Thanks for all the comments and emails from last month's Inner bunker section. We thought it would be cool to have a little round up of the year and, of course, feature the last comp of the year and the world title showdown.
This year has seen a plethora of unusual activities, I will not go on, because we all saw and read about the shark 'attack' which caused Mick Fanning to be a household name (alongside Chuck Norris), or the fact the Kelly is only just in the top ten and not even in the title conversation, Jeremy Flores' bounce back from disgrace and the performances of the wild-cards in the Rip Curl Pro Peniche.
Anyway, I'm not on the stand here, it's time to ask some questions of our guy in South Africa and find out what he thinks of the surfing year so far, and who will win the world title and why. Over to you Johnny.
SB: So, let's cut to the chase Johnny, give us your favourites for the final and the winner of Pipe?
Johnny: Wow. How crazy is this end to the year! I’m actually really indecisive about this one, lately my forecasts of who’s gonna perform and who’s gonna flounder have been so off. Realistically Mick’s really the one to worry about if Pipe looks anything it did the past few days. Giant second reef stuff. That being said, all six of the contenders can ride the bejesus out of a barrel. (despite anything derogatory and incidentally quite false that people might say about Brazilians' ability to charge...) Kelly always blows up at Pipe. What I find surreal is that, following Gabby’s antics and the media hype surrounding him at Sunset, Mr. Slater seems in my mind a sort of outsider for this contest which is so bizarre! Kelly! A dark horse?
So, If it's big and gnarly through the final heats, Mick, Kelly, Owen and Julian. Julian I might add was paddling second reef Pipe today, while John John and JOB were still doing stepoffs out the back!
If its Backdoorey and Bowly, but still with a good grunt: Gabby or Filipe.
...I do acknowledge that that is a terribly vague prediction!
SB: Now the big question, who is going to take out the world title?
Johnny: In short after my rambling first question...Gabby or Mick. But I’d love for Owen to. Always a fan of the underdog me!
SB: How much of a factor will the conditions at Pipeline play?
Johnny: So much will depend on the size and swell direction. Pipe is one creature one day and the complete opposite the next. I have a sneaky feeling it’s gonna be big big for at least a portion of the contest. It would be great for the quarters through to the finals...
SB: Who has been the impressive performer of this year for you?
Johnny: Toledo. I’ve really had an about change of my opinion about his ability and character since the Quikkie Gold coast. I also feel that his surfing has evolved so much over the past 10-12 months. His rail work (which is my favourite aspect of pro surfing) has become so good. Despite being a smallish guy, that forehand hack that he does is a thing of beauty. Add that onto that freakish air game he always had; he’s a Medina, the full package, only more pleasant post interview and with body hair.
SB: I have to ask, what do you think Kelly will do next year or do you think that depends how Pipe goes?
Johnny: I think he’s gonna chuck it in. Even if he wins Pipe. Kelly, despite being hyper competitive, is smart. In my gut I feel that he’s not going to get a world title and I think he knows it too. This was a terrible year for him by his own admission. He also admits that injuries are becoming a problem for him, specifically recovery time.
SB: Are you excited about anyone coming on to tour next year?
Johnny: Jack Freestone or Connor Coffin. Jack’s surfing is crazy. The guy's airs are on a par with John John’s when it comes to commitment and precision. His airs remind me of Matt Meola!
I watched a bunch of clips of Connor surfing. He has the best turns I’ve ever seen on a human. Every wave, bam bam bam, perfect, hard committed and precise, and everything flows together... beautiful deep bottom turn, BANG! *Lays down the hammer. His surfing is mesmerizing. At the point breaks he’s going to kill.
SB: I know you watched the Pe'ahi Challenge last night. What was your best moment?
Johnny: All about the Long Greg. Hey. That stuff was unreal. That and the wipeouts, like any surf fan will admit no?!
SB: And there you have it, that is the way it will go down, I am off to the bookies anyway to purchase my one euro bet on Kelly coming from behind at 100, 000, 000:1.
Lets hope its like this...
Could it be this guy again?