Quiky Pro pops and it’s Dane first up to bowl.

Dane takes the stand at the ASP world title crowning. Pic: Smithy

The morning was kick started with a front-side threesome. Accidental hero Dane Reynolds was the high seed against Hawaiian Roy Powers and Brett Simpson in heat one. Brett, with his high-fidelity Californian snaps, taking the heat. The rookie’s confidence buoyant from qualifying for the world tour and defeating world champ Mick Fanning last year at Huntington Beach (his local beach) in the US open. He also has the baulking figure (and brain) of ex-pat Aussie Ian ‘Kanga’ Cairns in his corner.

But it was Dane Reynolds the conscientious crowd (and I) wanted to see. The profile of Dane climbing skyward like his ever-growing trademark airs. Riding a tiny five four board with little rocker and a super narrow tail Dane perhaps ruing his choice of equipment. Like any couch jockey though my opinion (and some of those in Dane’s corner), is subjective. Not quite pulling one of his patent grab-rail fin-blasts early in the heat perhaps enough to stunt momentum. That and his unique Laissez faire attitude that kicks in when he’s not surfing on point.

Lighting up the early morning heat with some flare, Dane and that turn he didn’t quite pull off. Pic: ASP/Tostee

Slightly bummed Dane (and the waves) didn’t blow up I consoled myself with a bowl of cereal. Using the glass trophy he received at the ASP banquet of course. What the fuck? That’s right in a night deserving it’s own blog (or perhaps a chapter in my memoirs?) I somehow managed to walk away with silverware. On Thursday night gone at a packed convention centre Dane gave a hilarious speech. Surprised to be called to the stage Dane spoke of his shock of receiving the least sought after award on the bill. “…Most improved, huh? I guess I must have sucked the year before?” He jested, too much laughter. “Thanks, I guess? And I hope I can improve again next year.” Reynolds gold. Later in the night Dane and I caught up and had a chuckle about his speech. Our Corona fuelled chat ending with me holding the bowl and Dane being happier for relieving himself of its weighty mass. Materialistic Dane is not, but I on the other hand – well I carried the weight glass bowl around proudly for the rest of the night. Say no more. Thanks Dane.

By Col B

Dane and I play who’s the bigger fool (I won). Pic: Smithy