MASSIVE UPSETS AND huge scores were the story of Round 3 of the Billabong Rio Pro in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.
The event returned to the beach-break of Barr Da Tijuca after two days at the lefthander of Arpoador and was blessed with punchy four-foot waves.
Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, pulled off the shock upset of the event by narrowly defeating the reigning 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 39 by 14.50 to 14.10.
The Californian delivered some lightning quick forehand attack and some serious aerials to take heat. Martinez who is currently 55 in the men’s ASP rankings knows that he is in desperate need of results in order to remain with the elite ranks.
Michael Bourez (PYF), 25, went absolutely nuts scoring 9.70 and 9.40 on consecutive waves, posting the highest heat total of the Billabong Rio Pro competition with a near perfect score of 19.10 out of 20. His furious combination of backhand maneuvers was far too much for defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21.
Elsewhere Josh Kerr (AUS), 26 upset Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23 when he lofted a big front side air in the dying seconds of their heat. Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, posted the highest scoring single-wave of the event (9.73) to defeat fellow Aussie, Kieran Perrow. It was left up to Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, to carry the flag for the top seeds. The veteran progressed through his heat setting the second highest total of the day, 18.40.
To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to http://www.billabongpro.com
Good waves everyone…
Weather Overview
It’s pumping out there. Pumping swell, pumping wind and pumping weather. Two ugly lows full of weather fronts and wind in the north Atlantic will be sucking in cold air from Greenland all weekend making it feel very fresh.
The swells will be 3m+ but as usual for us emerald wave riders it’ll be about finding shelter from that breeze. Although spring tides this weekend could help conditions.
The north – Swell size is increasing but the cross-shore winds are messing up any open faces. Wind will be temporarily offshore Saturday morning so could shape up then.
Co Donegal/Sligo – Messy start to the weekend but still 4-5ft of white water to push you along if you are desperate to get wet. Early morning Saturday in the southerly winds will be the best chance of the weekend.
Co Clare – Waist high and building. Moderate on shore winds will dominate the weekend.
Dingle Peninsula – Like most of the country is will be predominately messy. However early Saturday morning could deliver some epic body board conditions at Brandon Pier.
Cork & the south – Sorry Cork. The pressure systems are still running too far north to deliver any serious swell that will withstand all this wind.
I never thought I’d say it but I’m actually looking forward to summer conditions rolling in. At least you can get the long board out. Curse you wind!
Disclaimer – These weather reports are intended as a general overview of swell running in that area. These are predictions and actual wave size may vary. Do not enter the water alone or without adequate equipment and do not enter surf that is too large for your abilities. We cannot be held responsible for any decisions you make based on this information. For daily weather information follow @dinglesurf on Twitter.com.
