It's that time again when we ask one of our own at Surf Bunker what he/she thinks of an upcoming competition in the 'Inner Bunker' section.
Today we will be tapping the wisdom in the mind of our English Governor, Rich and we will be asking him about the impending finale to this years female title clash. Really it all comes down to Conlogue or Moore but hey, we are not here to listen to my words, lets ask Rich what he thinks will happen at the Maui Target Pro and some other stuff too.
SB: Hey Rich, how have the waves been in Croyde of late? Purchased any new boards you like the look of?:
Rich: Hi James, the waves in Croyde lately have been a little large, windy and unruly, so I’ve had to find a little shelter in the form of a left-hand point. It’s been a mixture of average - good. Oddly for me I’m actually trying to sell a couple of boards but I am replacing my long board with a slide 65 which is being shaped at the moment. You know me though always got my eye on boards….
SB: So down to the nitty gritty, who is going to win the girls title race this year and how and why?
Rich: Well it’s quite close at the top of the leader board, I’d say the money has to be on Carrisa, she’s currently leading and has to have the home advantage plus she’s been surfing well and has a full bag of tricks.
SB: Can you see any spoilers from other competitors at the Target Pro?
Rich: I think Courtney and Sally can’t be ruled out, they’ve had a good run of form and both can perform well in good waves, which you have to hope they would have in Maui.
SB: Being Hawaii, do you think that the wild card (tbc) will be a threat?
Rich: For sure a wild card from any home break has to be regarded with caution, they’re usually well versed on how that wave is behaving, though I doubt they will have a real impact on the leaders.
SB: Who is your favourite girl on tour and why?
Rich: I’ve always admired Step Gilmore’s surfing, she links turns with a lot of flow and control, when she’s not injured she’s pretty hard to beat, I guess that’s why she has 6 titles.
SB: While we are here, who do you think is going to win the Men's World Title? Why?
Rich: It’s wide open at the moment, I would say there are 5 guys that could win it, it would be really cool to see someone new win, may be Adriano or Owen, and if it were one of those guys I would be really happy. Deep down though, if the conditions are good, I think Mick will win with some good tube rides and some nice turns! It really is Mick’s to lose but I think what ever the outcome and with it being so close it’ll be an exciting event to watch.
SB: As we are both surfboard geeks, what's the best board that you have ever owned and what did you like about it the most?
Rich: There have been a few boards over the years, but as my surfing progressed those boards fell down the pecking order. One board that has been good for me and remains a favourite is a 5ft9 Plonker by Mark Phipps. I do remember a non surf day in France with money burning a hole in my pocket, going to the Quiksilver store in Capbreton and ending up coming home with it. It’s a fun board and will go in mush but also holds really well in good surf, though I’m more comfortable on something a little bigger if the surf is head high.
SB: There we are, you heard it here first from just one of our many experts, thanks Rich, I am going to slip off now and adjust my fantasy surf team. Oh and Phippsy's boards rock.
Here are the possible scenarios for the title race :
If Moore finishes 13th or 9th, Conlogue needs a 3rd to claim the title.
If Moore finishes 5th or 3rd, Conlogue needs a win to claim the title.
If Moore finishes 5th and Conlogue finishes 2nd, they’ll be tied and the title will be decided by a surf off.
If Moore makes the Final, she will be the 2015 WSL Women’s World Champ.
Before the paddle out.