#Tournotes: Who’s first in the lineup?

“Back when I was first on tour,” said Mick Fanning this morning at Bells. “It was pretty easy to be the first one out because everyone was hungover from the night before.” That was before the days of the timber desk and eight-panel commentary team. But, whether it’s 2015 or 1995, it’s always been a badge of honour to be the first guy in the lineup around world tour events. It shows commitment and is a sign of seriousness. Over the years it’s a title that’s been owned by Nathan Hedge, by Dean Morrison, by Mick Fanning. Fast forward to today and Mick has always been committed to the sub-dawn early sesh. Kolohe is now moving up as The Morning Guy but we sure didn’t see the laydeez owning the AM. And, the symbolism is rich. Mick Fanning might not be the best surfer in the world but he owns three world titles. Is Carissa the best female surfer in the world? Sometimes, yeah, but Thomas Edison had a point: There is no substitute for hard work.