Matt Wilkinson and a backwash beheading, Peniche

Matt Wilkinson’s heat today at the Rip Curl Pro, Portugal was plagued with backwash. Kid used it to his advantage perfectly on one occasion, pumping speed outta the bumps and whipping one of the better rodeos you’ve likely seen (for an 8.50). But, for the most part, it caused trouble. On his last wave, Wilko raced down the line on what looked like a keeper, but the backwash hit, jacked the wave up double and lipped him. The moment you see above is what happened. But, would you believe, he rode outta there? And while Wilko didn’t do quite enough to get through round one, he has another swing of the club in the day’s first heat when competition resumes.