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Dusty Payne, above a Chopesian lip, Tahiti

You knew Dusty Payne was back from injury, right? Perhaps the first two days of conditions at the Billabong Pro, Chopes weren’t the most glorious in which to make a comeback, but when someone’s been outta the water for six months, you’ve gotta be thrilled for them. After coming undone on an air-reverse at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic in Santa Cruz (and continuing to surf on said injury, well into the Hawaiian winter), Dusty’s since been on a serious rehab program. And he’s back. And, although he was eliminated from the Billabong Pro in less-than-perfect Chopes (despite getting upside down, like this), Stab remembers the performance from Lost Atlas, and the brimming potential, and the Hawaiian grit, and welcomes Dusty’s return with much applause.