Rumour Denied: Parko’s Surfing The Ranch After All!

A few days ago we reported a rumour that Joel Parkinson was “set to bail on the surf ranch” event in September. As it turns out, that rumour, was in fact, a false rumour.

Now, it’s not as if Joel could or would ever admit to bailing on the event out of personal preference, because that would result in a fine from the WSL. 

If the rumours were true, you’d expect a simple no response, and if they were false, then I was prepared to eat my already published words. We decided to hit up Joel to see whether he had any input regarding speculation surrounding his opposition to competing at California’s premiere inland bank.  

“No I’m in…who said that?” Parko replied. 

“I’m not really that interested but I’m in the US anyway so I’m definitely going.”

And with that, it looks like our rumour mill was wrong. Regardless of the tales’ underlying aspects of truth, Joel Parkinson will be plunging into Kelly’s pool again this September. 

He might not be enthused about competing at the pool, or competing at all prior to his Pipe farewell, but he’ll be there regardless, giving the trolley-powered walls of the Surf Ranch the finest of three-finned lashings. In the mean time, let’s hope some swell heads Teahupo’o’s way for Joel’s last jersey-restricted surf at the ‘End of the Road’.  

Until next time.

A slightly deflated, Gossip Girl. 

xoxo