champion Tyler Wright (AUS) and Sage Erickson (USA) to Round 4.

“The tide was pretty low and there was a little rip in the inside and a little backwash, the smaller waves were the best with an open face whereas the sets just closed out,” Defay explained. “Tyler beat me in the semis here last year and put me in combo in the first round this year so I’m happy to get a win over her. I’ll get some rest now and prepare for the quarters.”

Coco Ho (HAW), 24, upset current Jeep leaderboard frontrunner Courtney Conlogue (USA) and 6-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in Round 3 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since the Oi Rio Women’s Pro. With two disappointing early exits in the last two events, Ho’s position on the Samsung Galaxy Women’s Championship Tour is all but certain for 2016 and this result will help in her re-qualification campaign.

“I kind of wasn’t even in the heat until Steph let out my 8, I was really lucky and that’s when the ball started rolling for me,” Ho admitted. “And getting that last wave of the set to back it up was great. Courtney and Carissa in that title race are pretty close, but I’m more focused on my own game and trying to get the results that I know I can.”

Capitalizing on Conlogue’s setback, Carissa Moore (HAW), 23, seized the opportunity to send the World Title race to the last event of the season in Hawaii when she advanced into the quarters. Moore performed her surgical approach on a clean righthander with three solid turns and a little cover up for an 8.90 and the win.

“It’s crazy, balancing energies and stuff. I had such a fun time this morning in my warm up session and I didn’t want to come in but I had to keep myself at a pretty even energy level,” Moore said. “I didn’t really know how Courtney’s heat ended and I focused on myself and stayed in my own bubble. I’m happy to take the battle home to Maui.”

Conlogue would be eliminated later in the day by an in-form Tyler Wright (AUS). With Conlogue’s elimination, Moore will overtake the frontrunner position on the Jeep Leaderboard with a Semifinals berth in France.

The Quiksilver and Roxy Pro France is webcast LIVE on worldsurfleague.com and via the WSL app.

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA)

QF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)

QF 3: Adriano De Souza (BRA) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)

QF 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)

 

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 5 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.23 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 15.07

Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 18.30 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.20

Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 18.50 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.17

Heat 4: John John Florence (HAW) 16.80 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.87

 

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.37, Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.93, Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.47

Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.67, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.43, Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.73

Heat 3: Adriano De Souza (BRA) 18.50, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.00, John John Florence (HAW) 13.37

Heat 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.83, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.00, Owen Wright (AUS) 15.56

Flores Flourishes in Tahiti

https://youtu.be/QbooSXOR6uU

Jeremy Flores (FRA) has won the Billabong Pro Tahiti in the Final bout against reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) held in six foot surf at Teahupo’o. Stop No. 7 of 11 on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour (CT) has been treated to incredible performances by the world’s best surfers, culminating today with Flores’ win.

Flores claimed the second CT victory of his career to jump up five places on the Jeep Leaderboard to 7th. One of the standout performers of the event, Flores defeated some of the world’s best surfers – Medina, C.J. Hobgood (USA), Kelly Slater (USA) and Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) – before claiming victory today.

“Gabriel (Medina) is one really tactical guy so I thought I’m going to play his game,” said Flores. “He’s really aggressive in the water so I thought I’m going to be even more aggressive. Hats off to him, he’s surfed amazing all event and that was definitely one of the hardest heats.”

Jeremy Flores of Capbreton, France (pictured) won the Billabong Pro Tahiti by defeating reigning WSL World Champion and defending event winner Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the final at Teahupoo on 25 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @kc80 The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Today’s win backs up a Semifinal berth for Flores at the Fiji Pro and marks an end to a disappointing few years on the CT with his best result of the year and his first event win since the Billabong Pipe Masters in 2010. The result was made even more remarkable because Flores came into the event following a serious head injury suffered during a freesurf that forced him to miss the J-Bay Open and wear a helmet throughout competition in Tahiti.

“That 9.87 in the Final was the wave that got things started for me,” continued Flores. “I was sitting out there getting nervous, waiting for waves. I reminded myself that even if I lost the heat I’m the luckiest guy in the world to be out here. I just tried to stay calm.”

“The last couple of years I haven’t been getting the results I wanted, but more importantly I wasn’t having fun,” Flores said. “Surfing is the most beautiful sport in the world and if you’re not having fun surfing then there’s something wrong. I had to really restart and regain my mindset. I did that by being close to my family and my loved ones and it’s because of them that I got back to having fun and being hungry like I used to be. This year I’ve been out there to win it and if it doesn’t happen it’s all good.”

Jeremy Flores of Capbreton, France (pictured) won the Billabong Pro Tahiti by defeating reigning WSL World Champion and defending event winner Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the final at Teahupoo on 25 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @kc80 The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Flores came out firing in the Final, posting a near-perfect 9.87 on his first wave to put the pressure on Medina. With half the heat gone the Brazilian had only a 0.73 heat total while Flores controlled the lineup and found another solid score, a 7.00. Medina answered quickly with a tube of his own for a 7.17 but was left searching for an excellent 9.17 to turn the heat. He continued to hunt the lineup as the minutes ticked by but with only a 6.03 on offer for the 2014 event winner, Flores took the win.

“I think I made a mistake at the beginning to let Jeremy (Flores) have priority,” Medina said. “The ocean was too slow and I couldn’t find the score. I’m happy with a second place though and I’m happy for Jeremy as well especially after his injury. I’m stoked to be back on the podium. It was a tough one and I wish we had more waves but I’m happy with the result.”

Gabriel Medina of Maresias, Sao Paulo, Brazil (pictured) placed second in the final of the Billabong Pro Tahiti after being defeated by Jeremy Flores (FRA) at Teahupoo on 25 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @kc80   The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Runner-up Medina also moves up five places on the Jeep Leaderboard from 15th to 10th place. The result today is Medina’s best of the year and his first Final appearance since the Billabong Pipe Masters in 2014. He previously dispatched Owen Wright (AUS) and Kai Otton (AUS) en route to his 10th CT Final today.

Today’s Semifinal berth for Owen Wright (AUS) marks another good result for the new world no. three. Wright, who needed a runner-up finish or better to take the Jeep ratings lead, went down to Medina in the opening Semifinal. The Brazilian locked in some big scores in the opening half of the match-up to leave the Australian in a combination situation and send him home with a third-place finish.

“I wasn’t even really thinking about the ratings lead, I was just reveling in getting another heat out at Teahupo’o, especially with my good friend Gabriel (Medina),” said Wright. “I’m pretty disappointed that I didn’t get through that one. There were two waves that I fell off on that I think would have given me the score but that’s the way it goes. I more than happy with that result and we’re coming into a fun leg on the tour.”

C.J. Hobgood of Melbourne, Florida, USA (pictured) advanced to the Quarter Finals of the Billabong Pro Tahiti after defeating Aritiz Aranburu (ESP) in Round 5 at Teahupoo on 25 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @KC80 The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Former event winner and 2001 WSL Champion C.J. Hobgood (USA) earned his best result since the Gold Coast in 2014 after facing eventual winner Flores in the second Semifinal. Flores stayed selective and found the best two waves of the heat for a commanding lead and the win. A third-place finish for Hobgood, who defeated Aritz Aranburu (ESP) and Josh Kerr (AUS) today before facing Flores, sees him move up ten place from 36th place on the Jeep Leaderboard to 26th. It was a dream run at the Billabong Pro Tahiti for Hobgood, after claiming his first man-on-man heat win of the year in Round 2 and the only Perfect 10 of the competition in Round 3.

The Andy Irons Most Committed Performance Award is given out every year to the standout surfer of the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Previous winners include Owen Wright (2014), John John Florence (2013), Ricardo dos Santos (2012) and Jeremy Flores (2011). This year’s award goes to Hobgood for his commitment, passion and courage during the event.

“It’s just been awesome,” said Hobgood. “To have the opportunity to be here and compete and be part of the Final day is just so rad. I’m so stoked, I think I’m as stoked as if I won the event. It was really, really fun, enjoyable and challenging to be here every year and be part of the learning curve at Teahupo’o over the last two decades. That means a lot to me right there. Last time I made the Final out here was with Andy (Irons) when he won and he was really emotional. That moment I shared with him will be with me for the rest of my life.”

11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) was defeated in the Quarterfinals by an in-form Flores. Slater had the edge but Flores posted an 8.23 in the closing minutes to eliminate the four-time event winner, who takes home a fifth-place finish. The result sees Slater remains at no. 6 on the Jeep Leaderboard.
“We had two different game plans in that heat,” said Slater. “It looked like he was going to patient and I was going to keep active. His wave just had more of that wall. I caught that one wave and I fell so I don’t know how that would have been scored. Jeremy’s had some of the highest scores out here and he’s definitely one of the guys to beat so I knew it would be a hard heat.”

Italo Ferreira (BRA), the highest ranked rookie on Tour, achieved back-to-back Quarterfinals appearances today after defeating compatriot Filipe Toledo (BRA) in Round 5 before going down to Wright. Ferreira also made the Quarterfinals in Fiji and the result sees him move to 8th place on the Jeep Leaderboard.

“I just did my best but Owen (Wright) is amazing,” said Ferreira. “I’m super stoked, it’s my first time here and that was a great result for me. I just want to keep it going for the next two events and I’m going back to Brazil to get ready.”

 

The next stop on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour will be the Hurley Pro at Trestles from September 9 – 20, 2015.

Billabong Pro Tahiti Final Results:
1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) – 16.87
2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) – 13.20

 

Billabong Pro Tahiti Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.63 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 8.70
SF 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.86 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.93

 

Billabong Pro Tahiti Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.93 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.94
QF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.64 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.00
QF 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.90 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.16
QF 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.83 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 15.66

 

Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.00 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 00.00
Heat 2: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.50 def. Bruno Santos (BRA) 11.76
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 14.36 def. Aritz Aranburu (ESP) 14.00
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.37 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 13.21

 

2015 WSL Jeep Leaderboard Top 5 (after Billabong Pro Tahiti):
1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 34,950 pts
2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 34,700 pts
3: Owen Wright (AUS) 34,400 pts
4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 33,200 pts
4: Filipe Toledo (FRA) 33,200 pts

Billabong Pro Tahiti: Penultimate Day…

https://youtu.be/FeR3jxRFUqU

The world’s best surfers battled dangerous conditions at Teahupo’o as competition ran through Rounds 3 and 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti, stop No. 7 on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Four surfers earned a direct advance to the Quarterfinals and the stage is set for a thrilling Finals Day tomorrow, beginning with Round 5.

Owen Wright of Culburra Beach, New South Wales, Australia (pictured) winning in Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti with a heat total of 14.84 points (out of a possible 20.00) to advance in to the Quarter Finals at Teahupoo, Tahiti on 24 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: © WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @KC80

Round 4 started with a bang, as Filipe Toledo (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS) and Owen Wright (AUS) fought for a place in the Quarterfinals. The trio quickly got to work and kept busy, but it was Wright that locked in the only excellent score of the heat, an 8.17, to take the win.

“I heard Jeremy (Flores) say this morning that these conditions are really dangerous and I’d have to agree with him,” said Wright. “It’s so shallow and every time you take off you can just see the reef. It’s pretty crucial to make those waves now and that really played into that heat. I’m stoked to win because it’s the first time I’ve really utilized the three man heats this year.”

Gabriel Medina of Maresias, Sao Paulo, Brazil (pictured) winning in Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti with a heat total of 17.64 points (out of a possible 20.00) which included a near perfect 9.97 point ride (out of a possible 10.00) to advance in to the Quarter Finals at Teahupoo, Tahiti on 24 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: © WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @KC80

Wildcard Bruno Santos (BRA) posted an excellent nine-point ride to open Round 4 Heat 2 and put the pressure on reigning WSL Champion and defending event winner Gabriel Medina (BRA). Medina answered by finding one of the biggest barrels of the day and a near-perfect 9.97, backing it up with a 7.67 for a place in the Quarterfinals. Rookie Italo Ferreira (BRA) was left trailing behind his more experienced competitors and will surf again in Round 5 alongside Santos.

Reigning WSL World Champion and defending event winner Gabriel Medina of Maresias, Sao Paulo, Brazil (pictured) soars through the air after completing a perfect 10 point ride during Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti at Teahupoo on 24 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: © WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @KC80

“I knew that would be a tough one, against Bruno (Santos) especially,” Medina said. “The 9.97 felt really good but then Bruno almost got me at the end. I’m really happy for the win and excited for the next Round. It would mean a lot to win here again because I love this wave. It feels good to be out there and getting a lot of waves and it would be so special.”

Josh Kerr (AUS) claimed his second victory of the day in Round 4 Heat 3 and earned a place in the Quarterfinals. Kerr battled injury wildcard Aritz Aranburu (ESP) and rookie Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) in the day’s penultimate match-up after eliminating 2013 event winner Adrian Buchan (AUS) in Round 3.

Owen Wright of Culburra Beach, New South Wales, Australia (pictured) winning in Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti with a heat total of 14.84 points (out of a possible 20.00) to advance in to the Quarter Finals at Teahupoo, Tahiti on 24 August 2015. IMAGE CREDIT: © WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @KC80

“I think we all forgot how shallow this wave actually is,” said Kerr. “Now, when the good ones come it’s very shallow. I bumped the reef and I saw Ace (Buchan) do the same on his last wave. It’s been great to hang in such a beautiful place while we’ve been waiting for our next heats.”

The final heat of the day saw 11-time WSL Champion and four-time event winner Kelly Slater (USA) take on Jeremy Flores (FRA) and C.J. Hobgood (USA). After a slow start Flores was first to earn a score of significance with a 7.83. Slater answered with a 6.83 to take the lead but Flores quickly came back. Last-minute heroics from Slater netted him an excellent 9.77 and a pass to the Quarterfinals.

“Those first waves out there you don’t really want to catch them because they’re so bumpy and frothy,” said Slater. “I was doubting that 9.77 but I just went on the wave anyway. The first foam ball bounced me and slowed me down and then the next one slowed me down even more but then I made it out. I’m stoked to make it through to tomorrow and make it to the final day and I think we’re going to have even better waves.”

Hobgood, who will surf again in Round 5, claimed the first Perfect 10 of the competition in Round 3 to upset current no. 3 on the Jeep Leaderboard Julian Wilson (AUS). The 2004 event winner found his way out of an impossible barrel after the foam ball to send Wilson home in equal 13th place.

“The lineup was that tough for some reason,” said Hobgood. “Even when a wave came you didn’t know how good it was going to be. The swell is coming up, there’s so much water so it’s hard, and you have to take off deep. I didn’t care if I lost in Round 3 because I would have gone out with a 10 on my last wave at Teahupo’o.”

Flores will join Hobgood in elimination Round 5 and previously dispatched Joel Parkinson (AUS) in Round 3 with the highest heat total of the day, an 18.87, for his show of commitment and technical barrel riding.

“The wave was really hollow and gnarly and I those were conditions where you can really get hurt,” Flores said. “I’ve surfed this wave a million times so I didn’t freesurf this morning and take the risk. I’m still feeling a bit sketchy with my head injury and every time I fall it’s the first thing I think about. It’s hard because I’m definitely scared but I just have to find the right balance. On my best day I feel like I can beat anyone but every single surfer on this tour is so so good. I’m hoping and I’m training hard and if I can win an event then I’m sure I can win another one.”

First to compete tomorrow will be Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) in Heat 1 of Round 5.

Event organizers will reconvene at 7 a.m. tomorrow to assess conditions and make a call for competition.

The Billabong Pro Tahiti runs from Friday, August 14 to Tuesday, August 25, 2015 and is webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeauge.com and via the WSL mobile app.

Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 3 Results:

Heat 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.97 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 12.50

Heat 2: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.13 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.00

Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 18.23 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 15.70

Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.10 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.83

Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (HAW) 19.00 def. John John Florence (HAW) 18.84

Heat 6: Bruno Santos (BRA) 16.20 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.70

Heat 7: Aritz Aranburu (ESP) 15.17 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 6.67

Heat 8: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 16.83 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.66

Heat 9: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.80 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.67

Heat 10: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.06 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 13.33

Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 18.87 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.60

Heat 12: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.60 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 9.50

 

Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 4 Results:

Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.84, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.06, Kai Otton (AUS) 12.70

Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (HAW) 17.64, Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.10, Bruno Santos (BRA) 6.84

Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.20, Aritz Aranburu (ESP) 11.43, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 6.40

Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.60, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.66, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.30

 

Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 5 Match-Ups:

Heat 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA)

Heat 2: Bruno Santos (BRA) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)

Heat 3: Aritz Aranburu (ESP) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)

Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)

Mick Fanning Fights Off A Shark?!

MFanning_3

Were you having a cruisey Sunday watching the J-Bay Open like we were when things escalated quickly? As in really got out of hand fast. All thanks to a shark. Just as it was shaping up to be a classic final a fin appeared behind Mick and next thing you know they are going at it. In the rough and tumble Mick punches the beast on the back sandpapering his hand and the shark left hooked* him. All while we sat there jaws on the floor. Julian Wilson was paddling over fast like a bally hero and the safety team came in quick but it was a terrifying to scene to witness. Helpless as we were behind our screens. Especially when he went underwater. So. Mick’s fine. Shaken not stirred. And below is the official version from the WSL and the YouTube clip has the brown wetsuit making moment we all secretly dread around the two minute mark…

*Yeah, yeah, it tail whipped him but go with the boxing analogy.

***

The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2015 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), has been called off following a dramatic incident that involved three-time WSL Champion and defending event winner Mick Fanning (AUS) being attacked by a shark in the opening minutes of the Final against Julian Wilson (AUS).

https://youtu.be/U9Ht0lBA-x0

The scene unfolded live on WorldSurfLeague.com as the Australian essentially fought off the two animals before the Water Safety Team quickly arrived and pulled both Fanning and compatriot Julian Wilson into the safety boat. Despite a severed leash, Fanning remained physically unscathed by the incident.

MFanning_1

“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today,” Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner, said. “Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable – they are truly world class at what they do. The safety of our athletes is a priority for the WSL and, after discussions with both Finalists, we have decided to cancel the remainder of competition at the J-Bay Open. We appreciate the ongoing support we have in South Africa and once again want to express our gratitude to the Water Safety Team.”

“I was just sitting there and I felt something grab or get stuck in my leg rope and I instantly just jumped away,” Fanning said. “It just kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins, I didn’t see any teeth. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me as I was swimming. I punched it in the back. I’m totally fine, I’ve got nothing wrong with me. There’s a small depression in my board and my leg rope got bitten and I’m totally tripping out.”

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Sunday, July 19, 2015) – Mick Fanning of Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia (pictured during the Quarter Finals) was attacked by shark during the Final of the JBay Open and escaped unhurt on Sunday July 19, 2015. The final will not be run, both Fanning and Wilson will receive second place 8000 points and split the prize money. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @kc80 The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are the copyright of the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League") and are furnished to the recipients of this email for world-wide editorial publication in all media now known or hereafter created. All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The photo content is an accurate rendering of what it depicts and has not been modified or augmented except for standard cropping and toning. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

“I was just cruising and waiting for my turn, my opportunity and I knew Julian (Wilson) was down the point,” continued Fanning. “I was just about to get moving and start paddling again and all of a sudden I had this instinct that something was behind me. I started getting pulled underwater and then the thing came up and I was on my board and it was right there. I saw the whole thing thrashing around but I was getting dragged under by my leg rope. I felt like it kicked me off but it was still there going and I was still attached to my board. I felt like I punched it a couple of times and then it was dragging me and then my leg rope broke.”
“I started swimming and screaming and yelling at Jules (Julian Wilson) to move as well, but he was coming at me,” said Fanning. “What a legend, coming after me. I was swimming in and I turned around and I had this thought, what happens if it comes to have another go at me, so I turned around so I could at least see it coming. Before I knew it the boat was there, the jet skis were there and we were in safely. I just can’t believe it. To walk away from that, I’m just so stoked. I want to let all my family and friends know that I’m okay.”
“Mick (Fanning) was kind of out in no man’s land so I was really watching him and had my eyes on him,” said Wilson. “Mick (Fanning) was looking down the point and I saw the whole thing pop up behind him. It can up and he was wrestling it. I saw him get knocked off his board and then a wave popped up and I thought, ‘he’s gone’. I felt like I couldn’t get there quick enough. The results don’t mean anything to me, I’m just happy he’s alive. I literally thought when I was paddling for him that I wasn’t going to get there in time, especially when I saw him off his board and swimming away. I thought it was going to grab him and take him under. I’m so happy we’re both on the beach right now, I was so worried about Mick’s life.”
Both Fanning and Wilson will receive equal second place and 8,000 points on the Jeep Leaderboard. They will split the prize money between them equally, receiving $70,000 each. The result sees Fanning move up two places to second on rankings, Wilson move up to third and Adriano de Souza (BRA) retain the Jeep leader jersey.

Julian Wilson hugs Mick Fanning (Blue) from the safety of shore after Fanning was attacked by a shark during the FInal of the JBay Open on Sunday July 19, 2015.

Before the incident occurred the pair were set for an exciting 40-minute all-Australian Final with Wilson searching for his first CT win and Fanning looking to defend his J-Bay Open title and claim his 21st CT victory. The pair has had four previous head-to-head heats with Fanning claiming the win each time.

Earlier in the day the form goofyfooter of the event, Adrian Buchan (AUS), faced Wilson in an all-Australian clash in the opening Semifinal. Buchan won through each Round of competition before losing out to Wilson in the Semifinals, who won through thanks to his heat-high opening score, sending Buchan home in third place. Previously 30th on the Jeep Leaderboard and in need of a good result after a series of early exits this year the result today sees Buchan jump up ten places to 20th on the Jeep Leaderboard and marks his first Semifinal appearance since the 2014 Billabong Pipe Masters.

“At the moment it doesn’t feel great” said Buchan. “I had an opportunity at the end and didn’t really finish, but like you said I feel really proud that I’ve got my year back on track and I felt like I was doing the surfing here to go all the way. It was great to have a good battle out there with Julian (Wilson) in pumping J-Bay. I feel confident at all the locations coming up, I’ve had big results everywhere and I know I can perform at all the spots left. I’m just going to go there and just surf and rely on my instincts and have fun. That’s what I did here and it really worked.”

The second Semifinal saw Kelly Slater (AUS) and Fanning, the two most successful surfers at Jeffreys Bay and long time rivals, battle for a place in the Final. The pair have had 15 previous man-on-man heats in CT history, with Slater taking 9 wins to Fanning’s 6 and their last match-up was the Final in Fiji in 2013. Two 8-point rides from Fanning with less than ten minutes gone left the 11-time World Champion in a combination situation. Slater managed to escape with an excellent 9.43 for a long floater, quick barrel and series of carving turns but was left searching for a 7.30. Fanning sealed the deal with a 9.63 in the final minutes and sailed through to the Final. The Semifinal berth for Slater marks his best result of the season sees him move up to 6th place on the rankings.
“Now I’ve seen it all,” said Slater of the attack. “I was coming up the beach and I saw all the boats and skis go straight to the lineup. I knew there was only one possible reason that would ever happen in a contest and that’s if someone got attacked by a shark. I ran up the beach trying to get some information. I’m halfway between crying and laughing because he (Fanning) got so lucky. I’m lost for words to be honest. We almost just watched our friend get eaten by a shark and I’m just blown away that there’s no damage at all.”
World no. 1 Adriano de Souza (BRA) was sent home after the Quarterfinals by Wilson. With only seven waves surfed during the 35-minute clash it was the Australian that held the edge and took the win. De Souza wasn’t able to find the waves or the scores he needed but retains his place at the top of the rankings heading into the next event in Tahiti.

“Julian (Wilson) is such a good surfer,” De Souza said. “I think I lost that heat for myself, I lost my rhythm on my last wave and that cost me. I’m definitely in the hunt for a good result in Tahiti right now. I started my training early and I’m trying to get strong. I just need to do well and get to the Quarters or Semis at every single contest. That’s my goal. At this stage everyone has a chance and I’m focused on my training and my equipment.”

Reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) was also eliminated in the Quarterfinals at the hands of Semifinalist Slater. Despite a strong showing from the Brazilian and an impressive 17.23 heat total two nine-point rides from the 11-time World Champion were too much for Medina to overcome. A 5th place finish sees Medina move to 15th place on the Jeep Leaderboard heading into Stop No. 7, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

“We both got some sick waves,” said Medina. “It’s hard to beat Kelly (Slater) out here, especially when the waves are like this. He’s the guy out here and I knew that was going to be tough. There isn’t much I can do, but I had fun out there and I’m happy with the end result. I’m excited for Tahiti. Last year I had a great result over there. Now I’m going back home to get prepared.”

https://youtu.be/1VQJ5_NyDDs

Highlights from the J-Bay Open are available on WorldSurfLeague.com.

 

J-Bay Open Final Results:

2 – Mick Fanning (AUS)

2 – Julian Wilson (AUS)

 

J-Bay Open Semifinal Results:

SF 1: Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.40 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.20

SF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.13 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 16.26

 

J-Bay Open Quarterfinal Results:

QF 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 18.00 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 15.67

QF 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.53 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.33

QF 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.10 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.23

QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.17 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.00

 

J-Bay Open Round 5 Results:

Heat 1: Kai Otton (AUS) 16.60 def. Nat Young (USA) 11.34

Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.67 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 13.83

Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.53 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.00

Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.90 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 14.87