Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi. Photo: WSL
Two classic matchups—Australia vs. the United States. Utilizing their home court advantage, Aussies Matt Wilkinson and Tyler Wright got the better of their American counterparts (Andino and Conlogue) in their final heats, becoming the respective champions of the 2016 Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast.
In the explosive men’s final heat, both Wilko and Kolohe were extremely determined to solidify their very first WCT victory, but it was Matt Wilkinson who wasted not a minute by locking in the best score of the heat, an 8.67, setting the electric tone for the rest of the heat with his unrivaled backside attack. With a pair of 6.83s, Kolohe was left chasing a 7.83, but was unable to catch a wave as the clock died.
Wilko’s victory comes just a few short weeks after his win at Surfest in Newcastle last month. This is the first time an Australian has won at Snapper since Taj Burrow did back in 2012. This victory marks Tyler’s second win at Snapper, which was won back in 2013.
Tyler Wright came out on top over Courtney Conlogue, posting an 8.1 and 6.5, leaving the Californian unable to lock in an 8.9 to win.
Conditions down at the contest site got off to beautiful glassy start early on in the morning, but as the day progressed, an onshore flow and occasional downpour prevailed throughout the afternoon. Still, peaky four- to six-foot ramps provided a perfect platform for heavy rail carves and sky-high aerials.
Aside from Wilko’s great achievement, one of the main talks of the 2016 Quik Pro was that of the injury wildcard and giant killer, Stu Kennedy, who arrived on the world stage in fine form, defeating the likes of Kelly Slater, Gabriel Medina, and John John Florence. He utilized his strong, explosive maneuvers on the open faces at Snapper, earning several excellent scores from the panel.
Contest favorite and defending event champion, Filipe Toledo, suffered an injury during his semifinal heat against Wilko. The extent of his injuries are still undetermined, but from the the sound of his post-heat interview, expect to see him at Bells.
This pair of victories will surely serve as a major confidence booster for the Aussies as they head into the second stop on the Australian leg wearing gold jerseys.
Congratulations to Matt Wilkinson and Tyler Wright, your 2016 Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast champions!
Full Quik Pro final heat recap:
Full Roxy Pro final heat recap:
Former event champions: 2015: Filipe Toledo (2015), Gabriel Medina (2014), Kelly Slater (2013), Taj Burrow (2012), Kelly Slater (2011), Taj Burrow (2010), Joel Parkinson (2009), Kelly Slater (2008), Mick Fanning (2007), Kelly Slater (2006), Mick Fanning (2005), Michael Lowe (2004), Dean Morrison (2003), Joel Parkinson (2002).
