Julian Wilson, backside helicopter, France

Life was tough in Hossegor on Sunday. At least, for those in the three remaining heats of the Quiksilver Pro, France’s first round. Little more than a shorebreak, La Grav was vicious and few men posted scores in the excellent range. It was most certainly a game of chance. Julian Wilson surfed against Kieren Perrow and Ace Buchan, who came first and second respectively ahead of the Sunshine-Coaster. Luckily for Julian, round one is no-losers, so he takes another swing of the club.

But, it ain’t all bad. “The comp’s off and the sun is out,” said photog Ryan Miller, after yesterday’s lay-day was called. “Man, you just can’t get a bad day in France. Typically when the weather sets in the waves come with it. Then when it’s small, the sun’s blazing and makes for an amazing beach day.” Weather aside, Jules spent his warm lay-day hucking rotations into a corner. “Julian was going for rotation over height here, and trying to stomp a few full-rotators,” says Ryan. Expect to see a few of these from Jules if the contest site moves to something more rampy.