2014 World Tour Guide by Surfing Life

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Your Guide To The Launch of The 2014 aSP WorLd Tour

QuikSiLver Pro • roxy Pro • drug aware Pro • riP curL Pro

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SurferS! LocationS! formatS! personal foreword by Australia’s three time World Champ MICK FANNING Judging! airS! With

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INTRODUCTION

A Word from the World ChAmp

Welcome to the ASP 2014 World chAmPionShiP tour! Grey Lightning PHOTO: ASP/KIRSTIN

2014

is my 13th year on Tour. It seems like only yesterday I was a rookie and now I’m considered one of the veterans. Last year was an incredible one for me. To secure my third world title, at an arena like Pipeline no less, was an amazing experience, a product of a lot of hard work and determination, and a dream come true. I have a team around me to whom I am immeasurably thankful, but I’m also incredibly thankful to you, the fans, for the support you constantly show me and the ASP World Championship Tour as a whole. Without your support, interest and excitement we wouldn’t have the Tour and opportunities we have today.

2014 brings changes within the Association of Surfing Professionals. The return to three World Championship Tour events in Australia, the most events we’ve had on our shores in 14 years, is an exciting step for Australian surf fans. We’re blessed with a coastline filled with incredible waves and I’m personally amped to be able to be able to start the year off at home and with a bang! New generations of amazing surfers continue to break ground on the Tour, and this year we see two Australian rookies in Mitch Crews and Dion Atkinson. Crewsy had an amazing 2013 and has really stepped up in the past

few months, knowing he is a part of the big leagues. He is a positive, energetic and electric surfer and is going to be a great addition to the Tour. Dion has been close for many years and I’m thrilled to see him finally crack the code and make it. He’ll relish this opportunity and his large, powerful frame will really suit the waves on Tour. I believe this year you’re going to see guys like John John Florence and Jordy Smith really step things up another level, and of course, Kelly Slater will be an ever-present threat. Then there are the guys who add so much excitement and spontaneity to the Tour,

like Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz and Felipe Toledo – they make every heat a thrill to watch. I am especially happy to see Owen Wright back on Tour, fighting fit. I believe Owen brings a lot to the Tour, both in and out of the water, and he is an incredibly deserving injury wildcard. The way I see things, the depth and diversity of talent on the WCT has never been greater. Come March 1st, when the first heat takes to the water at Snapper, there are going to be fireworks. Enjoy the show! – Mick Fanning 05

THE NEW WORLD STANDARD FIN SYSTEM

WATC H T H E V I D E O AT: S U R F F C S . C O M

JULIAN WILSON S I G N AT U R E S E R I E S _ B R E A D B O X

DISRUPTIVE BY DESIGN

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PROFILES

WARRIORS

Surfer’s profile images taken from Instagram

They’re The besT of The besT … and They’re abouT To prove iT all over again, righT in fronT of you. here’s our look aT The asp men’s Top 34 seeded surfers for 2014.

MICK FANNING 32 {aus}

It’s

probably no surprise to find out that Mick Fanning is sports mad. Mick has spoken to the New South Wales State of Origin team before games, had Penrith-style victory jerseys made up to celebrate his 2009 title win, has a hole-inone to his name (on a par four, no less), was a promising soccer player and long-distance runner as a youngster, and lists his favourite AFL team as “the Gold Coast Suns, then whichever side’s change room I was in last”. What Mick won’t tell you is how Aussie batsman David Warner once belted him for consecutive sixes in a charity cricket match, but with the 2013 ASP world title to his name it’s hard to see how Mick has ever taken his eyes off the ball.

@mfanno

insights Last year in austraLia: 3rd Quik Pro, 5th Rip Curl Pro strengths: Focus, determination, physical power/speed sL’s prediction: Will hold title momentum into the Aussie leg.

Kelly SlAteR 42 {usa}

@kellyslater

goes without saying the greatest surfer in the universe has succeeded all over the world. But how? On dry land a major factor in KS’s ongoing accomplishments is that while a lot of his tour-mates start booking flights as soon as they fall behind in a heat, Kelly isn’t in a rush to get anywhere. How often have we heard of Kelly scoring insane waves the day after an event, while his peers are arguing with check-in staff for seats on the next flight outta town? Kelly owns houses at three of the WCT’s stops – the Gold Coast, San Clemente and Pipeline. He stays with local families at Bells and Tahiti, and in Fiji he practically IS family on the island of Tavarua. In West Oz, Rio, Bali and Europe, Kelly has a network of allies who want nothing more than to see him succeed, and with 54 WCT wins to his name and counting, who can argue with the formula?

insights Last year in austraLia: Win Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro strengths: Phenomenal skill level; unrivalled mastery of the two-man heat sL’s prediction: Keen to re-engage and will bring it without question.

Welcome to the team JAY â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bottleâ&#x20AC;? ThOmPSON

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alpinestarsaus

PROFILES

@joelparko

35 {aus}

@julian_wilson

One

of Jordy’s best mates, Warwick “Wok” Wright, explains why he thinks 2014 is going to be the year of The Big Bru.. “Jordy has finally pulled his finger out and is taking things more seriously. He’s days out from having got married and 11 events away from a world title. The manbearpig has grown up so much in the past few years, but you still see glimpses of the kid inside. He loves his junk food and needs someone around at all times to keep him occupied otherwise he’ll get bored, but what’s most inspiring is he still froths to surf harder than anyone alive. Jordy can watch surf movies for hours at a time and will sit around all day thinking of new manoeuvres, and more importantly claims to pull out when he wins contests. Jordy’s got a solid team with him now, and things are about to fall into place. He will be the most dangerous man on tour this year, he’s had enough.”

Hey,

Taj Burrow, are you sick of talking about the world title yet? “Yeah! 100 per cent. All the interviews throughout my career have mentioned world titles, and asked ‘Is this your year?’ I don’t even know what to say anymore, of course I want it to be my year! I say it every time, so I’m trying not to think about it too much anymore. It’s not the be-all and end-all of my career anymore, and I find I perform better when I’m feeling good about myself and relaxed instead. The pressure is off me. My name’s been in the mix for so long, now it’s the turn of the younger kids, who are so freakishly talented, to be in the spotlight. I’m content with my career. Maybe if it is ever going to happen though, that could be the reason why...”

Last year in austraLia: 5th Quik Pro, 3rd Rip Curl Pro strengths: “Surprise factor” surfing, double home-town advantage (WA & Qld) sL’s prediction: Similar solid start to last year.

JUlIAN WIlSON 26 {aus}

his home town of Coolangatta you’ll hear Joel Parkinson coming a long time before you ever see him, thanks to his passion for V8 engines – Parko even has a flaming hotrod tattooed around his left ankle – and one of the best deals an athlete could land, a car sponsorship with Holden. This is perfect for Parko as it clashes mightily with Mick Fanning’s Ford agreement, and while MF goes for the practicality of a truck, Parko’s machine, like his surfing, is pure power and supreme handling. “I love it!” Joel roars, in-between fine-tuning sessions in the gym with Wes Berg, his famed Cheshire cat grin exuding the sort of confidence one should never bet against.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 3rd Rip Curl Pro strengths: Incredible performance range, still climbing up the tactical growth curve sL’s prediction: Likely to improve on his 2013 results.

tAJ BURROW

@tajamos

insights

26 {zaf}

@jordysmith88

Around

Last year in austraLia: 2nd Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro strengths: Athleticism, style, family/home-town support sL’s prediction: These three events will drive Joel’s year in 2014.

JORDy SMItH

insights

33 {aus}

insights

JOel PARKINSON

Julian

Wilson was first sponsored as a tween when O’Neill paid him to model for them… snowboarding. At age 11 Wilson was flying to Europe to shoot in the Alps, by 14 he was the Australian Junior Longboard Champ, and riding skateboards and motocross in his spare time. It wasn’t until winning the Under 16 ISA World Title that Wilson finally turned his attention full-time to pro surfing. With honours mounting up – Best Performance at the 2007 Surfer Poll, 2010 Triple Crown Rookie Of The Year, 2011 ASP Rookie Of The Year – and three top 10 finishes since graduating to the majors, it’s fair to say Wilson made the right choice, although he’s far from satisfied just yet.

Last year in austraLia: 5th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro strengths: Huge score potential from his dazzling move range sL’s prediction: Will hold his position during the Aussie leg.

PROFILES

did you open your new year? If you’re Kai Otton you kick started 2014 rescuing a drowning father and son who’d fallen from their kayak, got stuck in a rip and were in serious trouble on Australia’s South Coast. The local papers loved it, but it was just another day at the office for the humble country-kid-turned-Manly-man who also happened to be the only first-time winner on the tour in the past 12 months. 2013 was a career year for Otton, who finished seventh in the world and had as strong a second half to the season as anyone. If you’re a confidence guy like Kai, that’s all you need to keep things rolling into Snapper and beyond.

@ottz16

Rookie Of The Year, Andy Irons Breakthrough Performer at the Surfer Poll and a runner-up finish in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. It’s fair to say if you had no clue who Nat Young was before 2013, you sure do now. Perhaps, however, Nat Young’s greatest achievement is simply making the WCT, as legendary surf city Santa Cruz has a bad habit of laying to waste the dreams of its talented but wild citizens. Behind Chris Gallagher and Adam Replogle, Young is just the third NorCal surfer to graduate to the major leagues, and the dedicated Giants and 49ers fan is not going to let the opportunity of a lifetime pass him by. Extremely fit, and competitive to a fault, Young surprised all with his charging in Hawaii this winter, to firmly round out a package that should see him a fixture at the sharp end of the tour for years to come.

insights

23 {usa}

@nat_young

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 5th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Self-belief, fitness and power surfing with a good knowledge of heats. sL’s prediction: Set for a really good start to 2014; very dangerous at Margarets.

ASP

NAt yOUNG

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 2nd Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Superb backside performance level, intelligent competitor. sL’s prediction: A more evenly paced year for Nat with less dramatic ups and downs.

What

JOSH KeRR

do you do if you’re a guy who has it all? Invest in a brewery of course! Such is the charmed life of Josh Kerr. Arguably the best surfer on tour not to win an event, Kerrzy found his way on to the WCT almost by default. A skateboarder as much as a surfer, Kerr was at the vanguard of the airshow movement and claimed world aerial titles in 2001 and 2005 before settling down with now-wife Nikki and finding the stability he needed for a tilt at the tour. These days Kerr’s daughter is his greatest inspiration. Six-year old Sierra is a part of the Pink Helmet Posse, a group of gromette skate rippers who are finding fame in California and looking to show up their dads at every opportunity. What greater motivation could there be?

29 {aus}

@josh_kerr84

insights

34 {aus}

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Confidence, move range, experience. sL’s prediction: A better start than last year – if he’s injury-free.

JOHN FlOReNCe 21 {haW}

@john_john_florence

insights

How

KAI OttON

JJF

felt the pain of losing the last heat of 2013 to our sport’s leader and his inspiration, Kelly Slater, at Pipeline. Think that’s got him fired up for 2014? Better believe it. After an ankle injury last year stole John’s hopes of a tilt at the sharp end of the ratings he’s coming in hot with a point to prove. In ramps and tubes John is elite. If he can take those skills to the point breaks we have a serious title threat on our hands.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, injured Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Shock value talent, calm attitude. sL’s prediction: Major improvement on 2013’s start.

PROFILES

cj hobgood

@cjhobgood

28 {PYF}

@bourezmichel

owen wright 24 {AUS}

@owright

insights

@adrianodesouza

Bourez sits alongside Josh Kerr as the best surfer on tour to not have won an event, although it’s not through lack of trying. Everything about Michel’s surfing is huge, from his heart and his turns to his physique and hunger. Surprisingly, to this point Michel’s weakness has been at his home event, Teahupo’o. Given that the guy rarely falls, can Michel push things further in 2014 and finally find himself atop a WCT podium? Surfing Life damn well hopes so, and can see a strong result coming at any of the three Aussie events.

2009, as a junior, Owen Wright never lost a heat, but on last year’s WCT he didn’t win once in a coloured vest. This can’t be allowed to happen again. If Owen Wright is physically fit he should push it and lock himself back into the top 10 where he belongs, and then focus on the world title that has to be his goal. Since withdrawing from last year’s tour with a back complaint, Owen has become somewhat of an enigma. Let’s see if the stylish aerialist and manic charger can crack the code once again in 2014.

Last year in austraLia: 25th Quik Pro, 25th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Extraordinary move range, great wave selection when in form. sL’s prediction: We can’t pick it – no current form on the board.

adriano de souza 27 {BRA}

Michel

Last year in austraLia: 3rd Quik Pro, 25th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Distinctive power style, growing strategic skills. sL’s prediction: A more balanced start to this year than last.

insights

Hobgood was one of the victims of the 2011 mid-year cut-off, his decade long residency on tour ended on the back of a string of average results and little time to atone. A year later the cutoff was gone, but CJ was not. Thinking the dream was over, Ceej entered a six-star with nothing to lose. A win followed, and a solid finish to the year saw CJ regain his rightful place at the big league table. The 2001 world champ hasn’t looked back since, the wake-up call instilling a needed sense of daring into CJ’s game. As well as standout performances in Fiji, CJ provided one of the highlights of the year when going toe-to-toe with twin bro Damien in a vicious heat at Bells.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Experience and passion. sL’s prediction: Will benefit from the inclusion of Margaret River in the sched.

michel bourez

insights

34 {USA}

After

he won Bells last year the reaction from Adriano de Souza’s top 34 colleagues was straight-up respect, showing just how much work the man from Guaruja has put into not only his craft, but his relationships with his fellow competitors. Adriano has copped a lot of criticism over the years and, confidence surfer that he is, has taken it onboard. While results didn’t go his way late in the season after his huge early win at the Rip Curl Pro – showcasing his smoother, stronger style – Adriano was briefly world number one, a fact that pleased and drove him no end. Has a new sponsor and a new manager, fears no-one in a heat, and will always be a threat.

Last year in austraLia: 25th Quik Pro, winner Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Tactical nous, speed, commitment. sL’s prediction: A serious threat right off the bat at Snapper.

John John Florence

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PROFILES

With

GABRIel MeDINA

his world title run dashed by a knee injury last year, Gabriel Medina took the opportunity to pick up a world junior title instead, showing just how much the Maresias kid thrives on the thrill of victory. Thankfully, he is starting to show signs that he can handle losing now, too. As well as catching more waves than any other man on tour in 2013, Gabriel shut up a lot of would-be critics with his storming, heavy-water performances at Pipeline, and if he continues to add a new weapon to his game every season he’ll be knocking on the title’s door for a long time to come.

insights

20 {bra}

@gabrielmedinaaa

insights

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 5th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Exceptional air game, great natural grasp of heat strategy. sL’s prediction: Huge potential to break through for a win, or learn some hard lessons.

SeBAStIAN zIetz

insights

26 {haW}

@seabassz

Toledo was the surprise packet of 2013. The world had heard about the air game, but most suspected that was it for the tiny Brazilian rookie. Back-to-back quarterfinal finishes at the second and third events, however, saw Filipe displaying more of an arsenal than he’d been credited with. Toledo has the tricks and the technique, but needs to add beef and bravado to be considered an all-around threat. Rest assured he’s got plenty of time on his side though. Expect the unexpected when it’s onshore, prepare to be surprised when the wind’s behaving itself.

19 {bra}

@felipetoledo

Filipe

FIlePe tOleDO

31 {aus}

@acebuchan

The

crazy three-thumbed party boy from Kauai was always going to have highlight-reel moments in his rookie year, but nobody could have predicted the consistent run of results that Seabass would post in 2013. Quarter-final finishes at Pipeline, Fiji and Rio showed his versatility, while his heat with John John Florence in Bali will go down as one of the greatest round-one losses of all time. The judges love unpredictability, and when Seabass doesn’t know what lies ahead in a heat, how can they know how to react? More of the same, with some added tactical nous, and Zietz should be aiming for the top 10.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Beautifully formed power style and move range. sL’s prediction: Expect at least one big result from him in Australia.

ADRIAN BUCHAN

insights

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Superlative move range, ability to learn/improve. sL’s prediction: Should build momentum through the three Aussie events.

Adrian

“Ace” Buchan is another one of the surfers who truly embraces life on the road. Europe is a place he’s passionate about as much for its land-based activities as it’s aquatic, South Africa is a second home, California is where his long-time sponsor is based, at every spot on the tour Buchan has a base. Most notably of course, Tahiti, where last year he claimed the biggest win of his career and excitedly handed his host family the trophy. Ace invariably has good boards under his feet, always knows what the conditions are up to, a point reinforced by his installment as the surfer’s rep, and has well and truly cracked the code for WCT success.

Last year in austraLia: 25th Quik Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Athletic power, composure, all-round skills. sL’s prediction: Will register some big scores; should hold his ground with ease.

PROFILES

25 {fra}

@floresjeremy

32 {haW}

@freddyp808

insights

22 {bra}

insights

@bededurbo

Miguel, Fred Patacchia was absent from last year’s Australian leg, putting him behind the eight-ball from the start. Once he got back in the ring though Fred was a model of consistency, and a quarterfinal finish in Tahiti was enough to earn him another ride on the merry-go-round. An eternal threat at the three heavy lefts and a possibility to upset the applecart everywhere else, Freddy has gone close to slipping off tour on a couple of occasions, and will be looking to get himself away from the bubble and up towards the top 15 early on this time around.

Although

he missed the first couple of events with an injury, Miguel Pupo made it very clear that he intended to requalify via the regular channels, and came back and surfed a consistent year knowing he had no throwaways up his sleeve. One of the more laid-back guys on tour, the smooth goofyfooter is happy to let Adriano and Gabriel soak up the Brazilian spotlight while he goes about his business in a quiet and unassuming fashion. With second-year and injury blues all taken care of, Miguel should be aiming for the top 10.

Last year in austraLia: Injured for both events. strengths: Flexibility, heat knowledge, great attitude. sL’s prediction: Ripe for some significant improvements in 2014.

BeDe DURBIDGe 32 {aus}

hard to believe that Jeremy Flores is only 25, such has been his longevity on the WCT. At this point, however, four top-10 finishes shouldn’t be enough for the feisty French islander. Deadly on the Pacific reefs and with a flawless technique, Jeremy has occasionally struggled with injury and needs to keep his body in good shape to back up his heavywater results on the points and beachbreaks that comprise most of the tour.

Last year in austraLia: Injured for both events. strengths: Athleticism, ability to focus, always in the game. sL’s prediction: The range of locations will suit his knowledge and experience.

MIGUel PUPO

@puposurf

It’s

Last year in austraLia: 9th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: World-title-level skill range, big event experience. sL’s prediction: His Snapper result will dictate the rest of his Aussie tour.

FReD PAtACCHIA

insights

JeReMy FlOReS

his own admission Bede Durbidge had a rough trot in 2012, finishing 20th on the WCT, his worst result since his rookie season. Last year Bede looked a lot better, had his equipment dialled and burst out of the blocks with a quarter-final finish at the first event. Unfortunately, in a year plagued with bad luck it would be the only time the powerful North Stradbroke Islander made it out of the third round, and he finished 2013 one spot lower again. A perforated eardrum ended his Pipeline campaign in the middle of a heat he was, at that point, comfortably leading, perfectly summing up Bede’s second straight season of misfortune. Third time lucky, right?

Last year in austraLia: 5th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Power carving style, great knowledge of heat formats. sL’s prediction: Has a strong year in him if he can get a good start.

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PROFILES

@mattwilko

insights

KOlOHe ANDINO 20 {usa}

@koloheandino62

Last year in austraLia: 5th Quik Pro, 25th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Top-10 skill level, exceptional backside style. sL’s prediction: Honestly, we dunno, Wilko could do anything.

Last year in austraLia: 9th Quik Pro, 25th Rip Curl Pro strengths: Athletic, excellent style/technique, plenty of heat time. sL’s prediction: At least one quarterfinal placing in Australia.

We’ve

been hearing about Kolohe Andino, the San Clemente supergrommet, for a long time now, and to this point his WCT performances have been underwhelming. In 2013 Kolohe took a big leap forward in waves of consequence, earning a ninth place in Fiji, but otherwise the world is yet to see the hype carried through into results. Still theoretically a junior competitor, Kolohe has time on his side, yet now is the time to start delivering on his big contracts and huge talent.

Last year in austraLia: 25th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: All the modern moves, growing into his skills. sL’s prediction: A better year in Australia than 2103 turned out.

Alejo

AleJO MUNIz

was born in Argentina although a naturalised Brazilian, and our sources claim he feels the weight of two nations’ expectations on his shoulders. When those feelings get the better of him we see Alejo being tentative in heats, but when the waves permit or are big enough that his surfing has to be instinctive, a rail-burying, fin-chucking, foamball wrestler with eventwinning potential starts to emerge.

24 {bra}

@alejomuniz

long can Matt Wilkinson be the tour’s party guy? Four years on the WCT with four finishes in the 20s tell you that sooner or later the Copacabana goofy-footer might have to become his own worst enemy, lose the gut, and start delivering on his unbelievable potential. Wilko is far too talented to be pushing his luck around the qualification bubble every year. He has the raw talent and unique style to win events if the waves work in his favour, so now is the time that Australia wants to see it all come together for one of their favourite sons.

who grew up in the point-ridden territory of Lennox Heads, bears the occasional curse of having a spotless technique. When matched with flawless waves and ideal preparation it is a perfect formula, but generally that’s not the case on tour and the surfer is forced to respond to the situation put in front of him. Snapper and Trestles were the only two events that saw Mello advance out of the third round in 2013, and he needs to change that situation quickly to fulfil the potential he’s shown us in the past and not leave his requalifying hopes up to Hawaii yet again.

29 {aus}

@adammelling

How

Melling,

ADAM MellING

insights

25 {aus}

insights

MAtt WIlKINSON

Last year in austraLia: 13th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Great skills, high energy/effort, developing peer respect. sL’s prediction: Should hold his position at least through the Oz leg.

PROFILES

@jadsonandre

Last year in austraLia: Not seeded. strengths: Desire, competitive skills, youth, reconstructed power style. sL’s prediction: Will do some unexpected damage from his low seed ranking.

MItCH CReWS

@mitchcrews

insights

24 {aus}

first hit the big leagues in 2010, going toeto-toe with Owen Wright for the Rookie Of The Year title. In the end it was Wright who won out, but Andre who claimed the first tour victory, winning the Billabong Rio Pro on the back of a flurry of trademark air-reverses. The judges soon tired of the one-trick approach, however, and two years later Jadson was relegated to the Qualifying Series to flatten out the kinks. Still just a pup, Jadson is back on the 2014 WCT with a game refined and rounded by a year on the grind, and with a point to prove that he was no flash in the pan.

23 {bra}

insights

Jadson

JADSON ANDRe

insights

28 {euk}

insights

@raonimonteiro

When

Aritz Aranburu qualified for the 2008 WCT, his sponsor, Quiksilver, commemorated his achievement with the best-looking signature boardshort you’ve ever seen. The red, green and white livery of the Basque Country’s ikurrina flag shone resplendent, heralding the first-ever Basque man to make the major leagues, a feat managed courtesy of considerable aplomb in serious waves, incredible Mundaka-honed backhand tube nous, and no shortage of hard yakka. Never the flashiest guy on tour, Aritz is rock solid and smart, and will never let an opponent rest.

Last year in austraLia: Not seeded. strengths: Great heat rhythm, no fear of top seeds. sL’s prediction: Could surprise some bigger names, especially at Margarets.

RAONI MONteIRO 31 {bra}

you’re not from Australia you could be forgiven for wondering just who exactly Mitch Crews is, such has been the rate of the Gold Coast ripper’s rise through the ranks. A few short years ago Mitch was winning every junior contest in the land, then, foregoing any of the usual profile-building hoo-ha, Crewsy took his frenetic energy straight to the ‘QS. The results were superb, the lighting-fast natural footer – born in the same hospital as Joel Parkinson no less – winning over the judges with his endless energy and never-say-die attitude, all served with a liberal dose of fins and flair. Let’s see if it packs the same punch in the land of man-on-man competition.

Last year in austraLia: Not seeded. strengths: High skills, tremendous competitive energy. sL’s prediction: This will be a big learning phase for Mitch – no expectations.

ARItz ARANBURU

@aritz_aranburu

There’s

not many more popular surfers on tour than big Brazilian natural-footer Raoni Monteiro. Overcoming a string of injuries, lasting three years without a major backer, hurting himself in one of only two heats surfed on the biggest day of 2013 in Fiji, and knocking Kelly Fricken Slater out of Bells last year is but a mere cross-section of what Raoni gets up to. After three sponsorless years – even missing a couple of comps due to insufficient funds – and with a new baby and baby mama by his side, Raoni made the cut in the last qualifying event of 2013, picking up a sponsor along the way. This is your year, mate, let’s see it.

Last year in austraLia: 25th Quik Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Brilliant high-energy carving approach, love of a big occasion. sL’s prediction: A bit like Wilko; Raoni could do anything, just watch.

From

insights

two foot to eight foot, Travis Logie’s smooth technique never changes. An elite athlete who treats surfing as a deadly serious sport, the lightning fast goofyfooter is entering his ninth season on the WCT and showing no signs of fatigue. Travis’ 2013 was capped with a quarterfinal run at the Hurley Pro Trestles, the closest thing the Hollywood-based Saffa has to a home event these days.

@travislogie

DION AtKINSON

insights

first South Australian surfer to make the WCT since Jarrad Howse, graduation has been a long time coming for Dion Atkinson. Polished and powerful, Dion is an old school surfer who buries rail, throws buckets and parks himself in the pit. There are no frills with Dion, so it’s no surprise that it was the qualification of fellow ‘QS soldier Glenn Hall that really lit a fire under the natural-footer to believe in himself and get the job done. Look for Bells and Margaret River in particular to deliver strong results for Dion.

27 {aus}

Last year in austraLia: Not seeded. strengths: Clean power-surfing style, unknown quantity at this level. sL’s prediction: A learning-curve start with a good chance of something extra.

With

his good looks and trophy wife, Brett Simpson is your typical All-American hero, but has his fairy-tale played out already? It would seem that way for the precise naturalfooter. After claiming back-to-back US Opens at his home break, storming on to the WCT along the way, the dream appears to have halted somewhat for Simpson, who has seemingly lost the will to win tough heats. Simpo’s brilliance needs to go from occasional flash to regular feature if he’s to break away from the qualification bubble he’s called home for the past three years.

insights

34 {zaf}

Last year in austraLia: 9th Quik Pro, 25th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Athletic, high-energy style, never less than 100 per cent there. sL’s prediction: Likely to hold his position during the Australian leg.

The

@dionatkinson

BRett SIMPSON 29 {usa}

Last year in austraLia: 9th Quik Pro, 25th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: All the moves and a lot of experience. sL’s prediction: A win or big place is unlikely, but he should begin his recovery here.

With

six years on tour to his name, Tiago Pires wouldn’t be happy that he’s never finished higher than 21st (in 2010). However, a couple of semifinal finishes along the journey would give the Portuguese surfer hope that some success still lies ahead. Growing up charging the notorious Cave slab, Tiago is a threat at any of the right points on tour, and is just as solid at the barrelling lefts. Some of the more performanceoriented waves will pose problems though, and Tiago’s astute competitive game will need to be at its best to get through.

insights

tRAvIS lOGIe

Last year in austraLia: 25th Quik Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Wonderful style, great record against top seeds. sL’s prediction: Will shine at Snapper and Bells if injury-free.

@brettsimpson

tIAGO PIReS 34 {prT}

@tiagosacapires

ASP REPLACEMENT SURFERS (you’ll see these guys if a seeded surfer is injured): GLENN HALL (IRL), MITCH COLEBORN (AUS), PAT GUDAUSKAS (USA), WILLIAN CARDOSO (BRA). 24 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

fields of dreams QUiKsilVer Pro/roXY Pro SNAPPER ROCKS, QLD WITh DEAn mOrrISOn* On TOUr SInCE: 2002 DEFEnDInG ChAmPS: Kelly Slater (men), Tyler Wright (women)

The mad miracle of the Superbank, the wave that defines modern high performance ripping, home of the Quik and Roxy Pros, and opening stanza for the 2014 ASP WCT.

OUT THERE

SURF CHECK

You’ve got to get up early and hunt the backstreets to find a place to park, otherwise in the middle of the day you’ve got no chance anywhere near the event. The usual car park is pretty good, but that road’s closed when the comp’s on. You can see how it’s looking and what the sand is doing from up above, though, when you’re coming down the hill from Duranbah. You want a solid east-sou’east swell and sou’east winds. Nice and clean, and if the sand’s good it should hit it perfectly and fire, and link all the way down to Greenmount. 26 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

Getting out? It depends what the rip’s doing. If it’s bad you want to try to get in around the back at Froggies and drift down rather than jump off the rock or paddle through the keyhole. The guys in the event will manage it fine, but I’ve seen a couple of guys get walloped on the jump rock over the years, absolutely skinned alive. You’ve got to time it right when you jump, make sure there are no little double-ups that will push you back on to it. The jump-off sorts things out a little, but it’s pretty dog-eat-dog out there, nobody’s taking turns. When it’s pumping, you want the sweep coming from the south, and that really breaks up the crowd. If the sweep’s coming from the north it gets dangerous, everyone gets packed at the top and gets in each other’s way. It’s hard surfing out there when it’s like that, contest or not.

THE PERFECT 10

You want to see the swell line coming in from across the bay, that’s when you know it’s not going to be a short one. You take off behind the rock and want to be to your feet before you hit the backwash, that way you can deal with it and ride straight over it. Pull in and get barrelled, then you come out and you’ve got a big wall ahead and so much speed that you can really lay into it. The good ones are the same size and same speed all the way. After that it bends back in and you get barrelled again through Little Marley. On the perfect ones, though, you just want to sit in the tube the whole way.

destinations

Three

dramatic events, three classic locations. All of them drenched in history … and possibility. To get the insight on each of Australia’s WCT zones, we talked to head local pros Dean Morrison, Tom Innes and Troy Brooks.

Snapper’s takeoff zone during the heat of competition – warm, playful, deceptive, and so close you can almost touch the surfers.

BACK-UPS

Duranbah is great, it’s a fun, punchy beachbreak with every section you need. Pits, punts, hacks, you can do it all out there. Kirra is nowhere near what it used to be, which sucks. Even the swell after the contest last year it was fun, but it wasn’t that good. It used to be so thick and so perfect, now it’s really broken up and sectiony. But like we saw last year, it can still bring out the best in any surfer.

VANTAGE POINT

The (Rainbow Bay) surf club, for sure! We call it The Office. The view from the clubhouse deck is perfect. The only problem there is you end up catching up with so many people that you forget to watch the event, and end up having to ask people what you missed in the water. Otherwise, there’s plenty of open space on the hill above Snapper, with the same sort of view, but elevated.

SUSTENANCE

If I’m after something healthy I usually go to Mick Fanning’s mum’s place, the Fresh Garden Café, to grab a roll or a juice, or grab an acai bowl from one of the other options on Griffith Street. Café D’Bar is a pretty good option for a coffee and a feed too, up on the hill behind Snapper, at the top of Boundary Street. A few ales and a feed with your mates can be great on sunset at the surf club, but I also like The Sands, in Coolangatta. It seems to be where we end up if one of the local boys wins the event.

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT

It was great winning here, and it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. It’s good fun, and there’s a real sense of accomplishment if you achieve something that you set out to. Plus when you win the first event of the year you’re technically the world number one for a bit, which is cool. You’re the King of Coolangatta, just for the one night. I’m pretty sure I went out with no shoes on, so you can get away with a bit.

*Former World Tour surfer Dean “Dingo” Morrison won the Quiksilver Pro in 2002. 27

drug aware pro

mARGARET RIVER, wA WITh TOM InnES* On TOUr SInCE: 1985 (Debuts this year on the mens WCT, featured on Women’s WCT since 2013) DEfEnDInG ChAMPS: Dusty Payne (men), Carissa Moore (women)

SURF CHECK

The best place to see what’s doing at Mainbreak is the Surfers Point car park. You can check The Box from a car park between Surfers Point and Rivermouth, in front of a wave called Fraggle Rock, which looks straight across the bay into the tube. Mainbreak is best known for its consistency and is good in a large range of conditions, however, it is best on a six-to-eight-foot-swell, mid-tide, with an easterly wind. Parking at the event is a nightmare. If you’re a competitor or have a pass you’ll be able to park on-site, otherwise the car park is several kilometres away, and you then catch the provided buses into the event.

OUT THERE

At Mainbreak there is a keyhole at the base of the main staircase that makes things easy heading out. There is a trick to getting through the shorebreak without getting washed miles out into the bay, but I’ll leave that for you to figure out… I would ride a bigger board to paddle in from further outside. You have to be prepared to bump rails with other surfers and know that once you have committed to the take-off it is difficult to pull back due to the large volume of water in the wave. Guys who are really sun-parched and riding unbreakable equipment should be respected because they have probably been surfing here longer than most of us have been alive. It’s not too hard to pick up who is local if you sit back and assess the lineup; guys with strong Aussie drawls and battered old fourwheel-drives are fairly obvious.

THE PERFECT 10

It is rare to get a good tube at Mainbreak, but occasionally it does have a difficult, flaring barrel. The waves that throw out generally wrap most of the way around the reef, providing room for manoeuvres on exit. Most 10s on the left are given for a tube on take-off followed by a fade to carve or fin blow over the Surgeon’s Table, the shallow reef on the inside of the left. I have only seen a few 10s on the right, one by Ola Eleogram in a heat against me in 2012. He took off deep, backdoored the peak and got shacked all the way through to the end section, then did a critical manoeuvre on to shallow reef. The other that comes to mind is Josh Kerr in the 2010 final. Kerrzy was comboed with five minutes to go against Taj Burrow, took off and pulled a huge straight air into an air-reverse, then hit the end section to lock in a 10. He backed it up two minutes later to snatch the event! 28 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

BACK-UPS

Southside is a good small-wave option if the swell goes flat. The left offers more scoring potential unless you can get a tube or reef runner on the right, but this generally doesn’t happen if it’s that small. The Box is a little more fickle due to seasonal tides. Autumn tides are higher than normal so the reef is deeper than other times of the year. You want a six-to-10-foot swell, mid-high tide and east-nor’east winds. The best waves corner up as a west peak and let you in easily, followed by a perfect long barrel and huge spit, however, the wide peaks have no roll-in, an extremely difficult take-off, a stepped tube and a huge spit-blowout, which could score better.

VANTAGE POINT

The shire has spent almost $6 million redeveloping the point, so the entire headland looks pretty good and has lots of grassy knolls to perch on. You might want to find a bit of shade under the tents provided by the event organisers though, so you don’t end up as leathered as the locals!

destinations

Margaret’s in the morning light. There’s not too many event locations that match this one for sheer rugged oceanic beauty.

SUSTENANCE

The Prevelly Store, Sea Gardens and Gnarabar all offer good food and are nice and close. White Elephant is pretty cool because you can sit right on the water and have a coffee and big breakfast. Event organisers provide loads of food stalls at Surfers Point, so that is also an option while the comp is on, but the most healthy food can be found back in Margaret River township itself. Settlers Tavern is the best watering hole in Margaret River and the Gnarabar is pretty good if you’re looking for a more mellow lounge hang and a game of pool. Knights Inn is the other option. It’s quite dark, like an old English pub, and can be good if you have a decent team to hang with or if they are running a function.

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT

I made the final in 2006, when Occy won. Ricky Basnett came second and Jake Paterson finished third. It’s an amazing feeling to do well at home against some of the best in the world, with the support of your mates and loved ones. I also came fifth one year surfing from the trials. That felt pretty cool because I was without a sponsor and was surfing the event for the love of it.

*Tom Innes is a a perennial star of the event and president of the Margaret River Boardriders. 29

rip curl pro

BEllS BEACH, VIC WITh TrOy BrOOkS* On TOUr SInCE: 1976 (an ASP World Tour foundation event) DEfEnDInG ChAmPS: Adriano de Souza (men), Carissa Moore (women)

SURF CHECK

The car park on top of Winkipop is the go – you can see Bells and Winki from the one place, and get a good read on the swell and work out which one you want to hit. Looking out to sea, Rincon is to the far right, hugging the Bells cliff. You generally surf there at three to four feet or smaller, on high tide. It’s a shallow reef that produces a 200m ride, and if you’ve got a full moon king tide when the event is on, it’s an entertaining session right in front of the crowd. When the tide drops out the Bowl starts breaking, straight out to sea in front of the stairs. It can hold as big as it gets; there’s a ledge that works when it’s four feet, then there’s a six-foot ledge, and a 10-foot one even further out. When the contest’s on, unless you’ve got a competitor’s pass you’ll be guided to park in the paddocks out the back of the event site with the kangaroos. The Jan Juc Cricket Club run the parking, so all the money they make goes back into the club and the community.

OUT THERE

Bells has a few different paddle-out points, but it’s got a deep channel so you can easily get out through the bay until it’s about six feet, then it starts to close out. At Winki there’s an obvious button you paddle around, but as it gets bigger, and definitely once it’s ten feet or more, you need to stay as far away from it as possible. I know of at least one person who’s died on it, so you’ve got to watch out. Bells breaks best in the five-to-six-foot range. You want really clean, long lines with a bit more south in the swell so it hits the reef the best. Nor-west winds are best for Bells and Winki. They generally work on the same conditions, Winki’s just always a bit smaller and a bit more lined up. Winki is a traditional point break, whereas Bells is more of an open reef.

30 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

THE PERFECT 10

I’ve seen it done a few different ways. Kelly has done it with one manoeuvre a few feet off the beach, but the more traditional way is how Occy or Joel Parkinson have pulled it off. Six foot, stiff offshores, take off deep on the Bowl, racing down the line and hooking really vertical and throwing 20 feet of spray in the air. Then you try to link a cover-up through the inside, and finish off with a major turn on the closeout. It’s a really hard section to time right, but if the crowd’s energy is up you just can’t not hit it.

BACK-UPS

Back in the days before legropes, Bells was where everyone surfed, because the cliffs of Winkipop would destroy your boards. These days that’s not an issue, and it’s much more a highperformance wave. You’ll see a lot of freesurfs going on at Winki, and it’s always great viewing if the contest moves there. Johanna is a couple of hours’ drive west past Cape Otway, and cops a lot more swell, those big Antarctic swells that brew up. If Bells is two foot it’s probably six to eight feet on the beachies, and if you’ve got a light north wind you’ll see some of the best beachies of your life.

destinations

Bells Beach on fire, from the deep inside takeoff at Little Rincon to the wide-open spaces of the Bowl – a classic challenge to a pro surfer’s imagination. Which turn do you do? And where?

VANTAGE POINT

I love watching from the sand. The kids can muck around in the shorebreak, but you always need to take a spare change of clothes in case the surge gets ’em. From the cliff you’re looking down on the waves and they can seem a little flatter, but at sea level you really get a feel for how big and powerful the swell is. Then with 5000 people on the sand there’s always a bit of carnage on the high tide when sets hit, so hold on to your kids and your thongs!

SUSTENANCE

Swell in Jan Juc is good for breakfast, and Soul Fuel in Torquay is sick too, a lot of the surfers go there. Café Moby is great for a coffee too, on The Esplanade in Torquay. Then there’s Bird Rock Café in Jan Juc. Best cold beer and pizza in town.

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT

I don’t know if I ever did have a really good result out there other than winning the trials! Being a Torquay boy, there’s definitely no shortage of local folk offering you advice at the shops, or when you’re freesurfing, but the clap you get from everyone in the car park on your way out for your heat is nice, and definitely amps you up.

*Troy Brooks is Torquay’s most successful WCT competitor and has won the Bells trials four times. 31

rooney p: brandon

h a nd ma d e s u rf b o ar ds bu i l t t o l as t

yle ~ ~ dimity sto

fa c e b o o k / m s . s u r f b o a r d s i n s ta g r a m

ms.surfboards

mitchsurman@hotmail.com

women’s PRoFILes

WAhines

Surfer’s profile images taken from Instagram

Meet the woMen with the waves of the world ChaMpionship tour at their feet. And whAt A tour it’s going to be, with the stArs in form And some greAt newcomers. bring it on.

cArissA moore 22 {haw}

@rissmoore10

Your

current world champion owned the WCT and its number one ranking in Australia last year. A semifinal finish at the Roxy Pro was Carissa Moore’s worst finish (!), before the powerful natural-footer collected back-to-back wins at Margaret River and Bells. Carissa’s final with Tyler Wright at the Drug Aware Pro would prove to be a key moment in the title race, with a clean-up set ending Wright’s hopes as Moore capitalised. From that point onwards Moore was spectacular, and spectacularly consistent, not losing one of the four finals she contested on her run to the 2013 title. Moore is the woman to beat in 2014.

insights

Last year in austraLia: 3rd Roxy Pro, winner Drug Aware Pro, winner Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Superlative skills and power, champion’s attitude. sL’s prediction: Has a lot in reserve; world title favourite again in 2014.

Tyler

insights

Wright won her first WCT event as a 14-year-old, but 2013 will surely go down as her breakthrough year. After admitting she’d got a bit sidetracked in years previous, Wright came out of the gates hard, starting the season atop the podium with a come-from-behind win at Snapper Rocks. Wright then engaged in heavy woman-on-woman warfare with Carissa Moore for the remainder of the calendar, taking the title down to the last event in Portugal, where the feisty Hawaiian finally sealed the deal on title number two. Surfing stronger than ever before and having come close to glory last year, look for a refreshed Wright to come out of the gates hard this time around.

@tylerwright

über-athlete from the South Coast of New South Wales made the quarterfinals of every event last year, but whereas title winner Carissa Moore claimed four events from four finals, Sally could only manage one of four. It would prove to be the difference between first and third come year’s end, although Fitzgibonns will take solace in her form to close the season out. Realising the title race was done with two events remaining, Fitzgibbons felt the need to send a message re 2014 and made the final stops of the Eurotour her own. Did Sally unlock the mystery that’s keeping her from the crown? This year might have all the answers we need. Fitzgibbons’ open want of the title, and endless quest for self-improvement – training in wave pools, competing in other sports – will see her leaving no stone unturned once again.

insights

20 {AUS}

Last year in austraLia: winner Roxy Pro, 2nd Drug Aware Pro, 3rd Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Freakish ability and power carving style. sL’s prediction: Tyler’s skills are still developing – she’s the logical title challenger.

The

sally fitzgibbons 23 {AUS}

Last year in austraLia: 2nd Roxy Pro, 3rd Drug Aware Pro, 5th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Technical surfing skills, mastery of the competitive format. sL’s prediction: Will establish a platform in Oz for a title shot.

there’s one thing Courtney Conlogue has done to separate herself from the WCT pack it’s proving that she can win events. As well as claiming the Beachley Classic and NZ Surf Festival over her three years in the big leagues, Conlogue also distinguished herself on that day at Bells last year, the powerfully built natural-footer a standout when the Bowl started to turn on. Driven to succeed and more than happy to be on the road, Conlogue has put herself near the top of the WCT pile, and is hungry for the pinnacle.

insights

tyler wright

@sally_fitz

courtney conlogue 21 {USA}

Last year in austraLia: 5th Roxy Pro, 5th Drug Aware Pro, 3rd Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Competitive grit, dynamic style. sL’s prediction: Should improve Aussie results slightly on last year.

Kelly

@courtneyconlogue

stephanie gilmore

insights

Slater had been on tour for eight years and won six world titles when he tired of the routine and took a three-year sabbatical, before the lure of competition with Andy Irons 26 {AUS} brought him back. In comparison, Stephanie Gilmore has collected five world titles in seven years, but also made it abundantly clear recently that there is more to life than surfing. If there has been a benefit of the abbreviated women’s tour the past few years, however, it was that Steph was able to enjoy plenty of extracurricular activities along the way, without the need to abscond entirely. After a remarkably unspectacular year in 2013 – a string of semifinal finishes the highlight – there’s no woman on tour who’ll be more fired up by the addition of high-quality waves to the roster than Gilmore, and you know she’ll be going all out to regain the crown she sees as her own. Last year in austraLia: 3rd Roxy Pro, 3rd Drug Aware Pro, 5th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Power, precision and extraordinary style; world title experience. sL’s prediction: Should challenge for wins at every event.

34 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

@stephaniegilmore

women’s PRoFILes

insights

19 {USA}

insights

20 {ZAF}

@paulineado

Peterson started her World Championship Tour run with a pair of seventh-placed finishes in 2012 and 2013. Solid, sure, but the flashy Santa Barbaran with a swag of new school trickery will be looking for more this year. After winning the US Open as a rookie, starring in Nike’s game-changing Leave A Message movie, her own Zero To 100 bio, and regularly taking to the skies in her heats, Lakey has built a fanbase who are crazy about her game. With the hi-fi heaven of Trestles slotting into the women’s WCT in 2014, look for Lakey to be a star player in the second of two events in her home state.

the lone goofy-footer in the Top 10 you can imagine that sixfoot South African Bianca Buitendag is licking her lips at the thought of hitting Fiji’s Cloudbreak in a heat for the first time in 2014. With plenty of time spent swooping down the line on her backhand at Jeffreys Bay, you know that the long walls of Honolua Bay, Maui, will also work well with the repertoire of the super-smooth athlete from the Rainbow Nation, who took Rookie Of The Year honours in 2013.

Last year in austraLia: 5th Roxy Pro, 9th Drug Aware Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Clean, smooth surfing skills, lots of potential. sL’s prediction: B’s challenge is to break through into some semifinals.

pauline ado 23 {FrA}

Lakey

Last year in austraLia: 9th Roxy Pro, 9th Drug Aware Pro, 3rd Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Ferocious, committed power style; learning heat-craft fast. sL’s prediction: Serious threat to the top five.

bianca buitendag

@biancabuitendag

Last year in austraLia: 9th Roxy Pro, 5th Drug Aware Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Focus, determination, physical power/speed. sL’s prediction: Should hold her current ranking through Australia

lakey peterson

@lakeypeterson

insights

20 {HAW}

@xococoho

blessed with the good looks to do so, the incredibly popular Coco Ho has avoided the pitfalls of becoming a surfer/model and is wholly and solely focused on surfing to the sharp end of events, and the top of the ratings. Ho is a threat in all conditions, but the diminutive Hawaiian natural-footer will be relishing the opportunities that events in Maui and Fiji will serve up in 2014, and looking to repeat the magic that saw her finish fourth, and win Rookie Of The Year, in 2009.

insights

Although

coco ho

French

dynamo Pauline Ado was sitting on the requalification bubble at the end of last year and dug deep in the final events, including a stirring third place at the US Open, to deservedly win her way back on to the merry-go-round for 2014. With three seasons under her belt Ado has experience on her side and knows what is needed for success. Now is the time for Europe’s number one ranked woman to take it to the world.

Last year in austraLia: 5th Roxy Pro, 13th Drug Aware Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Competitive skills and experience, fast-twitch surfing style. sL’s prediction: Can make a strong start at Snapper Rocks, which suits her surfing.

women’s PRoFILes

22 {AUS}

@lauraenever

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laura enever

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24 {HAW}

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20 {HAW}

@maliamanuel

dimity stoyle 19 {AUS}

@dimity

For

all the hype surrounding Alana Blanchard, the most oft-overlooked fact regarding the Kauaian celeb is that the girl can really, truly surf. Sounds a silly thing to say for someone who’s in the ASP’s Top 17, but it needs to be stated. Best of all is that the diminutive natural-footer shines in the big stuff. After tying Laura Enever for 10th, the final qualifying position, in 2013, Alana lost out on a countback, but with no surfers chasing injury wildcards was granted a ticket to ride. With Fiji and Hawaii on this year’s schedule Blanchard will be looking to stamp some authority on this year without having to resort to a bailout from the ASP at season’s end.

Last year in austraLia: 5th Roxy Pro, 5th Drug Aware Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Exceptional technique, power moves. sL’s prediction: Should regain some tour momentum in Australia.

malia manuel

insights

the end of last year Laura Enever found herself tied with Alana Blanchard in 10th place – the cut-off for requalification. A smiling Enever was awarded her ticket to the 2014 tour via a countback based on the previous year’s seedings, and the relieved natural-footer got a kick in the pants that will see her surf with renewed vigour this season. Laura’s Narrabeen upbringing renders her graceful technique deceptive. Beneath the smooth carves and buttery turns lies a competitive beast who’s not afraid of paddling circles around a competitor in the cries of battle.

Last year in austraLia: 9th Roxy Pro, 9th Drug Aware Pro, 13th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Unpredictable angular style, competitive intensity. sL’s prediction: This is a career-defining year for Laura; she must start well.

alana blanchard

@alanablanchard

Come

Still

only 20 years of age, Malia Manuel has the world at her fins. Manuel first stormed into the surfing world’s consciousness as a 14-year-old in 2008 with a win at the US Open. Since then the achievements have kept coming; Malia had a starring role in the seminal Leave A Message movie, won the 2011 WQS rating and claimed 2012 Rookie Of The Year honours. With the second-season blues behind her, look for regular podium finishes from the powerful natural-footer with a full bag of turns and tricks.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Roxy Pro, 13th Drug Aware Pro, 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Elegant style with wide move range. sL’s prediction: May well be her breakthrough season.

Sunshine

Coast natural-footer Dimity Stoyle will be unfamiliar to many surf aficionados before the season gets under way, but with more events and a lot more media attention in store for the women’s tour in 2014, expect the rookie with the bubbly personality to become a fan favourite in no time at all. Stoyle isn’t an unknown quantity to her peers after a successful junior career and a victory in the trials at Snapper last year. Plenty more gold lies ahead for the reigning ISA World Champ.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Roxy Pro, not seeded Drug Aware Pro, Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Surf stoke, energetic style, strong pre-tour experience. sL’s prediction: Big learning curve ahead here! Could surprise a few big names.

women’s PRoFILes

@alessaquizon

23 {nzl}

@johannedefay

After

announcing her arrival on surfing’s stage with a big win at the Oakley World Junior Championships in Bali in 2012, Nikki Van Dijk is poised to unleash on the WCT in her first appearance as a full-time member. With a number of Rip Curl Pro and Beachley Classic wildcard performances to her name, the incredibly fit Phillip Islander will be looking to step up her precise and powerful attack in 2014. If the waves pack a punch look for the sweet but strong naturalfooter to hit right back hard.

Life

on the WCT hasn’t been easy for the first New Zealander to ever qualify, an honour Paige Hareb claimed in 2009. A semifinal finish at her first event set the tone, and Hareb finished her rookie year in 8th position, her highest ranking to date. Losing her major sponsor in 2011 saw the Kiwi hero turn to her people for support, as she crowd-funded her 2012 campaign. Hareb finished 10th and requalified, admitting that the financial concerns had actually made her relax more about her results and turned the experience into a positive one. In 2014, with prize money increasing for the women, and events in Fiji and Hawaii to help the powerful goofy-footer, Hareb again has every reason to be smiling.

Last year in austraLia: 13th Roxy Pro, 5th Drug Aware Pro, 5th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Great power style, ability to challenge the skills of the top five. sL’s prediction: Every chance of a big Australian season.

joanne defay 20 {FRA}

a rookie in 2014, Alessa Quizon already has a WCT semifinal finish on her CV, scorching through the field at the 2012 Billabong Pro Rio and accounting for some big names along the way. It wasn’t her first event in the major leagues though, that honour came as a 15-year-old at Honolua Bay in 2009. Quizon won the Billabong World Junior Championships at Burleigh Heads in 2012, so there’s no doubting the competitive prowess of this dynamo from the west side of Oahu, and with a full ticket to ride in 2014 the rookie will gain confidence from being one of five Hawaiians on tour and relish the opportunity to showcase her wares.

Last year in austraLia: 9th Rip Curl Pro. strengths: Focus, determination, physical power/speed. sL’s prediction: Will make a strong impact as a seed; can make the top eight.

paige hareb

@paigehareb

insights

20 {AUS}

@nikkivandijk

Although

Last year in austraLia: Not seeded. strengths: Great skills, inventive, still developing. sL’s prediction: Could put a shock wave through the middle order in Oz.

nikki van dijk

insights

20 {HAW}

insights

alessa quizon

Twenty

-year-old Joanne Defay is one of the more interesting new additions to the 2014 WCT lineup. Born in France, but learning to surf in La Reunion, Defay honed her skills over the coral reefs of the French territory buried deep in the Indian Ocean and will be thrilled to take on Cloudbreak at the Fiji Pro. Sponsorless, but with a tireless work ethic – Joanne was a gymnast as a child and now trains with national triathlon coach Joel Hauss – Defay might be new to the tour, but don’t expect her to roll over for anyone.

Last year in austraLia: Unseeded. strengths: Athletic power, surprise-package potential. sL’s prediction: Has the chops to develop into a strong tour competitor.

how it happens The WCT evenT, pieCe by pieCe

The

awesome three-time world champ Tom Curren once said: “Winning is all about figuring out the format. The world champion is usually the one who has it figured out better than anyone.” Well, OK, Tom! If you say so! Let’s see how these things set up – and what pans out when the hooter sounds.

wCt Men

36 surfers (top 34 plus two wildcards) 51 heats, three full days’ competition, minimum waiting period eight days

START HERE…

…AND IF YOU GET IT RIGHT…

…FINISH HERE!

LEGEND:

ONE 12

THREE 12

FOUR 4

1/4 FINAL 4

SEmI 2

FINAL 1

Rounds No. of heats Placings Placings Placings

1 2ND, 3RD

1 2ND GONE!

1 2ND, 3RD

1 2ND GONE!

1 WINNER 2 NON WINNERS

TWO 12 1ST 2ND GONE!

FIvE 4 1ST 2ND GONE!

THE PATH TO vICTORY Pretty simple: A surfer can win the event by winning six heats in succession. He can only afford to lose a heat in the three-man rounds one and four, when he won’t be eliminated, instead he’ll be shoved into a sudden-death round with the other losers. If you blow both of the three-man rounds you can still triumph as long as you win every other heat you surf in. (A surfer who does it the hard way will surf eight heats in total.)

40 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

Place

WCT points

Money (USD)

10,000

$100,000

8000

$40,000

6500

$20,000

5200

$15,000

4000

$10,000

1750

$9500

500

$8000

FYI

All ASP WCT evenTS hAve WAiTing PeriodS. These are designed to give the surfers a chance to ride the best possible surf in a reasonable time frame. That’s the ocean for ya; as every surfer knows, she always makes you wait. The waiting period builds a unique tension into pro surfing – a critical uncertainty as to what will happen tomorrow, or even in some cases for the rest of today. That tension is one of a rookie pro’s great challenges. There’S TWo kindS of heAT in A WCT evenT. One kind is a threeperson heat, where no surfer is actually booted from the contest, but the losers are relegated to a sudden-death round. The other kind is a one-on-one heat, where whoever loses is gone. These two types of heats are very different – the dynamic in a one-on-one confrontation is far more straightforward and both surfers are focused solely on performance and direct competitive tactics, while in a three-person heat the dynamic is diffused and each surfer feels a fraction less direct pressure. The older big gun pros, with their armory of tactical knowledge and fearsome reputations, have a definite advantage in one-on-one, but will sometimes let their guards slip in three-person. A Surfer’S beST TWo rideS add up to make his total heat score (see How an ASP WCT is Judged). There’s no limit to the number of waves a surfer can catch in search of his top two. The best score anyone can get is two 10-point rides, or a 20/20. Years pass without anyone pulling this off. Four surfers have achieved it: Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Jeremy Flores and Shane Beschen. Surfers don’t sweat over a 20/20; if it happens, it happens. The real skill in competition is winning the tight heats, when you and your opponent are both within range of the win until the last moment. This usually revolves around your wave choice, and that means whether or not you get priority.

PrioriTy iS The WildCArd in Any heAT. It’s a system designed to let a surfer relax and focus on catching the best wave he or she can find without worrying about the opposition getting in the way. That’s the theory anyway. In practice, it’s a bit trickier. It’s pretty simple. Priority is awarded after the first wave is ridden to the surfer who is yet to catch a wave. The surfer with priority has complete right of wave selection without interference from his competitor. He surrenders priority if he makes a committed attempt to catch a wave, whether he catches the wave or not. A surfer without priority can catch any wave he likes, as long as it isn’t claimed by the priority surfer. If you cross priority, an interference is scored against you, and your best wave score is halved, but still counted in your top two. Ouch. Priority is given to surfers only when they’re in the take-off zone. If both surfers are out of the zone and neither has priority, it goes to the first surfer to get back out there. That’s why you may see the odd paddle battle or two. Some WCTS hAve SPeCiAlTy Add-onS, like Expression Sessions, where 10 or more top pros go out to try to pull the craziest moves, or junior star events featuring the top under-20 surfers in the world. These are often deployed to fill a gap in surf quality on an otherwise good day. You’ll see a bit of this if you’re lucky enough to be at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. finAlS dAy iS The PeAk dAy for Any WCT. It can take the whole waiting period to get there, but it always blows minds. This is where the top guns – and often a couple of on-fire maniacs from the lower end of the rankings – pull out everything they’ve got. Part of the savvy competitor’s skill range is being able to keep something special aside for when it really counts, and from the quarterfinals on the special stuff tends to come out. Don’t miss it.

18 surfers (ASP WCT top 17 plus one wildcard) 27 heats, two solid days’ competition, minimum waiting period five days STArT here…

WCT WoMEN

…And if you geT iT righT…

…finiSh here!

legend:

one 6

Three 4

1/4 finAl 4

Semi 2

finAl 1

rounds no. of heats Placings Placings Placings

1 2nd, 3rd

1 2nd gone!

1 Winner 2 non WinnerS

TWo 6

four 4

1ST 2nd gone!

The PATh To viCTory A women’s event runs much like a men’s, but since there’s less surfers, there’s one round less too. If you’re on the case and win five heats in a row you’ll win the contest. Again, in three-person heats you can’t be booted from the draw, but if you don’t win those heats you’ll get recycled through a sudden-death one-on-one round. If that happens and you still want to win, you’ll surf seven heats.

Place

WCT points

Money (USD)

10,000

$60,000

8000

$25,000

6500

$15,000

5200

$12,250

4000

$9,500

1750

$800

the five wise men How an aSP wCT iS judged

Five

wise men, sitting in a box overlooking the break. How’d they get there, and what’s going on up in that box? We asked ASP Head Judge RICH PORTA to explain to us the ins and outs of the hardest job in pro surfing…

In Australia we’ll have seven judges on rotation through the five-person panel, plus a priority judge, and me. The judges are from all over the world; I’m from Victoria, there’s Dave Shipley from Hawaii, Pritamo Ahrendt from Byron Bay, Luli Perreira and Luis Dantes from Brazil, Dylan Faint from Florida and another Aussie, Ben Lowe. In Margaret River we’ll be joined by Yannick Soren from France. These guys have all come up through a pool of hundreds, maybe thousands of judges around the globe. Typically a pro judge starts out at his local boardriders club contests, then does regional amateur work and progresses through smaller pro events, four-star and six-star 42 • 2014 ASP WCT GUIDE

qualifiers, and finally to this WCT level. You’ll judge a lot more waves at those smaller events, I think the record for a single day at a qualifier is 946 separate waves! You don’t judge anywhere near that at a WCT, but the difference is the pressure and scrutiny. It’s one thing to throw a score at a four-star, and totally another to throw one in the big league. The priority judge is a new position we’ve come up with; his job is simply to watch for and make the priority calls in each heat. It’s a vitally important job since it gives right of way for the next wave and it’s a job best done by itself with no distractions. In Australia it’ll be done by New Zealand’s Iain Buchanan.

All the judges like to surf, so they often do that early each morning at the event location. Meanwhile, I’m with the Commissioner (Kieren Perrow) and the surf director watching the conditions and making the call over what the day will hold. We’re chasing quality surf, what we call “equal opportunity surf”, which means there are enough high-quality waves coming through for every surfer in every heat to get a share. Once the call is made, the panel heads up to the judging box, where we just sit and watch the surf for up to an hour, making sure we understand what waves are available and what the surfers are finding to ride. There’s usually a bit of talking it through and getting the task clear for the day. The first heat always sets the tone for comparing ride to ride. Often the panel will hold the first scores back until they’ve seen each surfer ride a wave, just to be sure they’re comparing like to like.

FYI

the criteria Competitors must perform to the ASP judging key elements to maximise their scoring potential. Judges analyse the following major elements when scoring waves. Commitment and degree of difficulty Innovative and progressive manoeuvres Combination of major manoeuvres Variety of manoeuvres Speed, power and flow

scoring scale PERFECT10 EXCELLENT 8 GOOD 6 AVERAGE 4 FAIR 2 POOR 0 NO RIDE

(Different elements receive different emphasis depending on conditions: ie., commitment and degree of difficulty and speed, power and flow might be emphasised at a heavy hollow reef, while innovative moves, combinations and variety might be emphasised at a pointbreak or beachbreak.) There’s always five judges doing the scoring; for each ride, the top and bottom scores are crossed out and an average of the middle three becomes the wave score. Here’s what happens: a surfer rides a wave. Once the ride’s finished, each judge responds straight away by writing down a score on a paper judging sheet. Then we’ll review it – watch the replays from various angles, make sure we saw what we thought we saw, because it happens so quickly. We’re trained to observe and we don’t judge off the TV screen, but the replays are a tool – kind of a backup, so we can be sure we didn’t miss stuff. If you’re watching the event online and there’s a gap between the ride and the score, you can be pretty sure we’re watching the replays carefully to triple check ourselves. Once a judge is clear on his score, he punches it into the computer, and that’s the score with your name on it! There’s no going back from that.

The surfers have a protest mechanism available to them, but there’s no avenue of recourse over basic scoring. That’s just done and dusted; I’m always there to talk with them about a score, but the score is never changed after the fact. The protests hinge around things like priority – how and when it’s awarded – and interference calls. The protesting surfer fills out a protest form and it comes to us via the surfer rep. That leads to a meeting where the issue is discussed. There’s only been one heat re-surfed on protest in recent history: that was Jordy Smith versus Travis Logie in Tahiti in 2011, after Jordy broke ribs during the heat and couldn’t continue in a fair state.

At the end of each day we have a de-brief, just to help everyone clear their minds and reset. We watch all the important heats and rides, and I do a written analysis of what’s gone down. That’s what’s going on when the event winner is being chaired up the beach – we’re up in the box watching the contest again. It’s a lot tougher judging today than ever before. The lines are so fine. Last year, 96 of the 510 WCT heats were decided by margins of less than a point. The surfing on the WCT is so good and so full of variety, the expectations have gone way up. We’re judging really good surfing of every kind. You’ve got aerials, power turns, tweaks, barrels, which is harder? No-risk types of surfing, which might once have earnt sixes and sevens, they’re lucky to earn a four these days. It is subjective, but one thing is clear to every judge and every surfer: we’re looking for guys who are surfing flat-out. 43

FYI

The Surfing Life

Guide to Air It’s

safe to say that during the ASP WCT’s Aussie leg, surf fans will see more aerial moves than ever. Big air earns big score – and you know it’s spectacular. But what’s what in this highly technical skill? We list the stuff you need to know…

the five clAssics These are the building blocks of all aerial surfing style. Degree of difficulty gets tougher from one to five, although numbers two and three are close. (We’re not counting the wave here!)

John John Florence vs THAT oop.

A straight air is where the surfer lands without the nose of the board switching places with the tail. Your nose leads and lands, and at no time does the board spin more than 179˚. A spun air is when the surfer spins with his board in the “natural direction”, i.e. frontside on your forehand and backside on your backhand. Spun airs are described by the degree to which the surfer has rotated, so if they land backwards it’s a “180” and if they spin and land nose first it’s a “360”. It is never a “rotor”, but “air reverse” is grudgingly accepted. An alley oop is when the surfer spins the unnatural way – backside on his forehand, and vice versa. These are also described by the degree of spin, although a 180-degree alley oop, in which the surfer lands nose first, can be simply called an alley oop. If the surfer does an alley-oop-style air, but doesn’t spin and lands tail first, then that is called a “blindside air”. Calling these airs alley oops is a very common mistake. When the surfer spins the board frontside or backside under his feet it is called a varial. The surfer’s body may also spin, but has to spin in a different direction, or to a different degree, to the board. Julian Wilson has landed them on the WCT, infamously having them labelled as “crabby” surfing by Joel Parkinson, because the surfer rides out in switch stance. The varial can combine with a spin or alley oop, which is so amazing that in laymen’s terms, it’s crazy, nasty. Flips involve the board and a surfer spinning over the vertical axis. The horizontal axis spins around the body like a hula hoop would – that’s where a normal spun air happens. The vertical axis spins upside down over the surfer’s head. That’s the one in action during a backflip or frontflip. Jordy Smith and Gabriel Medina are the two WCT surfers most likely to land a backflip in competition, and since Kelly Slater famously attempted a “rodeo flip” at Pipeline in 2001, Heitor Alves and Patrick Gudauskas have successfully landed flip-spin variations in WCT events, receiving excellent scores for their troubles.

2 3

FYI

leFT - Top To boTToM: Matt Wilkinson and the art of the tweaked 360, frontside grab; Owen Wright, slob 180; Josh Kerr's "surfer" method, alley oop; The only grab that surfers can legitimately claim naming rights of is the "kerrupt", performed by Zeke Lau; Nothing stagnant about Jordy Smith's stalefish.

grab and hang on The biggest mistake surfers make when naming aerials is mixing up the established grab names. Grab names are determined by whether the surfer held the board • with the leading or trailing hand, • on the toe or heel side of the board, • while doing a front or backside spin, • in relation to the surfer’s feet. Here’s a list of grabs that you’ll see surfers do in competition, given a degree of difficulty from 1-5 (easiest – most difficult): FronTside Grab: Trailing hand, toeside, frontside rotation. It’s a go-to, looks sweet and is easy to do. Used as a stabilising tool. DD: 1 slob: Leading hand, toeside, frontside rotation. More difficult than the frontside, and thus worth more points. Used to spice up dime-a-dozen frontside 360s. DD: 2 indy: Trailing hand, toeside, backside rotation. The king of the grabs, and the most commonly misappropriated grab name. An indy can only ever be done on a backside spin or frontside oop. Looks sweet as a nut, and is quite hard to do. DD: 3 MuTe: Leading hand, toeside, backside rotation. Even harder than a slob because reaching towards your toes while spinning backside is a little more awkward. Would get scored the same as an indy, because it’s a little more difficult, but doesn’t look as smooth. DD: 3 backside Grab: Leading hand, heelside, backside rotation. The most natural grab on your backhand, because it’s all just there waiting for you to clutch at it. DD: 1 MeThod: Same as above, but with your knees bent and ideally with your rear leg straightened out. This is the most stylish of the grabs, and not really suited to surfing, which is why we’ll give you naming rights even if you don’t get that rear leg stiff. DD: 3 lien: Leading hand, heelside, frontside rotation. So called because when it is done properly the surfer will “lean” their body into it. If the surfer grabs between their feet, and straightens their front leg, then the grab will be a melon and is fricken sweet. DD: 2 sTaleFish: Trailing hand, heelside, either rotation. Quite difficult as the surfer has to reach around their back leg to make the grab. You really only see these frontside, but they are possible backside. DD: 4

roasTbeeF: Same as a stalefish, but the surfer grabs between the legs rather than around the back. Could be a thing of beauty if done tail-high and with the surfer’s rear leg straightened. DD: 3 double Grab: A grab that is done purely for stabilising and not for style. The double grab is both your leading and trailing hands on their heel/tail side respectively. DD: 1 kerrupT Grab: Opposite hands on opposite rail to the double grab. Invented by Josh Kerr after an inverted spin that he named the kerrupt flip. Seen more often than you’d think. DD: 3 cross rockeT: Similar to a kerrupt grab, but the surfer grabs opposite hands on opposite rails up in front of the front foot, thus forcing his arms to cross over. We haven’t seen one yet, but when we do it is going on the cover of Surfing Life. DD: 5 no Grab: Don’t grab it. Often a lot more difficult, and more stylish, than any of the grabs listed above. Looks especially cool when the surfer does an air of great amplitude. DD: 3 special MenTion: For extra style points the surfer can straighten or “bone out” either or both legs (straightening both legs is called a stiffy, and a stiffy mute is absolutely gorgeous). Pulling the board up with your grab to assist the bone really looks rad and can increase the difficulty of the grab by a lot. Basically, if the grab looks good, then it usually is. Trust your eyes, as the judges will reward what looks the most stylish in the air. Sometimes style equals functionality, so the grabs that help the surfer transition from the aerial manoeuvre into something else will be especially rewarded, as it assists the “speed, power and flow” component of the judging criteria.

names apart from flip-spin variations like the rodeo flip, air moves are named by the sum of their parts: type (including degree and inversion) and grab. A frontside 360, a backside straight nograb, a 180 indy, an inverted frontside 540 slob (good grief). Keeping it simple is keeping it cool. And keeping it simple in aerial surfing will be rewarded by the judges in 2014. Once degree of difficulty is taken into account, aerials that enable the surfer to link moves together will score more than small spun airs at the end of a ride. That said, the bigger the air the higher the score was the trend in 2013, and it will continue this year. 47

dragonalliance.com

@dragonausnz

photo

sherman

AN OFFICIAL HELLO. CARLTON DRY IS OFFICIALLY THE OFFICIAL BEER OF THE ASP.