Watch: CT Surfers’ First Look at Rottnest Island

The much-anticipated fourth event of the Australian leg is set to begin in less than 48 hours.

Many people—fans, athletes, and American surf writers alike—had no idea what Rottnest Island would provide for the top-54. We knew that the primary venue, Strickland Bay, was a split-peak reef with a long, running left and short, punchy right. But we hadn’t seen enough of the wave to get a true idea of its quality.

Thanks to Stab CUSP co-host/CT coach/WSL yes-man Stace Galbraith, we now know exactly what kind of wave we’re dealing with. From first appearances, it’s…not great.

The right is short and speedy. The left is slightly longer and full of wonk. My guess is we’ll see some crazy airs on the right and some awkward down-the-line turns on the left. It’s kind of like a smaller, more condensed version of Margaret River Main Break, except it doesn’t look like it can hold much bigger than what’s pictured above.

Granted, this could just be a funny swell angle/tide/star alignment etc. The event could go off, proving me (and this video) horribly wrong. In fact I very much hope that’s the case.

Given what we’ve seen, who do you think has a chance out here (besides the current top-3, which are a given)? I’m personally liking Griffin Colapinto and Michel Bourez for the men. Isabella Nichols for the gals.