“I knew the day would come when I would have to walk away from professional surfing,” said Patacchia. “While this isn’t the end of my surfing career, it’s probably the last time that I’ll compete on the big stage on the Championship Tour."
The heavy water leg of the Championship Tour is over and it's back to aquatic gymnastics at Lowers. Danny Hayes gives us his tips for the Hurley Pro.
It was the morning of the finals and the conditions were similar to what they'd been all contest: 4-6 foot, windy, and shallow...
Like the waves, today's action at Teahupoo was a mash up. After seven consecutive lay days the WSL sounded the hooter and the remaining surfers paddled out into sideshore wobbly, but occasionally barrelling, 4-6 foot surf.
The world’s best surfers battled dangerous conditions at Teahupo’o as competition ran through Rounds 3 and 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Four surfers earned a direct advance to the Quarterfinals and the stage is set for a thrilling Finals Day tomorrow.
Those haunting predictions came true with the World #1 and #2 now out of the contest.
Competition ran through the opening 8 Heats of Round 3 in fun three-to-five foot surf at Teahupo’o before being called off as conditions became inconsistent with the hide tide.
There was no lack of swell for Rounds 1 and 2, and with raw, unpredictable 6-8ft waves detonating and clamping across the reef, there were both plenty of scoring opportunities, and none at all.
The world’s best surfers battled at Teahupo’o to avoid early elimination and progress on in the competition.
This is the best result of Hickel’s career and will see the 17-year-old join elite group of QS1,000 winners.
