Perfect Supertubos & Perfect 10s

Rip Curl Pro Portugal

Slater, Parkinson, Fanning, Florence; Perfect Supertubos

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 October, 2012 : - - Supertubos, Peniche, Portugal - Supertubos lived up to its name for day one of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal with RD1 and half of RD2 completed in increasing three-to-six foot fast breaking barrels.  Event No. 8 on the World Championship Tour saw the world title race intensify, as surfers put it all on the line.
 
Three of the top four title contenders Joel Parkinson, Kelly Slater and John John Florence opened with heat wins to advance directly into round three. Mick Fanning was forced to bounce back via round two after an opening loss.

World no.1 Parkinson was in sizzling form locking in the highest heat total of round one. The super consistent Parkinson, has made three finals and two semifinals but has never won a world title though he has been runner-up four times. Current No. 2 Kelly Slater continued his dominant form today. Slater who still sets records in his third decade of competitive surfing admitted to being excited by this years title race. 

World no.3 Fanning fought back in round two after narrowly losing to Kieren Perrow in the closest heat of round one.  Fanning’s win saw him move through to RD3 and keep his title hopes alive. Fanning said all the title contenders knew that they had to win events to take this years crown.

World no.4 and a tube maestro Florence is renowned for his Supertubos prowess and cannot be discounted especially with his home break of Pipeline, Hawaii  playing host to the final event of 2012. Florence downplayed his exceptional rookie year saying thinking about the title was too intense.
 

While the focus maybe on the top four ranked surfers, Gabriel Medina, Owen Wright, Josh Kerr, Jeremy Flores, C.J. Hobgood, Michel Bourez, Julian Wilson and local hero Tiago Pires all turned on sensational tube riding performances. Standouts Medina, Hobgood and Bourez all scoring perfect 10-point rides. 
 
Next call is for Sunday morning for a potential 8am start.

More info at www.live.ripcurl.com

Source: Rip Curl

Authors: The Editors

Tags: Rip Curl Pro Portugal

WCT: Surfersvillage