Zietz vs. Wright vs. Ewing - Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast 2017 Round One, Heat 12

[@bartonfletcherpov]

Reading Owen’s book and then coming back to his heats this event, it’s crazy how he could surf at this level again that quickly. He said this event that he was in the worst physical form of his life and his goal was just to not fall off, then he won the event

[@jonathanhalloran5350]

Not sure how Owen's high score was less than Ethan's. Same combination of major mavs (although I thought Owen flowed even better!) but Owen also had a float and a finishing move. Smaller wave and didn't catch it from behind the rock maybe? Who the fuck knows. Here's my take on judging for anyone who cares: There's four (five if you include floaters) types of mav. Slashes, verts, tubes and airs. Progression, flow and commitment can factor into all four so they can be scored relatively equally although airs tend to score better. Slashes and verts require a specific type of wave/section so wave selection is key for this type of surfer. Airs can be done on any reasonable section - hence the pump-speed-flail-arm bullshit - but can be scored more highly so don't necessarily have to be done in combination with other moves. This is the greatest weakness of judging in my opinion. Airs are not more exciting than power surfing, unless its something spectacular. Fin blows should only factor in as 'variety of repertoire'. Tubes are tubes. Conclusion: there's a bias towards skateboard type moves because these look more exciting to the non-surfer. If that's true then style in the air should be VERY important, because the non-surfer can still gauge this aspect. And if that's the case then JJF and Kelly should always score more highly than Jules, Filipe or Gabe. It's all subjective (and a fair degree of politics too I reckon), as I showed by analysing Owen vs Ethan's waves. That's why the surfing product deserves to be maligned. Kelly looks unbeatable this year but he must put it all together.

[@peterlatham5577]

Owen got on fire

[@1b14now6]

Ethan too Light Weightlifting If Morais Heavy hitter Ethan Light Hitter if more weight gain speed n Fun Top as Mick

[@Gmark25]

what are you talking about