As usual, the name of the game in the third round of the J-Bay Open was speed. The wave has a tendency to run away on the surfer, leaving him lost in the wash, still trying to project down the line. It was a common theme for round three and four.
Of course, there are a few standouts when it comes to speed – guys like Parko and Fanning, whose ability to stay ahead of a lightning fast wave like J-Bay consistently puts them in the right position for high scoring potential.
The real upset of the day came when Jordy Smith lost. After putting the contest on its back in round one, the surf world was in hysterics about what the South African might do in the rest of the event. It seemed tailored to his surfing; strong, and fast, and a home break of sorts. But he looked shaky in round three bout against CJ Hobgood. Although he tried to power through (and ended up with an 8.00 point ride), it wasn’t enough to pass Hobgood, and the hometown favorite was eliminated.
Stay tuned for live coverage of the ASP J-Bay Open, live on ASP.com
