It’s Official: Cape Fear Will Run At Shipsterns On Monday

Gladiators, enter the Colosseum to the far south…the battle is about to begin.

Red Bull Cape Fear has officially been given the Green Light to run on Monday. It’s is on at Shippies.

They tried to run it back in February, but conditions didn’t hold together and everyone buggered off. But it’s game on now. 

There are 20 surfers in the draw. Defending champ Russell Bierke’s the man to beat. Mick Fanning’s throwing his Gath helmet into the ring.

“I love the challenge,” says Fanning, sounding a lot like Occy circa “Psychedelic Desert Groove” days with Jack McCoy.

The invitee list is rad. For a little flavor, the old man born on 6/6/66, Ross Clarke-Jone, is in. Forget the fact that he’s 52, nobody takes a flogging and loves it more than RCJ. He’s crazier than everyone on the draw combined. Even if he doesn’t make it far in the comp, he’s solid gold on the webcast. Shout at the devil!

Kai Lenny, Laurie Towner, Ryan Hipwood, Billy Kemper, Nate Florence, the A-list runs long. Seriously, Red Bull knows how to throw a party, even in Tasmania…and big-wave riders are always scratching for a bit of coin and some notoriety.

Then there are the hardcore underground guys, like Mikey Brennan, James and Tyler Homer Cross, those guys, the unsung lunatics. Surfing could use more of them. It’s great this comp shines a spotlight on their unique, self-destructive talents.

Not a pro surfer by trade, “I run a painting and rendering business,” says 6’4” hunk of man Tyler Homer Cross. 

Brennan’s a yoga teacher.

As far as format goes, there will be four, five-man heats. The winner of each heat will progress to the final The highest placed surfer will be crowned the 2019 Red Bull Cape Fear Champion. Look for a little bit of paddling and a little bit of towing depending on what the Underworld throws their way.

See you in the pit on Monday. Let’s get it on.