It’s John Florence’s Title To Lose

France was good, but not for moi. My main dame J. Smith let the Yellow Jerz slip through his mitts, and with the time zones and a busy schedule, I watched almost none of it live. And though I did win 175 bucks from my WSL league, War On Gulls, my picks on Stab: Not. So. Good.

But let’s not dwell on the past, because we might be looking at a big start tonight. The North Atlantic is stirred into a frenzy, Surfline is calling it Good To Epic, Ashton’s scrambling a la Plains, Trains. and Automobiles to get from Barcelona to Peniche for the AM call… and so without further procrastination, because this is already a day late, here are my picks for what’s looking like damned fine and proper Supertubos event. 

John John Florence
I’d imagine John is feeling pretty good right now, and as much as we all want to see him lock it down at Pipe, he’ll be trying to nip this thing in the bud ASAP.

With two events most likely being held in unpredictable barrels, it’s John’s Title to lose. He’s been in this position before and pulled it off. Honestly, I think more than anyone else in the event, he’s got someone in his way that could damage his race: Mason Ho is probably the most capable person in this draw of taking John out so, and I can’t believe I’m saying this*, if he can get past Mason…

Jordy Smith
My bru is going to get radical in Portugal, mark my words. He’s done everything but win this event and over the years he’s put in some amazing performances. His tube riding is great and he’s got some blades under his feet he’s feeling pretty good about, but Jords know’s what he’s gotta do, and that’s step it up a bit on the radical front. He left France early to get to Portugal and get some practice on the ever changing banks of Supertubos….

Michel Bourez
Bourez is due for a big result. He’s had a pretty slow year, a couple shockers. Big barrels, late drops, and sneaking out doggy doors are some of his strengths and they’ll come in damned handy in big Supertubos. Michel just needs to give himself chances. He’s been too patient in heats, putting himself out of rhythm. If it’s not hollow, he’ll be getting in that big two-hit combo for maximum points.

http://vimeo.com/109312261

Kolohe Andino
The only pick I got right in France. Looks like Brother has stepped his game up big time (and sharpened up his look). Great call getting rid of the fluff on his face and the speed dealer shades, next let’s swop out that moto Red Bull hat for a regular old snap-back. Honestly,  I think Kolohe has quietly become one of the better tube riders of the young guys on tour, and he’s due for a win.

Brother needs to start thinking of himself as a contender and  get out of his own head when he stands up on a wave. Let that raw ability take over, surprise us with a maneuver or air, because he has all the ingredients.

Leo Fioravanti
I think Gucci Man is going to have a breakthrough event this year. He’s had a shocker adjusting to the World Tour, but he’s young and so very, very good. He’s going to be dangerous in years to come, as he gains some wisdom with age and develops the command someone like Jeremy has in heavy waves

Julian Wilson
A few steps forward, a few more back. Seems like that’s how Julian’s slow climb’s been, which is quite infuriating as a fan.

He got his first Tour win in Portugal, so I’d like to think he’s got a personal connection with the place. He’s top-5 on tour in the tube, and he has the confidence and lineup intelligence you need to win an event like Portugal. Basically you need to be scouring the horizon, making shit happen out there, getting waves under priority, creating your own luck.

Mason Ho
What a perfect addition to the Rip Curl Pro. How good would it be to see Mason win a World Tour event. While I don’t think he has the attention span to go all the way, he definitely has the ability. Mason has been tube hunting all year, so if he just continues to do what comes naturally, he’ll have a good chance of making a few rounds. And in case it wasn’t obvious, I’m dying for him to beat JJF so Jordy can gain some ground.