Rip Curl Pro Bells Day's 2&3

Sorry I didn't put out the recap yesterday - but here are the recaps for day's 2 and 3.  To say the least, my fantasy surfer roster (for the mens at least) is done.  In the matter of a day, I lost 5 surfers: Kolohe, Julian, Jadson, Bourez and Taylor Knox.  I know a lot of people had similar rosters to me from the sounds of it and we're all hurting right now.  All were thought to be safe picks, some thought Julian could win it and this wave is perfect for surfers like TK, Bourez and Jadson with their power surfing skills.  I don't think anyone was expecting the high-flying antics that we are seeing at Bells.  But I guess that is the new era of surfing, I mean one person threw an air 360 at the Pipe Masters this past winter.  Looks like I will have to re-evaluate my strategy for the Billabong Pro Rio.

Day 2 consisted of Rounds 2 and 3, both of which being elimination rounds.  This is where all of my surfers lost.  First was Julian who took on Kai Otton.  Kai pulled some last minute heroics - these two have had quite a rivalry brewing ever since last year in Portugal which was deemed the best heat of last year.  Then it was TK who narrowly lost out to young gun Brazilian Gabe Medina.  Bourez just lost out to Freddy P by .25; Bede beat Kolohe on a last minute wave that seems to be a little over-scored.  Round 3 was a little better for me as I only lost Jadson to Owen Wright.

Day 3 consisted of the end of Round 3 and Round 4.  Round 4 is not an elimination round but there was some amazing surfing.  Kelly Slater pulled off two last minute waves in his Round 3 vs. local Nic Muscroft and in Round 4 advancing him to the quarters.  As it stands now, Round 5 goes as is: H1 John John vs Jeremy Flores; H2 Kerr vs de Souza; H3 Kai Otton vs Brett Simpson; H4 Jordy vs CJ.  I need CJ and John John to pull through here.  Those already in the quarters are Kelly, Mick, Joel and Owen.  I see John John beating Jeremny, Kerr ousting Adriano, Kai over Simpo and if he can surf like he has been, CJ over Jordy but it will be super close.

On a side note, the goofy footers have been destroying this event - something that no one really expected as this is usually a regular footed advantaged wave.  Its been years since a goofy won here (Occy).  I wouldn't be surprised if one won here, there are three left - Owen, CJ and Kai - all of which are more than capable of pulling off a victory.

Notable losses so far: Julian, Kolohe, Taj, Bourez, Ace, Bede and Gabe Medina

As for the women's division, some really exciting surfing and I have made some good choices on my fantasy roster.  I only lost Sage Erickson who lost in a good heat to Paige Hareb.  But the girls are ripping; Malia Manuel is looking super strong, she has been getting massive scores and blowing away her competition.  In Round 4, there are four heats consisting of: H1 Sarah Mason vs Paige Hareb; H2 Laura Enever vs Steph Gilmore (really excited for this heat, round two of their rivalry building..note these two were in the final together at Snapper..another note, these two are both on my roster so I will unfortunately be losing one of them); H3 Coco Ho vs Courtney Conlogue; H4 Lakey Peterson vs Sofia Mulanovich.  Already onto the quarters are Tyler Wright, Malia Manuel, Carissa Moore and Sally Fitzgibbons.

It is looking to be a strong and exciting final day for both the men's and women's.  I will pick three surfers for each division that I think could/will win this contest.  Mens: Kelly, Owen, Joel.  Women's: Carissa, Malia, Sally.  Hopefully these picks are better than Snapper!

Here are a few video's from days 2 and 3 for mens and women's.  Awesome surfing, check it out!

Mens:

Women's: