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The Inertia

Joel Parkinson has just been crowned the 2012 ASP World Tour Champion and Pipeline Masters Champion. After a hard-fought year, the photos above represent a look back at the dramatics that comprised the 2012 ASP World Tour. From Snapper to Pipeline and wins by Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and beyond, it’s been a ride. It’s always nice to reflect.

“It’s a very surreal feeling. I still feel like I need to man up and surf another heat,” Parkinson said onstage after the contest, “I have to pinch myself to remind me it’s over.”

“This is where I wanted to stand at the end of the year,” said a speechless Joel Parkinson. “This is what I work for. I’ve had a bunch of runner-ups. I’ve had some ups and downs. I’ve been through hell and back, and it makes it so much sweeter to stand here today.”

“I just told him I’m happy for him,” said Kelly Slater after the final. “He’s been on the tour ten eleven years now, and he’s always been in the World Title talks. Parko’s just an amazing surfer. He makes it look so smooth.”

When asked about his plans for next year and a potential retirement, Kelly responded, “We’re not even to the new year yet. I don’t have any plans at this point. I need to sit back and process this year.”

“I felt like a champion today when I woke up. As Andy always said, ‘I got this, huh?’ And I felt like saying that all day: ‘I got this, huh?’

And, today, he did.

 
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