Dane Reynolds, back in the mix on the ASP World Tour (for now). Photo: ASP/Cestari
The perplexing surf career of Dane Reynolds will take another turn of the page, with his recently awarded sponsor wildcard entry into the 2013 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.
As one of two wildcards for this opening event of the 2013 ASP WCT season, Dane will either face current ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson, or 11x ASP World Champion Kelly Slater, in addition to a yet-to-be-determined middle seeded surfer, in what is sure to be among the most highly watched Round 1 three man heats.
With the exception of an equal 25th at the 2012 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Dane enjoyed a relatively successful 2012 ASP WCT season as a wildcard, posting results of equal 9th at the Billabong Pipe Masters, as well as a runner up result to Kelly Slater in the Final of the Quiksilver Pro France.
Although not a desired result, even Dane’s equal 25th Round 2 loss to eventual event winner Taj Burrow at the 2012 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast was not due to a substandard performance on Dane’s part. In fact, Dane’s heat score of 16.06 would have won 8 of the 12 heats in Round 2.
After finishing the 2010 ASP WCT season 4th overall, Dane was not able to compete at the 2011 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast due to inadequate recovery time from knee surgery. An injury that one could argue set the wheels in place for Dane’s self-imposed part time role on the ASP WCT. A role that has left surf fans the world over both tortured and teased, in anticipation of Dane’s next event.
Dane, the 2008 ASP WCT Rookie of the year, does not seem to be actively pursuing a full-time role on the ASP WCT. Leaving fans of competitive surfing running the gamut of emotion and viewpoints; from frustration to laissez-faire, and from a waste of great talent to respect of artistic freedom.
Dane’s best result at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast came in 2010 when he reached the Semi-Finals, earning equal 3rd. What Dane will bring to the 2013 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast event remains to be seen, but surf fans are guaranteed to be on the edge of their seats in anticipation with each and every one of Dane’s waves ridden.
The waiting period for the 2013 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover starts on March 2nd, and will be webcast live on www.QuiksilverLive.com
