On Thursday I marveled at the female surfers ability to take on the waves and emerge not only intact, but radiating natural beauty even with their hair slicked against their face … very impressive. Today was the men’s turn.
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| Kelly Slater © The Ponder Room |
Like most people I was sad to see Kelly Slater out early. A repeat of last year (see post), you have to ponder whether he’ll consider Margaret River unfinished business, or a bad luck omen before Bells.
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| Kelly Slater © The Ponder Room |
With Mick Fanning out and current world champ Taj Burrow breaking his board, perhaps Margs is developing a reputation as the ‘Champion Slayer’. At least the wineries seem to keep a smile on their faces. Here’s hoping it’ll be third time lucky for them next year.
In the meantime …
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| Kai Otton © The Ponder Room |
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| Kelly Slater
© The Ponder Room
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… it was brilliant watching the young pack take off, headed by John John Florence and Kolohe Andino, Kolohe celebrating his 18th birthday.
I could say it was impressive to watch Florence get massive air, full rotation and then ride out of it to score a perfect 10, the only 10 of the day. However having spent the afternoon trying to get my head around … bunny hops, chop hops, back hand grabs, cheese whizzers and larry laybacks, I’d be bound to put the wrong intonation somewhere and out myself as the surfing wannabe that I am.
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| Florence © The Ponder Room |
Instead I’ll just say ….wow he went really, really high, twirled right round and made it down without planting face first into the foam. In any language it was mighty impressive.
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| Florence
© The Ponder Room
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So Slater out, Florence flew and I solidified my lack of cool … bring on the finals.
