In a previous article I called for four of the world’s best surfers to excel at Pipe for various reasons. Unbelievably, for a surf journalist, I don’t know everything and 75% of my marked surfers have already been culled. Thank goodness I don't play Fantasy, because I’d suck at it. Still, the final surfer that remains from my chosen quartet might still help me to wipe some of that eggy stuff off my face, seeing as it is the World Champ.
I thought that JOB would have a good knock, just because he is Jamie. I also had a caveat that he might not be getting enough competitive practice at the higher level necessary for competing in a WSL event. It’s not the Pipe Masters, but every thing else about the Volcom Pipe Pro is real and serious, and the hunt for victory is relentless among the top hunters. JOB dropped out in the second round, losing to Seth Moniz and Cody Young, both from Hawaii.
I thought that Jack Robinson was going to be in the mood for cementing his reputation as a North Shore cowboy after his recent victory at the Sunset Open and his previous win at the Pipeline Invitational in 2015. Mr Robinson has proven himself in waves of consequence, showing that his has the skills and balls to ride Chopes and Pipe, and look really good in the process. He didn’t get the chance to show his prowess in this event unfortunately, losing to Tom Whittaker, Koa Rothman and Olamana Eleogram in round 3 of the event.
Kelly Slater was an easy bet. He’s always a good surfer to back. He can win any contest he wants to should things go his way and should he be in that good place. Things didn't and he wasn't, and he ended up bowing out to the fast up-and-coming Seth Moniz, and the come backing Bruce Irons. It must be a little bit frustrating for the defending champ to not get a knock in the final at least, but Slater the competitor doesn't really get fazed anymore at heat or event losses and just moves onto the next thing effortlessly.
The remaining surfer in our pick is the inimitable John John Florence, who could really take this win with minimal effort. Nate Florence is through as well, along with Seth Moniz, Mason Ho and Makua Rothman, and either one of these surfers could do the bizarre and take the whole thing on a plate. We’re going to stick to our guns however, and put all on JJF.
John John has had his breakout year in 2016, but it is well known that in surfing time-lines, a world tour campaign starts the year before, and with John John being so young, this is his streak coming up. Last year would have just proven to the young Hawaiian what needed to be done in the marathon of a year on the tour in order to get a world title. Don't get injured, always get your waves, always finish your rides well etc. He is quite possibly poised for another runaway year. We'll find out soon enough.
There is a spoiler or two, however, on the young Hawaiian prodigies’ plans. Jordy Smith, at number 2, has a world title in him. It’s burning now for all to see, and if he starts the year off with a good run he could get that maiden. Next to him, Kelly has stated that 2017 is his world title run, and he is going to go as hard as he can, and when it’s all said and done, is going to step down from full time competing.
A 2017 face-off between Jordy, John John and Kelly? Things could be worse.
