2013 Surfing Competitions

[buzzy]

I know I'm sounding like a Parko sycophant but Wandi in Australia flipping the bird isn't considered a big deal - it's not like in the US where flipping is pixelated, which I always considered weird. And we're talking surfing right? It's supposed to be a bit rebellious - have a bit of 'tude.

edit to say I see you're from Australia.

[fokaiHI]

All in All. Slater is still Top Dog. I enjoy watching him surf. as for last year, it cud've been competitive except for the fact that he doesn't surf the triple crown. only the pipe masters. last year he tried to pull it out. he surfed Haleiwa, which was like a 1st in 10 years. he did Sunset, but never wins there, and he did Pipe. after Santa Cruz, he tried, but for whatever reason he doesnt like competing in Hawaii.

[prjwebb]

Only pipe counts towards the world title so I think he keeps his focus there.
I think it's also worth noting how much Kelly has experimented with board design during the WT in the last 10 years.

[FW - Fan]

Only pipe counts towards the world title so I think he keeps his focus there.
I think it's also worth noting how much Kelly has experimented with board design during the WT in the last 10 years.

Agree...if he was super serious about winning a world title he wouldnt have done that as much as he did. Notice how when a heat really counts he is mostly riding conventional designs..quads being accepted as pretty conventional these days depending on conditions. There is no way you can compare the reaction of Parko "taking" the world title off Kelly to when Andy did it....remember the crying in the shower scene anyone?? None of that with the Parko victory at Pipe last year...I just dont think taking the world title was the be all and end all last year for Kelly..this year however I think its different..this will be his swan song.

[buzzy]

I still don't agree ;).

As I understand it Kelly did the Triple Crown because Randy Rarick convinced Slater he needed to win it to round out his career. It's 100% consistent with Slater intending to retire at the end of 2012 on winning the title. As I say, I heard him with my own ears say he wasn't returning 2013. his retirement speech was anticipated post Pipe (because he'd flagged it so much). His mum was there. His whole plan revolved around him winning. He didn't. Just because a 41 year old man doesn't burst into tears on losing a title like he did 10 years earlier doesn't mean he wasn't 100% focussed on winning.

I mean, bear in mind circa 2002 Slater had no meaningful experience of losing before. Since then he's had to watch the title go to someone else 6 times, so he's probably developed some coping mechanisms. You'd sure hope he had.

[Sarge]

Did Parko get over scored last year? ( and in this comp ) yes. Has Slater been over scored in at least 60% of the comps in the last ten years? IMO -Yes. Is it either of these guys fault?
I don't see how! Have we all been treated to seeing the best surfing possible because of it. I think so.
I am a big Slater fan - he gives me hope that I can be better than I was in my 20s. I am a big Parko fan - when he is on, his surfing is technically perfect, simple, and effortlessly brutal. In style, it seems to be an attainable possibility, and I want to see more of it.
I hate the claiming from them both. Judging should straight up deduct 0.5 for claims - they are still standing and riding the wave - not cool- save it for the bragging at the bar afterwards. (Although any of my barrels over 3 seconds will be claimed)
I didn't like Parko's bird.
Oh and to all those who keep saying Dane is the best surfer on the planet at the moment - wake up. This was another of Kelly's mind games to divert attention. No doubt there are moments of incredible ability and brilliance, but over most given 30 minute periods in the water with other high calibre surfers. ... Well the other guys come out on top; as per Kelly's plan.
At the end of the day however, I just want to see great surfing. The personal stories I can read about afterwards or more likely see on next year's documentary film list.
Can't wait for Bells!
Must go to sleep now.

[iggy]

Holly Toledo!!! The kid is looking in fine form on those waves.Slater and Parki looking lethal. Medina looked sluggish, seems like the ankle injury is still there bothering...

[buzzy]

Toledo did look amazing. As the swell grows it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I suspect his small frame will see him drop back a tad behind the Slaters and Parkos and Fannings. All of whom looked masterful by the way.

If Jordy and Owen can catch good waves and surf them through they'll be up there too.

[iggy]

Yeah I hear ya about Toledo... Michel was destroying those waves as well, looked like an enraged bull!! ;)

[Jase]

Parko and Ke11y are out.
Toledo just accounted for Medina...

Crazy second half of round 3!!!!