Harumph.
Kelly Slater smashed the shit out of his board after his loss at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. And while there has been some fuss about it, you have to give him at least a little credit for waiting until he got inside. If I were that pissed, I probably would have broken it by time I got to the sand. Anyway, breaking boards out of frustration is nothing new, and I decided to pull together five of the better competition freak-outs to show my appreciation.
Kelly is a fierce competitor, and if this video demonstrates anything in particular, it is simply how badly he still wants to win. It’s nice to see that kind of fire. And he isn’t the only one with that fire. Let’s revel in the madness.
Jordy Smith (1:25 mark)
2014 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast
In Round 2 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Jordy lost to Tiago Pires and lost his cool in the shorebreak. The frustration is warranted considering an early exit from the first contest of the year is not how you want to start your World Title campaign.
Kolohe Andino
2012 Volcom Fiji Pro
During his first year on tour, Kolohe lost to Pires in Fiji and proceeded to unleash a fury of punches on his board after his last wave. During anyone’s rookie season growing pains are expected but are no less disappointing. He has bounced back nicely and had a solid year on the Dream Tour.
Miguel Pupo (33:55)
2014 Billabong Pro Tahiti
At the Billabong Pro Tahiti, Miguel lost to Mitch Crews in Round 2 and went to town on his board in the dying seconds of the heat. Missing out on the pumping surf that followed the next few days was probably just as aggravating as the loss.
Raoni Monteiro
2012 Billabong Pro Rio
A couple of years ago in tricky surf at the Billabong Pro Rio, Raoni lost to Travis Logie in Round 2. The elimination round has given many surfers cause to hit their board and this time was no different with a barrage of punches and headbutts from the Brazilian.
Kelly Slater
2014 Rip Curl Pro Portugal
The 11-time World Champion thought he lost out on a chance to claim a 12th title when Aritz Aranburu took him out in Round 3 of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. With the point system being the clusterfuck that it is, it’s not surprising he didn’t know he still had a shot.
