The two faces of John John Florence. Photos: Ryan Craig/ ASP
Despite losing twice at the Quik Pro France JJF still fist pumped his way to the winner’s podium. After a loss to Julian Wilson in Round 1 and again to Gabriel Medina in Round 4, he still received a celebratory champagne bath. Michel Bourez is another example. Bourez won two events this year (Margaret River and Rio De Janeiro), and in each event he lost two heats. How is this possible, you ask? The ASP’s round format. It can be confusing if you’re not an avid follower of professional surfing, so let’s break it down.
ASP Round Format:
Round 1 is 12 heats of three surfers. While 1st place progresses straight to Round 3, 2nd and 3rd are relegated to Round 2. Round 2 and Round three are both 12 heats of two surfers. The winner from Round 2 advances to Round 3, and the winner from there to Round 4. This is where things change a little. Round 4 is made up of 4 heats of 3 surfers, and the winner progresses to the Quarter Finals. Second and 3rd place are placed in Round 5. Round 5 and onwards consists of man-on-man heats with 2nd place being eliminated until a winner is decided.
Still confused? Let me put it in simpler terms. Think of the non-elimination Rounds 1 and 4 as the game of Chutes and Ladders. First place of these rounds lands on a ladder and skips the following round. Second and 3rd place land on a chute and are relegated to the following round. Is it fair that you can lose twice and still win the event? Personally, I think it’s a great format. The non-elimination rounds give surfers a chance to shake off the cobwebs and familiarize themselves with the waves and conditions. With busy schedules and chaotic crowds, World Tour surfers aren’t always able to practice as much as they’d like before an event, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them don’t mind having to surf an extra heat. Sure, they miss out on the opportunity to rest longer, but these guys are fit as hell. Mick Fanning, for example, surfed 6 times on the final day of the Moche Ripcurl Pro Portugal and he looked just sharp in the 35 minute Final as he did in Round 3. Most importantly, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to surf world-class waves with one other guy out?
