Contest Wash-Up - Portugal 2016
The Winnner Destiny: has there been a more over-used word in professional surfing these past 72 hours? Maybe it's just my jaded world-view, but destiny is a bullshit concept that serves to undermine the true elements that lead to success (like focus, hard work, talent and maybe a bit of good fortune). Destiny Attained was a stupid way for the WSL to frame John's victory, and it just goes to show how Florence's victory differs (in their mind) to those of ADS and Medina before him. John deserved the title... Read more
Last updated October 30, 2016 by Balyn McDonald
Contest Analysis - Meo Rip Curl Pro 2016
The post-France-pre-Portugal window is always pretty tight and the deadline is looming, so we’ll cut the fluff and jump straight in (although the WSL has decided to write up a nice little pre-amble, if you’re into that sort of thing): Conditions France and Portugal offer pretty similar conditions parameters, so the modelling will be fairly similar except for the factors that take in surfers’ history at this particular event. Our projections for this event have taken in various wave heights, beachbreaks and left/right breaks that offer waves in both... Read more
Last updated October 17, 2016 by Surf-Stats
Injuries & Wildcard Update - Rip Curl Pro Portugal
Here is the draw & updated wildcard/injury replacement info for the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2016 (18th - 29th October) INJURIES Bede, Owen and Mick will again be OUT, with Stu Kennedy, Seabass Zietz and Dusty Payne respectively. Although there are no official (new) changes to the draw in regards to injuries, it could be worth taking note of the following: Keanu Asing - Looks like there's trouble in paradise, as the newly crowned champ of the French beach... Read more
Last updated October 17, 2016 by Dave
Notes From The Line Up - Aritz Aranburu
Hi there folks out there in Stats Land. We're super stoked to be able to share with you today the insights of an elite level surf athlete who has spent a lot of time surfing with - and against - the best surfers in the world. He's a Euro local and a barrel hunting machine. I'm talking of none other than Mr. Aritz Aranburu of Spain. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together... Aritz! Hi Aritz, thanks for taking the time to share your insights into the upcoming Rip... Read more
Last updated October 16, 2016 by Dave
Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal Projections
*Please note that wildcard Frederico Morais' data is based purely on his scores from the 2015 Portugal contest (in which he was a quarterfinalist) and his AHS for the 2016 QS season. His projections are not entirely reliable for this reason. This data takes the 2014/2015/2016 results into consideration and give a slight weighting to 2016 form within the projections. Many of the less experienced surfers (less reliable data) have skewed projections due to their averages being heavily influenced by this season's results and having no previous experience at this... Read more
Last updated October 16, 2016 by Surf-Stats
Contest Wash-Up - France 2016
Congratulations are in order: Keanu Asing has taken a formidable list of more talented surfers (Medina, Florence, Slater, Buchan) and soundly beaten them through smart-if-somehwat-conservative competion surfing. It was, as he admitted himself, his first event win since his junior days (including a history of no outright wins during his QS days), so we can all be forgiven for our surprised response to the news of him taking his maiden event. Did he deserve it? Absolutely; he won each heat without controvery. Is there a long list of 'better' surfers... Read more
Last updated October 13, 2016 by Balyn McDonald
Injury & Wildcard Update - Quik Pro France
Here is the updated wildcard and injury replacement info for the WSL Mens Quik Pro France 2016 (4th - 15th October) INJURIES - NONE Bede, Owen and Mick will again be OUT, with Stu Kennedy, Seabass Zietz and Dusty Payne respectively. Although there are no official (new) changes to the draw in regards to injuries, it could be worth taking note of the following: John John Florence - JJF... Read more
Last updated October 1, 2016 by Dave
Contest Analysis - QuikPro France 2016
How good is the European leg? Sure, you have some of the most unpredictable conditions on offer, with 8’ kegs just as possible as Huntington-esque dribble. Sure, the time difference sucks for our US friends. Sure, the holding spells can suck the energy out of the event. But there are positives; there’s the consequences for the world title race - which is pretty tight this year – coupled with the qualification dramas for those on the cusp of the top 22. Add to that some serious QS points being... Read more
Last updated September 29, 2016 by Surf-Stats
Quiksilver Pro France Projections
*First/main table data has been updated to reflect w/c entries. FS data is unchanged, however it is easy to compare the data using the projected AHS information. It's getting towards the pointy end of the season for both fantasy players and tour hopefuls alike. Below you'll find all of our sortable data for the upcoming France event. This data takes the 2014/2015/2016 results into consideration and give a slight weighting to 2016 form within the projections. Many of the less experienced surfers (less reliable data) have skewed projections due to... Read more
Last updated September 21, 2016 by Surf-Stats
Contest Wash-Up - Trestles 2016
Drama? Check. Controversy? You bet. Cutting edge surfing at it's best? Heck yeah! Step inside and let's take a look at what went down at the Trestles Hurley Pro... Trestles was won on the rail. For all of the talk about ramps, new-school-above-the-lip surfing and high performance expectations, it was the surfers with solid turns and flow who did well. Filipe knew what was up. Sure he took to the air a few times, but check his R3 demolition of Caio; it was all rail. Jordy knew it too.... Read more
Last updated September 16, 2016 by Balyn McDonald