The Inner Bunker - Jimbo on the Pro Portugal

Hey guys, thanks once again for all your requests and comments that were sent in regards to my predictions on the Pro France. Just goes to underline that this is an 'el Nino' year for results and predictions,  or is it just that our sport is changing? Not only with the way in which competitions are being scored and how heats are being broken down for judging, but also what is expected of the athletes.

Now it's time to put on your business socks, starting on the 20th is the  Rip Curl Pro Peniche, we are going ask James, the Portuguese hand of Surf Bunker and see what predictions he has:

SB: With the defending world champ's performance in France, how do you see the rest of Medina's year playing out?

James: Good question, I saw the interview with him after his win. He was asked the question of if he thought he was in the title race for this year. Have a look below to see what he said and then draw your own conclusions. I tell you what he is looking very relaxed and dangerous.

SB: The likes of Julian and Bede were so consistent and unassuming throughout the France contest. They seemed to effortlessly breeze through heat after heat just beneath the radar. Do you think they will be able to hold up their form through Portugal?

James: Well, Julian has always been a favourite for me to watch, and whilst people do respect him and the way he surfs, no one really seems to give him enough press, Julian has won the Rip Curl Pro Peniche before, beating Gabriel in the finals, he could defo do it again. Bede is the silent work horse, but consistency has plagued him this year and despite being in two finals he still sits down in 11th place overall. I think that he could make the final for sure, but if its big at Peniche I would look for Bede to take an early exit.

SB: Between Adriano and Mick, neither of which seem to falter as the year goes, who will be holding onto the yellow jersey going into Pipe?

James: Haha, the golden question. I truly believe there is very little to separate them this year. Sometimes when you get to this level in any sport it just comes down to either luck or who wants it more, and while I believe that Adriano is always fired up and motivated, I don’t think he has really had the self belief to claim the title previously, this year however he is looking relaxed and comfortable. You can never count out Mick and I think it will come down to the wire, but my money would be on Adriano going into Pipe with the yellow on his back.

SB: Who do you peg as doing well if the waves are big barrels in Portugal?

James: I think if it is pumping, the two wildcards would be looking good,  both Mason Ho and Vasco Ribiero will feel very at home in the heavy, sand bottom pits. Other than that, Wiggolly Dantes is looking good and Nat Young for me. You would have to mention Owen Wright and Jeremy Flores in there too.

SB: And how does that change if the waves are small and ripable?

James: If we are looking at small waves, I think I would be looking at a more Brazilian affair, Toledo, Medina and maybe Andino.

SB: Think Kelly will show up?

James: That is the question on everyone's lips, our Surf Bunker Rep in Hossegor was lucky enough to get a couple of mins to chat with the man. He was reflecting on a less than stellar year and it seemed that he would not be making it unless it was three metres plus at Supertubos. It seemed that to him, getting over his injuries to be ready for Pipe was more important.

SB: Will a goofy or a regular take out the next comp?

James: Before the very recent storm there was an amazing left at the event site, I imagine that has all changed now though with the swell/wind we have had. These days I think there is very little between the two as regards to backside and front, the judges seem to take it into account that you are surfing backside and score accordingly. Sometimes I think it is a disadvantage to be surfing on your forehand. Weird huh?

SB: How about the world title?

James: For me it could go down any way, I hope that Kelly turns up at Pipe and wins the event and that he also throws some spoilers in there at the same time.  I don't mind whoever wins as long as it goes to Pipe and as long as its exciting. Why not give Adriano a shot, he has been knocking on the door for a while. I will go with Adriano.

SB: With your press pass to the next event, which pro would you most like to have a chat with behind the scenes and why?

James: Hands down I would like to go and have a chat with Mason Ho, the wildcard. I would love to get his take on the WSL and the world stage. Also I would like to talk with Miguel Pupo and Nat Young both are amazing and underrated surfers in my opinion.

SB: Well there it is, you heard it here first, lets see how it stacks up and where the chips fall. We, at Surf Bunker are all getting revved to find out who will be wearing the yellow jersey come the 31st of October.