Dane Reynolds surfed in a jersey today

Dane Reynolds surfed in a jersey today, at the Australian Open of Surfing, but other stuff happened too. The hysteria that is Mr Reynolds’ presence, in a jersey, is worth mention because there isn’t a surfer alive who’s not excited to see Dane competing, and trying, and especially after seeing Loaded last week. Dane progressed, but behind South African Slade Prestwich’s 16.10 total. “I surfed out there this morning and straight out the front of the contest is really shallow, I knew there’d be some good waves there,” said Slade. “I saw Dane paddling up the beach but I stayed right out the front and I got a good one straight away. Then I was able to wait for the good waves, it was a fun heat.”

Including the Oz Open, Dane will be in the country for quite a stint, with his spots in both Surfest and the Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast confirmed. “It’s great to spend a few months in Australia,” he said. “I love it over here. In that heat I think the waves were better where the other guys were surfing, it was tough, but fun. Then walking up the beach seeing fans it was cool to sign autographs for some kids, it’s never a chore, it’s something special that surfing has given me. I’m always amped to give someone the time of day and stoke them out.”

Ryan Callinan, the kid you remember from that episode of Schooling At Pipe For Two Heats, was also pretty electric today. “I feel like this year is going to be a big year for me, so to get a heat win and some good scores feels great,” said Ryan. “I’m stoked to start the year in my home country and the next event is in my hometown, so I’m loving it. I missed out on being seeded into Round 2 by two spots and I saw the draw, it’s full of great surfers, all the heats are hard. It’s going to be a great event.”

This event, unlike a lot of qualifiers, is actually very good to watch. You should do so right over here.