Tapped Into The Waves By Terry “Tappa” Teece
South African Jordy Smith had to overcome Adriano DeSouza and the one-eyed crowd, but the big fella deserved the win at the Rio “Claim-a-thon”, oops … Billabong Pro WCT event in Brazil. On his way he beat Mick Fanning who is looking in real form, but Mick didn’t come through with the goods against the big South African.
Adriano looked like he was going to spontaneously combust he had so much passion going on, but with his second place he now leads the ratings with Jordy second and Mick third. Only 250 points separates the three, with three events down, and Fiji up next.
It looks like it will be a real battle for the title this year, and lurking in fourth place is one Mr Kelly Slater. Parko is in eighth place, having a slow start to his title defence, but I must say it was a bit of a lottery out there on the Rio beachbreaks, close-outs, and conditions really suited to the airmen.
Fiji is next, and there should be some real waves on offer there, so watch out for Parko, Mick, Kelly and company. Also there is that big Saffa Jordy, who does mind a big waves either.
Dhaping up for an exciting year!
Richo gets a double at the Masters
Champions were crowned across all Masters and Women’s divisions this week at event one of the two-event Queensland Masters and Women’s series at Duranbah Beach on the Gold Coast.
Crystal clear, little pumping barrels were on offer for the opening rounds of competition and the masters wasted no time and proceeded to put on a show for beachgoers.
Mark Richardson, the Palmy lad with multiple Queensland and Australian titles took home two winner’s trophies after making it through to and winning the finals in the over-40 men and blue ribbon over-35 men’s divisions. Richardson put on a master class in backhand tube-riding and a powerful display of critical turns to take the titles and the ratings lead leading into the second event scheduled to run on the Sunshine Coast. Richo also coaches a number of juniors including Mitch Parkinson, and good to see he can still do it as well as teach it.
Mooloolaba’s Keely Andrew demonstrated that she is in one to be watched after defeating local favourites Eden Putland from Currumbin, defending champion Brodie Doyle and twin sister, Amiya Doyle both from the mighty Snapper Rocks respectively.
After event one of the two-event series, surfers will be fired up to take crucial ratings points at event two on the Sunshine Coast in an attempt to qualify for the Queensland team for the Australian titles at Port Macquarie later this year.
