Julian Wilson, storm in a Chopes cup, Tahiti

First heat of the day can be a tough gig. You and your opponent can sometimes play guinea pigs for those sitting in the channel (if, of course, you’re at Chopes). But Jules Wilson, pictured here, came to Tahiti with a new coach (Jarrad Howse), fresh off a win in Huntington Beach at the US Open Of Surfing, and opening up the day’s proceedings at the Billabong Pro, Tahiti this morning wasn’t even a thang. And, he beat Brazilian Willian Cardoso straight outta the gate. So, we shall see the Sunny Coast kid again in round three, this time against Ace Buchan. If Chopes co-operates, the match-up could be really excellent. many more barrels like the one pictured here. Don’t miss it.