It’s always interesting to see what constitutes “excellent” surfing at a given World Tour stop. Every venue calls for its own approach and solid carving was certainly the name of the game at last week’s Margaret River Pro. Making the most of Main Break’s first section with a big hack was a requirement, turning out the highest scores of the contest. This was where we often so the most critical turns. But it is worth pointing out that the script was flipped when Jack Robinson met John John Florence in the Final, edging out a win thanks to some above-the-lip antics on his 8.07
In total, there were 10 excellent heats (combined wave heat totals of 16 or more) between the men and the women, including both Semifinal heats on the men’s side. Aussies Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson had three excellent heats apiece, topping the list for most. But Florence’s Semifinal against Matthew McGillivray took the cake as the most dominant, highest-scoring performance of the day. The two-time champ seemingly put the contest out of reach early with his third wave of the matchup, a 9.47 that he finished off with his signature no-claim-claim. Things were all but official when he added a 9.43 two waves later and left McGillivray in a combo situation for the duration of the Semi.
