What a crazy day of surf action – in and out of the water. Drama unfolded throughout day 13 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast waiting period, as the day saw rounds three, four and five get ticked off. Massive upsets, surfboard abuse and an on-air interview getting cut short (due to some fowl language) were all part of the day’s action. Oh and the surfing wasn’t too bad either.
Jordy didn’t fail to impress with his powerful front-side attack.
The biggest names to fall out of Round 3 today were Kelly Slater (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA) and John John Florence (HAW). All red-jersey favourites for the event.
South Africa’s day started off looking good, with Jordy Smith (RSA) going strong in his Round 3 heat – taking out Matt Banting while moving out of Round 3 and onto the no-losers round. He then came up against a fired-up Felipe Toledo (BRA) in Round 4, who had achieved the highest heat total from Round 3. Jordy narrowly lost against Felipe but posted a big heat total – and was looking ready to breeze past Bede Durbridge (AUS) in Round 5 for the last heat of the day.
The dark horse, Bede Durbridge – inflicting damage once again.
Unfortunately it was not the case. In classic dark-horse style, Bede Durbridge managed to drop a massive 9.5 on his second wave, backing up his 6.33 and leaving Jordy searching for an 8.57 for half the heat. Jordy took off on two set-waves during the rest of the heat, with both waves possibly offering the potential score. Unfortunately, Jordy was caught off guard – leaving him too far behind the section, and unable to get around onto the open face to post the score he needed.
If Jordy keeps the form he showed from earlier on in the day, however, he should have no issues at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which takes place next month. I’m sure no one has forgotten that last wave he rode in the semis during last year’s event against Julian Wilson (AUS).
Jordy off the back and on his way to Bells.
For entertainment purposes, watch Freddy Patacchia Jnr (HAW) attempting to board slide a rock (first of its kind in a professional contest we believe). Scroll right to the end to see the rock-slide.
In his post heat interview Gabriel Medina also let the judges, WSL commissioner Keiren Perrow and Glen Hall know exactly how he felt after his dubious interference call against Glen Hall (AUS).
Check out highlights from Round 3, 4 and 5:
