Event Preview: Bells Beach
If it wasn't for the last day, I'd have said that the DBah Pro was a roaring success. The we're-going-to-snapper-wait-we're-just-going-to-hold-off-until-the-swell-dies postponement of the finals was a bit iffy, and there were some less-than-ideal judging calls, but let's not split hairs; it was fun to watch, it ran quickly through the waiting period, and we had two winners who'd never claimed the event before. Bells will be different. For a start, there will be a lot more rubber, and considerably less lefts. Conditions How would you like to get... Read more
Last updated April 14, 2019 by Balyn McDonald
By the Numbers - GC Review
With a great contest wrecked by a lame ending, we only place certainty in the fact that he who pays the piper calls the tune. - Longtom I was surfing D-Bah (yesterday) and it was pumping but whatever. - Gabriel Medina, on the WSL's Sunday 'postponements' Look; I'm not wasting your time or mine in giving a detailed run-down of the GC contests. Longtom writes circles around me, and the... Read more
Last updated April 11, 2019 by Balyn McDonald
Event Preview: Gold Coast
I say it every year, but how good is it to have the new season upon us? In 2019, John John and Kelly have more questions than answers over their heads, Julian, Italo and Filipe are looking to break through for a maiden championship, rookies are looking for validation or glory, return surfers seeking retribution, and then there's Medina. There's always Medina. The first event of the year provides similar hopes and dreams to fantasy... Read more
Last updated April 1, 2019 by Balyn McDonald
2019 Fantasy Surfing Preview
So, we're here. The new WSL season is upon us. Before we dive in for another 9 months of pro surfing across 8 countries and 770 heats (men and women), we thought it might be worth covering the various changes that 2019 will bring. Fantasy Of course we're opening with this. If you played FSS last year, then you're already a... Read more
Last updated March 28, 2019 by Balyn McDonald
Fantasy Surf Sessions - An Update
Where we're at... While most of the tour have spent their off-season chasing cyclones, chasing tail, or training down the house, we've been working hard on our fantasy site over at Fantasy Surf Sessions. Since Gabby wrapped 2018 with his Pipe dominance, we've managed to plot every heat and result from the past 6 years into the site build. We now have stats integrated into every surfer and event profile. For example, here's a... Read more
Last updated February 9, 2019 by Balyn McDonald
Opinion: The Pipe Pig
The Pipe Invitational has started and the surf is less than inspiring. The WSL must still be relieved; after four consecutive lay-days,they had milked the teat of world title scenarios dry. In case you somehow missed it: If Medina makes the final, Filipe/Julian can suck eggs; if he places 3rd, they need to win, and; if Medina gets 5th or worse, the contenders would need to final. Simple, clean, boring. Read more
Last updated December 14, 2018 by Balyn McDonald
Preview: Pipe Masters
No other event compares to Pipe. World title races aside, the wave itself provides a spectacle that is unrivalled in our sport, and no single title is more coveted; it's our super bowl, our play-offs, and our world cup all in one liquid monster. Enough preface, let's dive in. Conditions Pipe has so much rich history and respect that I feel stupid writing about it. Instead, I'll leave it to a respected historian; Matt Warshaw's encyclopaedia of surfing (subscribe here and thank yourself later) describes it... Read more
Last updated December 7, 2018 by Balyn McDonald
Preview: Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal
So, here we are: between European legs, and things are tight. A tight turn-around, a tight title race, and tight fantasy contests. How good was Rhino? How sweet is it to have a proper title race? With the short turn-around between events, this preview will be a little brief, but the stats will still be there in full. Conditions While Portugal isn't as fiercely changeable as France, surfers will still need to adapt to variable wind, tide and swell conditions, so recent success in France could be... Read more
Last updated October 14, 2018 by Balyn McDonald
Preview: QuikPro France
Sorry it's late; I've been killing myself trying to get our fantasy game ready for France (see bottom). The France-into-Portugal leg is always a quick turn-around, with massive world title and qualification narratives woven between high-tide holds and lay-days. It's the business end of the season, so you better get those fantasy teams lit: Conditions and Forecast Small. That's what everyone seems to be saying. The pounding beachbreaks of La Graviere have broken many boards and hearts alike. When they fire though, they can resemble the sorts of... Read more
Last updated October 1, 2018 by Balyn McDonald
Preview: Surf Ranch Pro
I think whoever can handle the pressure the best is gonna win. That's what it'll come down to - Griffin Colapinto Are you excited by the Surf Ranch event? Does it tickle any of your fancies? It's certainly going to be a bit of a fantasy dud as far as contest formats go, but let's turn the key on the ol' the tractor and plough through the preview regardless... Update: I've just finished listening to the new Lipped podcast, and I'm feeling a little more psyched than I originally was... Read more
Last updated September 3, 2018 by Balyn McDonald