“I Think A Goofy Will Win”

It’s been two months since sharks stopped the Margaret River Pro, and as of tomorrow the WSL will flip back to CT#3, sound a horn and pick up where it left off.

In an unprecedented decision, the half-completed event transplanted to Uluwatu, squeezed into a three day window right after the Keramas event.

With such a tight schedule (8th – 10th), pressure is bubbling for the swell gods to produce something worthwhile for the now rare opportunity for surfers to swing left. RIP Cloudbreak. 

For the everyday surfer, Ulus is a consequential wave, but for the world’s best it’s a skatepark and what we’re seeing so far on social media suggests that this is going to be another high performance event.

Less tubes, more airs and pocket attacks. If it’s big, Ulus will work best on low tide, whereas if it’s in the user-friendly realm, there should be opportunities throughout the window.

We asked our highly opinionated and unfiltered veteran tour spokesperson, Jake Paterson, for a few insights from the cliff.

Stab: Right, Snake, who’s been ripping?
Snake: The Goofyfooters have all been on a tear. Connor O’Leary, Joan Duru, Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira and Owen Wright. I think a goofy will win. 

Pick one!
Gabby… Speed. Power. Flow. Air! Nothing can stop that!

Stab wishes to apologise to Gabriel Medina for doubting his physical prowess after that botched oop. Here’s evidence from today that he’s he’ll be just as dangerous as ever.

What do you think the judges will reward most?
Big turns and airs. I don’t think the barrels will score that well. 

And how’s the forecast looking?
The WSL have already said they are going to start Friday at 9am and try and finish on Saturday. If they can’t finish they will run into Sunday and the swell looks biggest that day. Should be four-to-five feet and super rippable Friday and Saturday. Maybe six-to-eight on Sunday if they get there.

It might not be enough to base a wager off, but the magical and time-thirsty invention that is Instagram can provide us with a glimpse into how leg stretching is going for the remaining 23 at Indo’s original left.

Italo Ferreira, the Stab favourite (minus Wade Gravy).

How can this man not do well? The confidence he gained from his recent win will only add fuel the fire – and now he’s going frontside!

Gabriel Medina

Admittedly we thought that Gabby may have been sidelined after spreading his legs a little too wide during a warmup spin. However, we’ve since received a DM from today strongly suggesting he’s quite fucking alright!

Julian Wilson

Perhaps not the yellow he’s chasing, but the vertical nature of those turns and his 2018 momentum seem promising. 

Yago Dora

Yago’s obviously been waiting for an opportunity to go left.

Michael Rodrigues

Another Brazilian who’s lefthand skills have yet to be revealed. Unfortunately for Michael, he’s drawn Italo…

Jeremy Flores ( A longshot because he’s not in the event)

A natural footer who would be worth backing – if he were surfing. If there’s a tube to be ridden, Jeremy will find it. Extra points for the Neil Young track. Don’t place any wagers on JFlo, he will not be surfing the event… as he did not surf Margies in the first place. 

Michael February

Points for hip B&W treatment and that silk style. Will the judges reward quality over quantity? Unlikely.

And the ladies?

The World Title race is looking more and more like a duel between Lakey Peterson, who just snatched the yellow jersey, and Steph Gilmore, who surrendered it after Keramas. Tatiana Weston-Webb trails them in third followed by Tyler Wright. All remain in contention post Margies, so expect a shuffle come Sunday.

Nikki Van Dijk shaking tail feathers just a few hours ago.

The event will resume with men’s Round 3 and women’s Quarter Finals.

So, who do we have left? (In case you hadn’t heard, John is out)

MENS
Heat 1 Owen Wright vs Keanu Asing
Heat 2 Kolohe Andino vs Jesse Mendes
Heat 3 Jordy Smith Vs Michael February
Heat 4 Italo Ferriera vs Michael Rodrigues
Heat 5 Sebastian Zietz vs Conner Coffin
Heat 6 Julian Wilson vs Kael Walsh
Heat 7 Gabriel Medina vs Jack Robinson
Heat 8 Michel Bourez vs Connor O’Leary
Heat 9 Adriano de Souza vs Willian Cardoso
Heat 10 Filipe Toledo vs Yago Dora
Heat 11 Joel Parkinson vs Joan Duru
Heat 12 John (injured) vs Mikey Wright

WOMENS
Heat 1 Carissa Moore vs Tatiana Weston-Webb
Heat 2 Stephanie Gilmore vs Bronte Macaulay
Heat 3 Nikki Van Dijk vs Johanne Delay
Heat 4 Tyler Wright vs Lakey Peterson