Hawaiian Fred Patacchia is one of the most respected voices in surfing. A formidable competitor, ASP Rookie of the Year in 2005, the smooth and polished goofyfoot was never backwards about coming forward. So, after retiring in 2015 who better to ask about the first event of the 2016 season? Here’s Freddy P’s form guide ahead of the Quiksilver Pro Snapper Rocks.
Felipe Toledo
“He’s a freak and impossible to beat at small Snapper.”
If the forecast remains similar to last year’s event, expect Fily to fly. Photo: JoliJohn John Florence
“John John is starting to realize being talented isn’t enough. He’s slowly maturing into a talented competitive athlete and that’s scary.”
C’mon John John, let’s see a finals appearance at Snapper. Photo: WSL/KirstinMick Fanning
“Cause he’s Mick F&*king Fanning! God given talent, dedicated athlete, best competitive mind in surfing and a genuine human being.”
He might only be competing in select events this season but you can guarantee Mick will be giving it his all at Snapper. Photo: WSL/KirstinJulian Wilson
“Jules has all the tricks and should be winning events.”
A runner up in 2015, Jules will be looking for redemption and to get his season off to a flying start. Photo: WSL/SwillyGabriel Medina
“He’s the best Goofy in the business and never gives up in a heat.”
A winner in 2014, Gabriel Medina can certainly light up Snapper Rocks. Photo: WSL/KirstinMatt Wilkinson
“Just cause I want him to do good. He’s my wildcard.”
With Micro Hall in his corner and a win at Surfest Matt Wilko might be on a roll. Photo: JoliAdriano De Souza
“He’s the current World Champ and always finds a way to make it to the Quarters.”
Having spent the last month on the Gold Coast, expect Adriano to have an intimate relationship with the bank. Photo: JoliJeremy Flores
“I get the feeling this is going to be Jeremy’s best year to date.”
After a positive 2015, Jeremy Flores will be looking to pick up where he left off. Photo: WSL/SwillyQuiksilver Pro Gold Coast Heat Draw:
Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Italo Ferreira, Keanu Asing, Ryan Callinan
Heat 2: Julian Wilson, Michel Bourez, Adam Melling
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo, Jadson Andre, Stuart Kennedy
Heat 4: Gabriel Medina, Caio Ibelli, Sebastian Zietz
Heat 5: Mick Fanning, Matt Banting, TBD
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza, Kolohe Andino, TBD
Heat 7: Jeremy Flores, Adrian Buchan, Davey Cathels
Heat 8: Kelly Slater, Matt Wilkinson, Conner Coffin
Heat 9: Nat Young, Kai Otton, Alex Ribeiro
Heat 10: Josh Kerr, Taj Burrow, Kanoa Igarashi
Heat 11: Jordy Smith, Wiggolly Dantas, Miguel Pupo
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson, John John Florence, Jack Freestone
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Heat Draw:
Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright, Johanne Defay, Alessa Quizon
Heat 2: Bianca Buitendag, Nikki Van Dijk, Coco Ho
Heat 3: Carissa Moore, Chelsea Tuach, TBD
Heat 4: Courtney Conlogue, Sage Erickson, Bronte Macaulay
Heat 5: Sally Fitzgibbons, Malia Manuel, Laura Enever
Heat 6: Stephanie Gilmore, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Keely Andrew
