Chopes preview
Thursday 15 August 2013 Round 1 has been called at Teahuppoo but the Billabong Pro Tahiti is not looking like the Chopes we have come to know and fear from the last few years. Pat Flanagan checks it out.
The last two years at the Billabong Tahiti Pro have produced the goods. In 2011 we all remember the Code Red status. 2012 was blessed with the perfectly groomed but still consequential waves like only Teahupo’o can provide.
With early forecasts from various sources including Swellnet and Surfline, this years event looks less likely to emulate the two previous years.
Head high Waves are predicted for later in the week and into the weekend when, a new short range swell is on the cards.
Last Sunday local Alain Riou (PYF), 30, and Aussie Anthony Walsh (AUS), 30 qualified for the main event.
In solid to outrageous size waves in 2011 and 2012 you pretty much could predict that the winners where going to come from seasoned campaigners like Kelly, the Hobgoods, Joel and Mick, but this year with the predicted marginal conditions, the field is wide open to a host of possible winners.
Its more than likely that the waves will favour performance over survival and this will suit the young guns.
Goofy footers Gabriel Madina, Wilko and Nat Young will play a part in the final outcome. Then there's 'hot to trot' Julian Wilson and the ever maturing Kealohe Andino.
Equipment wise, boards will be shorter and with the shifting tides at Teahupo’o, fin choice will be vital.
We'll keep you in touch with swell predictions. Watch this space.