Asp World Tour starts in 1 week - you picked your Fantasy Surfer team?

The ASP World Tour kicks off in just over 8 days with the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks. I have always been a fan and love watching the live Webcasts, but I have to admit, that since playing Surfer Magazine's Fantasy Surfer, I am even more focused on the tour. Up until last year we South Africans had to make up our own competitions, done through the Club House section of the site, where we could at least compete against our mates for honors. My friends and I have an annual trip away for a long weekend, where the previous year's winner does not pay. Since 2012 though, anyone can win the main prize on Fantasy Surfer and that just makes it even more serious! So get going and pick your team!

Join my Club (South Africa only) and win great prizes throughout the year! Join HERE

 

Watch the Surfer Magazine Preview and Surfer ratings here...

 

John John Florence defends his Volcom Pipe Pro Title

Dale Staples representing for the North Shore Saffas and making 9th!

Pipeline was not at its utmost best, but there were waves and the focus shifted from the lefts to the Backdoor Rights. The lone Saffa, Dale Staples charged hard and ended up making the Semi Finals and a well deserved 9th place. Josh Kerr and Chris Ward were on a hard charge and pushing the limits with super late drops and "backdoor" tubes. But after all was said and done, it was defending champion and North Shore royalty, John John Florence who managed to defend his Pipe Pro title and take the glorious Spartan War Helm Trophy home, which happens to be right there...

Volcom Pipeline Pro 2013 - Starts Sunday

The contest season on the ASP World Tour starts with a bang at Pipeline for the 2013 Volcom Pipe Pro. The 5 Star event always brings drama and great action to the start of the year and you can bet that 2012 winner John John Florence will be looking to defend his title! The usual suspects of North Shore chargers and World Tour stars will battle it out for honors, though I am most excited to see how the Saffa boys go. (Well, that's hoping some of them get in...)

John John Florence - Departure Delayed

There may be a sticker change on his boards soon, but the surfing stays the same!

The most talked about surfer in decades has just signed a 10 year deal with Hurley that had the surf world abuzz. But let's be honest, it does not matter who he surfs for, when he surfs this good! Check out some of the most mental airial surfing ever with his brothers and mates in Hawaii...

Departure Delayed from John John Florence on Vimeo.

Pipeline Masters in memory of Andy Irons 2012 Preview

Ian Walsh, a dangerous Wildcard, charges a big set in 2011. (Photo: ASP)

It is pretty fitting that the final event of the ASP World Tour is Pipeline. So many great stories and rivalries over the years have gone down and many a World Title has hinged on this event. This year is no different, with Joel Parkinson, in the hunt for his first World Title, in a dog fight with Kelly Slater, looking for number 12, and Mick Fanning on the outside needing a miracle to take it, but hey, it has happened at Pipe before! Add to this the pack of wildcards, all Pipe specialists frothing to take down the big names from the World Tour and you have a recipe for an epic surf event. Oh and of course, the most dangerous wave in the world...

John John Florence is going to be deadly. Jamie O'Brian still wants to put this trophy on his mantel and young Sebastien Ziets leading the Triple Crown is going to be holding nothing back. Then you have guys like Kieron Perrow on the border of re-qualification and needing a massive result, well he has won last year and made back to back finals.

This could be the contest of decade with great swell forecast already for the first few days. So sit down, strap in, make sure your internet is working and enjoy...

DONE - John John Florence Film Trailer

John John Florence and his Filmer, Blake Kueny, are ready to release their project, Done. Filmed over 2 years, with loads of footage from SA, including Jbay, Cape Town and the West Coast - and of course exotic locations like Tahiti and Fiji, the movie promises some insane surfing! I will keep you posted on the release dates and hopefully an SA premier...

DONE Trailer from John John Florence on Vimeo.
A Film by Blake Vincent Kueny and John John Florence.
Shot on Location in Hawaii, Tahiti, Africa, and Australia.
Starring John John Florence, Nathan Florence, Ivan Florence, Albee Layer, Kiron Jabour, and Matt Meola
Coming to iTunes soon!

Red Bull presents Jaws Paddle Competition

Welcome to the next limit in Big Wave Surfing. Red Bull, together with team rider, Ian Walsh, present the Jaws Paddle Contest. This contest will help to significantly push the boundaries in paddling giant waves. Thus far only a few invites have been released, among them our very own, Grant "Twig" Baker. A big uproar started brewing in South Africa as Chris Bertish has not, as yet, been invited, but he was the first person to paddle into waves at Jaws and is a winner at Mavericks. We cant speculate, but perhaps his invite is in the mail.

The event will run a waiting period over the whole Hawaiian Winter and will require clean 30-50ft Faces to run. They have also confirmed they will not run on the same day as the Eddie if this clash becomes reality.  21 Surfers will be invited.

Invited so far are host Ian Walsh, Twig, Greg Long, Dave Wassel, John John Florence (Yes please), Jeff Rowley and Kala Alexander. Most of these guys being proven chargers out in the Jaws Lineup. One thing is for sure, you dont want to miss this one. Follow the event at Red Bull USA.

O'Neill Cold Water Classic Preview - Santa Cruz returns to the World Tour

Jordy Smith needs a win and a change of fortune. He has won at Steamer lane before, could this be his moment? (Photo:Miller)

The penultimate event of the World Tour and we welcome back that cold water haven, Santa Cruz. Steamer Lane has produced some legends over the years, specifically in the new school air movement and one of its leaders, Ratboy Collins has a wild card. The other wildcard was won by Nat Young on his backhand and this is a good time to mention that this is one right hand point where the Goofy Footers often trump the naturals!

The last 3 contests were won by two Goofy Footers, Miguel Pupo and Matt Wilko as well as our very own power house, Jordy Smith. The wave has a big shoulder and runs through a couple of Bowl Sections that suit surfers on their backhand. While the natural footers really have to force their turns and keep super tight to the pocket, the Goofys can drive off of the bottom and go vertical into the narrow window for snaps. This is really going to suit surfers like Pupo, Wilko and Travis Logie. Hell, if the surf stays below 5ft, Travis could just cane this contest, the wave is built for his backhand. Gabriel Medina , on his current form, is going to open a can of whoop ass on the wave at Steamer Lane!

In the World title hunt Joel Parkinson needs to win. If Mick, Kelly and John  John don't make semis and Joel wins, the title is done. John John, like Jordy, knows the wave well after coming here for years as an O'Neill team rider. Mick and Joel should have few problems at the Lane, but Kelly, it should be noted, has only ever surfed one event here and got knocked out in the first round. Makes for interesting choices on Fantasy Surfer...

SANTA CRUZ, California/USA (Wednesday, October 31, 2012) – The world’s best surfers have arrived in Santa Cruz, California for the penultimate event of the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) season, the O’Neill Coldwater Classic at the iconic Steamer Lane. A staple of the ASP’s qualifying circuit, the O’Neill Coldwater Classic has been sanctioned at the elite level of competition this season, celebrating the brand’s 60th anniversary of operations. The event will play a crucial role in both the 2012 ASP World Title Race and the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers and could commence as early as tomorrow.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, current No. 3 on the ASP WCT rankings, has two victories under his belt this season, but suffered two relatively early exits over his European campaign. After recharging his batteries at home following the last event Portugal, the polished natural-footer is out to rebound his ASP World Title hopes at the O’Neill Coldwater Classic. “I like to sneak under the radar, but the last couple of events haven’t been the greatest for me,” Fanning said. “It was great to go home and readjust and refocus. I have a new quiver of boards and I’m excited to be here.” Fanning’s appearance at this year’s event marks his first return to Santa Cruz in over a decade and the two-time ASP World Champion (2007, 2009) is excited to take on the challenges brought on by Steamer Lane’s ever-changing conditions. “I think it’s great having this event on the schedule this year,” Fanning said. “The past few years, we’ve had The Search event and you go to new places and it’s great to have a new wave every time and learn the spot as you go through the rounds. This event has been around for a long time, but personally, I haven’t been here since 2000. It’s great to be back and every surfer will be learning, so it’s going to be exciting.” Fanning will face Kieren Perrow (AUS), 35, and Dusty Payne (HAW), 23, in Round 1 of competition.
John John Florence (HAW), 20, current ASP WCT No. 4, has extensive experience in the Steamer Lane lineup despite being one of the youngest competitors in the event. Despite his history with the venue, Florence made it a point to arrive early and reacquaint himself with the break. “To prepare for this contest I arrive a few days early to get used to the cold water,” Florence said. “I’ve been coming here since I was pretty little to surf in the event and Santa Cruz is a cool place. Every year that I come here is a new learning curve for me and that’s why I came here a few days early to get used to it again. To be able to come here and watch everyone adapt to the colder water, and the Lane, it’s not an easy wave to surf, so it’s fun to watch everyone surf it.” Florence has drawn Heitor Alves (BRA), 30, and Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 26, in the opening round of competition.
Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, winner of last year’s ASP Prime rated O’Neill Coldwater Classic, returns to Steamer Lane as a Sophomore among the world’s best surfers and is ready to defend his title against his fellow ASP WCT competitors. “It’s just great to be back,” Pupo said. “I love this place. Last year was a pretty challenging contest because we had a couple of days at Steamer Lane and a couple of days at Waddell Creek. I’m happy to be back in the water with my booties on.” Pupo admitted that the younger surfers may have more recent experience at Steamer Lane via the ASP Prime rated event of the past, but the top level of competition on the ASP WCT will level the playing field. “I think it’s good because I’ve been coming here the last four years and the young guys have as well because of the Prime,” Pupo said. “We kind of have that advantage, but the veterans have surfed here in the past too. Steamer Lane is a tricky wave and they probably know what to expect. Realistically, it’s the top 34 guys in the world, they surf every wave well, so I think it’s even.” Pupo will face Owen Wright (AUS), 22, and Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26, in Round 1 of competition.
Nat Young (USA), 21, was electric in today’s local trials, stringing together a series of impeccable backhand performances to earn his berth in the main event, marking his first appearance in an ASP WCT. “I knew it was going to be tough in the local trials,” Young said. “We have so many good surfers up here and everyone is capable of doing well and getting big scores. It was a long day and I’m really stoked. I’m against Kelly (Slater), so to be able to surf against my hero at my home break in my first WCT, it’s pretty special.” Young joins Jason Collins (USA), 38, as the two wildcards into the O’Neill Coldwater Classic.
Event organizers will convene tomorrow at 7:15am to assess conditions for a possible 7:45am start. Surfline, official forecasters for the O’Neill Coldwater Classic, have called for: Fun size WNW swell is on track for the first day of the waiting period, Thursday the 1st, although morning wind conditions look problematic before improving over the afternoon. A slightly larger WNW swell is lining up for the afternoon of the 4th through the 6th along with favorable conditions, if the storm behaves as forecast in the next few days.
When competition commences, up first will be Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, and Taylor Knox (USA), 41, in the opening heat of Round 1.

The O’Neill Coldwater Classic will be webcast LIVE via www.oneill.com/cwc/ 

John John Florence is the Electric Candyman

John John slaying giant Cloudbreak. (Photo: Transworld)

Big, small or just plain ludicrous, John John Florence has got all the bases covered. He charges massive tubes, throws the biggest and most progressive airs and is one really nice guy to boot. Make sure you watch till the end for the most crazy angle of this giant tube in Fiji. The footage is all from the Vans Movie, Get-in-Classic Vol 2...

Electric Candyman /// John Florence from Tyler McGill on Vimeo.

Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2012 - Preview

Adriano is always dangerous and will be up in Heat 1 of Round 1. (Photo: ASP)

After the crazy mutant tubes in France, we need to prepare for more of the same in Portugal for the Rip Curl Pro. Supertubos is a wave that can deliver insane tubes and great punt opportunities on the smaller days. Just check the videos to see the wide variety of wave on offer at one beachbreak.

With 2 wins on the trot, Kelly Slater is definitely back in the Title hunt and he will be pretty confident going to Supertubos. Joel Parkinson is the number 1 surfer on the ratings, but he knows Kelly is breathing down his neck and after losing in the semis to Kelly in France, he may fold. Mick Fanning has done well at this event in the past and needs a solid result to put his campaign back together after a horrid result in France. Mick was looking so good all year, but wave choice let him down at the last event.

John John and Julian Wilson are my dark horses along with the Frenchman, Jeremy Flores. Jordy Smith has been ripping, but sometimes the luck is not with you. That's been his year in 2012! It will only take one win to change everything, so here is hoping both the judges and that fickle bitch, luck, go his way in Portugal.

Kelly Slater wins in perfect French Tubes! QuikPro France 2012

King Kelly takes win 51 in France!

I don't think you could ask for a better final day in professional surfing. Kelly versus Joel Parkinson and Jon Jon Florence versus Dane Reynolds, followed by a Dane and Kelly final. Some big names were also beaten early, meaning the world title race is now wide open! Joel has moved to number 1 with his 3rd place finish in France and Kelly slots in at number 2. This means poor Mick fanning has slipped to 3rd, followed by John John and Taj Burrows.it is super tight between the top 3 and you can believe that Portugal is going to be a huge fight for points.

Hats off to Dane Reynolds making the final as a wildcard. The guy ripped France and Kelly was the only guy ever looking like beating him. Kelly is a machine! With his 51st win on tour, he puts himself right back in the hunt for world title number 12 and solidifying his place as the greatest athlete of all time.

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 17.26 2 – Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.00

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Dane Reynolds (USA) 15.70 def. John John Florence (HAW) 15.60
SF 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.27 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.93

CURRENT ASP WCT TOP 5 (After Quiksilver Pro France):
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 46,200 pts
2. Kelly Slater (USA) 45,450 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 43,000
4. John John Florence (HAW) 39,150 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 31,900 pts

Quiksilver Pro France 2012 Preview

Here is hoping Jordy Smith canes it in France after being ripped at Trestles! (Photo: QuikPro/ASP)

The Quiksilver Pro starts today with the trials in some pretty heavy looking French beachbreak. After a manic week at Trestles, Kelly Slater has shaken the title race up and while Mick Fanning is still in the lead, he will be feeling Kelly breathing down his neck. Joel Parkinson and John John Florence are in the top 4 and both of these guys can cane the beachies in France. They were in the Brazil final with John John winning and if the swell stays small to medium, they could quite easily be in this final. Keep a beady eye on the Brazza, Adriano da Souza, sitting in 5th on the rankings and looking solid at Trestles.

My dark horses are Dane Reynolds, who has been awarded a wild card, and would probably love to win the contest doing the most outrageous surfing possible. But, my big call has to be Jordy Smith. he was totally ripped off in California and he knows it. I am hoping to see a hungry and merciless giant in the water in France. Jordy needs to take his surfing to the line and cane every wave he surfs. The French beachbreaks are very similar to the waves he grew up on and the man is just to good not to start winning more contests. I think France could be it.

Dear Suburbia Free Online Premier - The new film by Kai Neville

Kohole charging in the new film by Kai Neville.

One of the most popular surf film makers right now is, Kai Neville. His new film, Dear Suburbia, launches tonight and you can watch the premier free right HERE

The Premier is available to watch from Noon to Midnight today (Pacific Standard time).

Mick Fanning claims the Billabong Pro Tahiti Title 2012

Fanning just got better and better as the contest progressed. (Photo: ASP)

After we had to wait for a full week between Round 2 and 3, thanks to no surf in Tahiti, the contest fired on the last 2 days of the waiting period. Mick Fanning charged hard to beat his good friend, Joel Parkinson, in the final and solidified his Number 1 spot on the 2012 ASP rankings. Joel did well to make it past John John Florence in the semi finals, as the kid from Hawaii was charging hard. John John will be stoked as his 3rd place puts him into 3rd on the World Tour Rankings. Joel now sits in 2nd place behind Mick and Kelly Slater, after being knocked out in Round 2 by Ricardo Santos, the wildcard, is in 4th place with Taj Burrows in 5th. Ricardo beat Kelly, Jordy Smith and Taj Burrows on his way to the Quarters and won the Andy Irons Award in the process. It was a solid performace from Mick though for the win and he will be seriously looking at a 3rd World Title now.

TEAHUPO’O, Taiarapu/Tahiti (Monday, August 27, 2012) – Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, has claimed the 2012 Billabong Pro Tahiti over compatriot and Gold Coast stablemate Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in classic four-to-six foot (1 – 1.5 metre) waves at Teahupo’o. Event No. 5 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti culminated in dynamic fashion today, with swell pulsing for the all-Australian Final. Fanning was put on the ropes early in the Final bout with Parkinson collecting a 9.50 and an 8.87 on his opening two rides. However, former event runner-up fought back mid-heat with an impressive 9.37 before backing it up with a nail-biting 9.50 to take the lead and hold it as the buzzer ran out. With today’s win, Fanning has become the first Australian since Mark Occhilupo (AUS), 46, in 1999 to claim the Billabong Pro Tahiti title and has further cemented himself into the frontrunner spot on the 2012 ASP WCT rankings. “It’s a 35 minute Final so I knew the waves were going to come,” Fanning said. “I just had to be patient. It’s Teahupo’o so it goes on and off. You can get two 10s in two minutes so I knew I just needed to keep my composure throughout the Final. Joel (Parkinson) is such an incredible surfer and he’s gotten so good out here. He raced out to an early lead and I knew I needed to focus on my own game plan. I got that good score about mid-heat and then was able to sell him when he had priority on one that didn’t pan out for him. The second wave was the one and it’s an incredible feeling to come back and get the win. I’m stoked.” Today’s win marks the 15th elite victory of Fanning’s career, and the second of this season (after a win at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in April). The two-time ASP World Champion is now firmly in the frontrunner spot on the ASP WCT ratings heading into the back half of the season. “Teahupo’o is one of the spots that I’ve worked hard on throughout my career to improve at,” Fanning said. “I made a Final out here before, but to come away with the win is great for my confidence and I’m in a good position heading into the next half of the year. Early days though and there are a lot of guys right up there. It’s still anyone’s game at this point.” Throughout the event, Parkinson consistently established himself as one of the preeminent backhand tube-riders on the planet. Despite an early lead in the Final, Parkinson priority decision in the dying moments opened the door for Fanning to pounce. “I held the lead in a 35-minute Final until the four minute mark,” Parkinson said. “It’s frustrating to lose that way, but you cannot fault Mick (Fanning). He’s been a true champion through the event and has proven that he’s one to watch out at Teahupo’o for sure.” Parkinson currently sits at No. 2 on the ASP WCT rankings at the halfway mark on the 2012 season. “It’s the second Final of the year for me and another good result,” Parkinson said. “I feel like I’m strong at all the remaining events on tour and I’ll shake this one off and start focusing on Trestles.” John John Florence (HAW), 19, competing in his first-ever Billabong Pro Tahiti, led the rookie charge at this year’s installment, confidently cruising into the Semifinals where he matched up with Parkinson. Despite locking in an impressive 9.67 out of a possible 10 for an impressive backhand tube, Florence was unable to find a solid backup score and finished the event with an Equal 3rd. “I’m stoked to have made the Semifinals,” Florence said. “I would have loved to make the Finals and it’s not the funnest way to lose without a lot of waves in the heat, but it’s still a good result for me. Thanks to all the Tahitians for letting us come here and surf their wave for the week. It’s a beautiful place and I always love coming here.” Florence moves from 5th to 3rd on the current ASP WCT rankings. Owen Wright (AUS), 22, last year’s event runner-up, looked poised for another Final’s berth today, posting an 18.96 to eliminate compatriot Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and an 18.90 to oust former champ C.J. Hobgood (USA), 33, en route to his Semifinal match against Fanning. The young Australian continued his forehand dominance at Teahupo’o, netting an 18.10 in the process, but was unable to overtake the current ASP WCT frontrunner. “The waves were so perfect today that you can’t really be to disappointed in a loss,” Wright said. “I felt like I was surfing well all day and I put up a couple of 9s in my heat against Mick (Fanning) so there’s not too much to be upset about. Congrats to Mick on the win though. He’s been super impressive all event with his backhand tube-riding and hopefully I get the opportunity to return the favor at the next stop at Trestles.” Wright’s Equal 3rd finish today moves the young goofy-footer from 9th to 7th on the current ASP WCT rankings. Ricardo dos Santos (AUS), two time Trials winner and wildcard into the Billabong Pro Tahiti, was awarded the Andy Irons Forever Award for his inspirational performance at Teahupo’o this year. Despite bowing out in the Quarterfinals this morning to Fanning, Dos Santos was very emotional upon being awarded the prestigious honor. “Andy (Irons) was…is my hero,” Dos Santos said. “This Award means just as much, if not more than, winning the event for me. He is my inspiration and he is the reason I surf. He is the reason I surf Teahupo’o. To be awarded this by the Irons’ family is the biggest honor. Thank you.” Highlights from the Billabong Pro Tahiti will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com The Billabong Pro, Tahiti is made possible with the valued support of international partners Air Tahiti Nui, Sony, Xperia Sony Smartphone and Red Bull, along with our friends at Nixon, VonZipper, Mana and Hyundai. The next stop on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour will be the Hurley Pro at Trestles from September 16 – 22, 2012. For more information, log onto www.ASPWorldTour.com

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.87
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.37

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.93 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 18.10
QF 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.14 def. John John Florence (HAW) 15.17 BILLABONG PRO

CURRENT ASP WCT TOP 5 (After Billabong Pro Tahiti)
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 34,750 pts
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 31,700 pts
3. John John Florence (HAW) 27,450 pts
4. Kelly Slater (USA) 25,450 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 24,950 pts

The Friday Mix - Surf, Snow and Wake videos heading your way.

Dieter doing what he does best, blow minds on Noisiavision.

This week I bring you 3 action sports videos that are going to make you very happy. First up is Wake Skate and the new movie called, Noisiavision. The new movie is available for download online HERE and features our very own Saffer charger, Dieter Humpsch. The movie looks insane.

Next up is Kai Neville's new surf film, Dear Suburbia, available next month on Itunes. It features the top young surfers on the planet in various wild and exotic places. Edited with Kai's usual unique style, this will be a must have if you want to watch the leaders in modern surfing. Interesting though, that Jordy is not in this one...

Lastly, DC brings us the Torstein Horgmo documentary, Horgasm, a Love Story. Torstein is one of the top snowboarders on the planet and this will be very high on my download list come October. Enjoy the teasers and have great weekend.

NOISIA VISION Teaser from NOISIA VISION.tv on Vimeo.

Dear Suburbia: Trailer from Kai Neville Studio on Vimeo.

HORGASM - A LOVE STORY - TRAILER from torstein horgmo on Vimeo.

Captain Kai's World on www.2ov.fm - Podcast, John John Florence & 4 Elements Gaming

First show back in the studio and I will be honest it was a little nerve racking after so much time away. I definately had one or two glitches, but having said that it was a great show. Started out with Glen from 4 Elements Gaming as we caught up on all the gaming news in SA and abroad. Then possibly my most famous surf guest yet, John John Florence and his entire travel family were in studio. His Mom, Alex, Brothers, Nathan and Ivan, friend and fellow Pro, Kiron Jabour, as well as camera crew and local tour guide, friend, Frank Solomon. Video man, Blake, had possibly the funniest intro on the show ever. Crack a listen, its worth it.

Download and listen to the Podcast: Captain Kai's World Podcast Show - John John Florence

Last Week's Show: Captain Kai's World Podcast Show - Billabong Pro

Massive Cloubreak Free Surf on Day 6 - Volcom Pro Fiji 2012

Bede Durbidge winning the 1st of only 2 heats surfed on Day 6. After this the Free Surf began... (Photo:ASP)

The massive swell arrived as expected, but the contest only lasted 2 heats, with Bede and Kai Otton winning the heats and moving into Round 3. The ASP made the call to wait for today to start Round 3, which will probably go down at Restaurants. Once the tour had puled out, the hordes of big wave charges were out there, with some of the more core Tour surfers joining the fray in solid 15ft Cloudbreak. Luckily the contest left the live feed running and we got to watch a rare free surf in giant waves. Enjoy the video...

 

John John Florence wins the Billabong Pro Rio - Enters the World Title Race

John John gives notice! (Photo: ASP)

I can only chuckle away thinking of the last year of surf media and commentary. No one denied that John John Florence had the talent or the desire to be a world champion. It is just that such a song and dance have been made over Gabriel Medina and Kohole Andino. The entire surf media have been claiming these two young and phenomenal surfers as the future, with little to no similar treatment of John John. They would reply, sure John John is amazing at Pipeline and will be a definite threat at Fiji and Tahiti, but that is really, is it not? Well surf media and the world, John John just gave notice in the beach breaks of Brazil, it does not matter what the waves are doing, he wants to win and he wants a world title! Joel Parkinson swooped to the finals with his usual tube riding and incredible turns, but he had nothing to give against John John in the final, where he found himself in combo land after just 4 minutes. The old guard are starting to show chinks in their armor especially when the waves are asking for massive punts and technical aerials. John John has these on demand along with his phenomenal tube riding skills.

The results in Brazil see Joel Parkinson take the lead in the World Title race, with good mate Mick Fanning right behind him and Josh Kerr rocketing into 3rd place. John John's win takes him into 6th place on the rankings just in front of our own Jordy Smith. Heading to Fiji and the possibility of giant Cloudbreak and endless tubes, John John must be a favorite and no one on tour is going to want him in their heats with his confidence this high! I cannot wait for the event, though it is going to be night owl hours for those of us watching in South Africa.
Congrats John John!

The King of the North Shore - John John Florence

John John very calm and relaxed on a Pipeline Bomb.

By now you all know who John John Florence is, but it may not have sunk in yet how much he rules the North Shore line up at the tender age of 20. As if winning competitions from Sunset to Pipeline and Backdoor were not enough, he just won the Performance of the Winter award in Hawaii. Just watch the video and its not hard to see why! I cannot wait for this kid to surf the WCT events at Teahupoo and Cloudbreak, it's going to be mental. Have a listen to Shea Lopez's predictions of John John's 2012 WCT future in the second video.



 

Who is JOB 2.0 - Episode 5, Pipeline Madness

Episode 5 of JOB 2.0, brought to you by Red Bull, and the show keeps up the madness that is Jamie O'Brian's life. From doing transfers on a longboard to short board at massive pipeline, getting owned by his cat, narrowly losing out to John John Florence at the Volcom and caning the Pipeline tube of the day switch foot, JOB is charging on his new web show.

Jamie O'Brien tries a new technique by paddling out on his longboard and then dropping in his short board to ride the wave. Later, despite despite the warnings of his feline friend he goes all the way to the finals of the Volcom Pipe Pro for an epic showdown down to the last second with John John.

Subscribe to this show! http://www.youtube.com/show/whoisjob20?s=1