The Billabong Pro Teahupo’o is one of the greatest surf events of all time – when it gets waves. If it doesn't get waves it can be a little underwhelming. Although, to qualify that – even barely contestable Chopes is still better then Rio.
When it comes to forecasting who we think might be getting sprayed with Hinano after the event, so much depends on the surf, and more so the size of the surf.
John John Florence and Kelly Slater
Why would we put these surfers together in a single entry? Well, their semi-final heat in 2014 is still possibly the finest heat ever surfed at Chopes and one of the best heats of all time, and will always leave the two surfers linked to great performances at Teahupo’o. There is just no way that a mere two years would have slowed either of the two down, and with JJF in his world title ascension and Kelly in his fun-lovin’ twilight year(s) there is every reason that the two of them are going to smash it again. Could we see a final between the two? Hell yes. Just watch the video again.
Gabriel Medina
He is also ascending the ranks this year as he hunts down that second world title, and with his fuller frame and maturity in the water and out, Gabs could be a winner without putting in a superhuman effort. Without wishing to detract from one of the best surfers to paddle out at Chopes, Gabriel knows how to win heats, and contests, at this particular left-hand slab. He does it by consistently riding those two great waves in a heat. He doesn't go for ten-point rides, he just goes for those two impressive tube rides that are going to see him score in the excellent range, and this consistent and controlled approach could see him repeat his 2014 performance.
Matt Wilko
This is the event where it is all going to gel again for the friendly goofy-footer. He’s been training hard and getting some great lefts around the world (read: G-Land), he’s pretty impervious to nerves and panic when he thinks about it, and he’s got the cool-hand Luke coach and trainer Micro by his side, giving him friendly but solid and meaningful advice. Wilko loved the feeling when he won the first two events of the year, he loved the media interest, and he loved the fact that he could be in the running for a World Title and in the process could lose his jester persona. He desperately wants to have that feeling again, and it could all come together at this event.
Teahupoo from Matt Wilkinson on Vimeo.
Wiggolly Dantas
This explosive goofy-footer is so hungry he makes a person nervous when he walks to the waters’ edge for a heat, or when he returns to the contest area waiting for the result of a heat. He is tense, he is pumped, and he has some sort of agenda that is totally focused on winning and nothing else. When he loses he is utterly defeated, dejected and obstinate. He has all the moves in his repertoire including an innate tube sense and some big air moves when he needs them. We see Wigs gliding through some massive tunnels, getting some great scores, and heading for the pointy end of the event.
Maru Iti from Marcos Nofuentes on Vimeo.
Jeremy Flores
Defending champ, frustrated, hungry and determined, J-Flo is going to give us fireworks this year. If it is big he will totally smash it and dominate, taking off on any and everything that comes his way and ride with aplomb. He knows how to negotiate the Chopes tube when it gets a bit bumpy and messy, and he knows his way down the face and into the big kegs when she starts getting to real size. Jeremy is also surfing against himself at the moment, and doesn't even see the other competitors in his heats. He is so focused and prepared for a do-or-die approach should the situation call for it. Jeremy has the wave dialed and is scared of no wave or no man.
The official forecast here
The mechanics of Teahupo’o here
