Blades of Glory – When rolling into town takes on a whole new meaning.

Rock & Roller Wilko stopping traffic. Corey Zuhu

Matt ‘rodeo’ Wilkinson roller-bladed into the contest site this morning like some kind of carefree urban cowboy. While other surfers strained their way through Swiss ball routines, Wilko, the perennial clown, was channelling Will Ferrel in Blades of Glory. Whatever psychological tricks Wilko was using on himself, or his competitors they worked. Matt confidently defeated Kelly Slater and Michel Bourez in round four.

Kelly Slater prior to his round four loss to Wilko.Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Once again the timing of his heat was crucial. Surfing towards the higher end of the tide, Wilko could go to work on his backhand without any concern that Michel or Kelly would outpoint him in tiny drainpipes. Suddenly Wilko, resplendent in his hobo couture outfit after the heat, was flavour of the contest. The Channel Nine girl in the glad-wrapped red dress couldn’t stop battering her eyes at the longhaired, bohemian Wilko. She was so distracted; she neglected to pick up her phone and notepad before they were swallowed by the incoming tide. Meanwhile, goofy footers the world over cheered on for their big hope.

Wilko, a master at distracting the ‘media’. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Whoopsie, one drowned news reporters Blackberry. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Ace washing off a round four loss. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Wilko’s victory over Kelly was the beginning of a series of round 4 upsets. Jordy capitulated at the hands of Apple Pie American Brett Simpson. With Rabbit Bartholomew taking over from Ian ‘Kanga’ Cairns as Brett’s corner-man, Simpo looked to have the fickle conditions dialled. “ The one thing that Rabbit told me, which really made a difference is that it’s not all about behind the rock. Sometimes it is but this contest the best waves haven’t been behind the rock.” You hear the commentators talk about it but the waves can just go fat into the channel. ” Brett was qualified to comment on the best waves. At the end of round four he still had the highest single wave score in the event. When asked for his opinion on the ‘no loser, round 4’, he was honest about his competitive inclinations. “ Last year I was really hating on it because I wasn’t in any… You see a lot of the best surfing go down but I’m a major sports fan so I really like to see someone win or lose. They could do without it but I think because of the way the numbers work they have to keep it.” Despite his mixed feelings about the round 4 concept, Brett was still crystal clear about how to approach the no loser’s round. “ Rabbit and I talked about it. It’s either first or third.”

Brett Simpson is a dark horse with plenty of form for this event. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

The purgatory round [it’s neither heaven or hell] claimed two more surfing sinners in Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrow. While Joel and Taj fumbled in the choppy conditions, Argentinean born Alejo Muniz looked honey-smooth. The rookie Muniz grew up in Brazil but has the swagger and style of an Argentinian land baron. When Alejo cruised to victory over two of the biggest names in surfing, the entire Nike [his major sponsor] entourage trotted down the beach [ shoeless I might add] to capture the moment. Alejo is their answer to South American, market penetration and if he continues to win with his languid, dynamic approach he’ll certainly capture the attention of some passionate fans. When Alejo graced the stage in the media tent, Brazilian Jadson Andre, was quick to congratulate him. Muniz has the Brazilian crowd contingent a little confused. His Argentinian birth certificate makes it a little harder to cheer for him than say Adriano, but one senses as his success grows, the Brazilians will treat him like one of those successful, kiwi born actors that us Aussies love to claim as our own. Overwhelmed with emotion after the win Alejo admitted it was the ‘hardest heat of his life’ and he had expected to lose. Interestingly, Alejo’s win over Parko at last year’s Sunset event, helped the Argentinian secure his spot on the world tour. Alejo is not short on experience at Snapper. “ This is the sixth time I’ve bee here,” he told Tracks after the heat. This in part explains why he could look comfortable at Snapper alongside the likes of Parko. Alejo’s an outside chance but whether or not he goes further in the event, his quarterfinal birth has to be considered a major success for the rookie competitor. You can bet the other surfers will be paying much more attention from here on in.

Adriano Desouza, tweaked above a Snapper chandelier. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Brett Simpson through a pair of Rosy’s rose coloured glasses. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Ryan ‘Whippet’ Clark made time to leave the Bondi Rescue tower to check out the Quiksilver Pro. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Alejo Muniz was an unlikely favourite amongst the crowd and media. Ben Whitmore/Nikon

Warwick Capper came down to the beach, draped in all the bling of a Gold Coast Meter Maid. Ben Whitmore/Nikon