There has been some talk about Margaret River being dropped off the Championship Tour of late, with Kelly Slater mentioning that the winds of change might start blowing a bit when the WSL set up the 2018 tour. If saving money becomes paramount for the WSL then Margaret River will be vanish quicker than Chumbawamba’s music career as they don’t really have a sponsor, and Drug Aware is more of a charitable benefactor than anything else. It will most likely be the unsponsored events that will be cut. All the events that were cut in the Big Wave Tour did not have major sponsors, and the remaining three might not have title sponsors but they are very much viable propositions.
That leaves Rio and Fiji vulnerable for a cut as well. The last time Fiji had a sponsor was in 2013 when it was bankrolled by Volcom, and there has been very little interest since then. One might be able to stomach losing the Rio pro but it would be a bummer to see Cloudbreak on the cutting floor, especially when she can produce shit like this –
One event however that will be around for a very long time to come is the classic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. It is an event that is steeped in history, and despite Bells being a fat mushburger for most events over the years, it makes no difference to the competitors and to the fans alike. Last years win by Matt Wilkinson was a popular win, and the event has been peppered with crazy moments over the years. Kelly Slater’s ten point air reverse in 2012was one such moment …
… and in 2014 when Jordy Smith needed a 9.97 against Julian Wilson in the quarterfinals and banked this incredible ride for a 9.93 …
… looking back at that wave it’s hard to believe that he didn't get the score, but such is subjectivity in our sport of choice.
This year has got the feel of a Jordy year as well as a feel of a Wilko year. While so much of the attention is on John John on the hunt for a second title and Kelly on the hunt for a 12th and last title, Jordy and Wilko must be high on the radar for a win at this iconic event.
Another surfer who is looking infused with champion juice is none other than Adriano de Souza, the man who lost much glory and attention from his world title to the Kelly Slater Wave Co. It seems he has found his mojo this year and is set to be that tenacious bulldog that won him so many heats and events in his world title year.
Finally, another surfer who really opens up at Bells is Gabriel Medina. His backhand style suits the slower walls of Bells and he has enough time to set up those massive, high-scoring backhand airs that blow minds and win heats. Gabby hasn’t had a good run yet, but we all know that it’s coming. We all know.
For more on the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach head here.
