When’s The Last Time You Saw A Blank Nose Move Like This?

If you watch a lot of edits you tend to pick up on a few things…

One trend I’ve noticed: a lot of guys like going one direction (psst: it isn’t their backhand). If you think about it, freesurfers don’t need to go both ways the same way competitors do. They’re also unburdened by the time constraint that comes with competition, giving them the freedom to make more edits. Nevertheless, whether you’re an air guy or a tube hound, the standard ratio of forehand to backhand tends to be 70/30.

Enter Connor O’Leary.

This is a man who has qualified for the tour twice, which he’ll tell you is no easy feat. While some have found competitive success on the strength of single maneuvers or skill sets, Connor is not one of them. Growing up on Australia’s East Coast (whence there are plenty of right points) has led to Connor’s developing of a dynamic, formed out backhand. Having Martin Dunn as your childhood coach doesn’t hurt when it comes to technique, as evidenced by Connor’s impressive 2017 showing at Snapper.

Click above to watch his latest edit ‘Far East’. Highlights include the pit at 1:10 and the 5 cracker at 2:20.

PS: Have you ever questioned the theory dogs look like their owners? Case in point.