Well, this one was obvious from the start. Because Filipe Toledo was on a tear the moment he set foot on African soil. Sporting off-green hair, the Brazilian put away Jordy Smith in the quarters, Julian Wilson in the semis and then Frederico Morais in the final on his way to a complete victory at South Africa’s iconic right.
Speed, air, both elements of Toledo’s game that have never been questioned (his 10 point ride that included double alley-oops proved that). But his tight rail game and ability to find the barrel came into play big time this week as J-Bay pumped out eight-foot walls and square tubes that made for what some are calling the best contest at Jeffreys Bay, ever.
“I think I might leave my hair like this for the rest of the year,” said Toledo after. “J-Bay is always a contest that’s been my dream to win. To surf perfect waves like this that we did the entire contest. I’ve got to thank god for the amazing week that we’ve had. I’ve got my entire family here supporting me. It’s unbelievable and I’m speechless.”
The win moved Toledo back into the world title hunt at number seven in the ratings. And things are ultra crowded at the top with four surfers within a couple thousand points of one another as Matt Wilkinson holds onto the yellow leader’s jersey followed by John John Florence, Jordy Smith, and Owen Wright. Next stop: Tahiti.
