Preseason Surfer Profile: Joel Parkinson

Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.

*With the news that Owen Wright will miss the first half of the season, I have had to make adjustments to the Go Left Projected Top 10 Rankings for the WSL’s 2016 Championship Tour. I originally had Owen fourth in my rankings, and with his participation limited I’ve omitted him entirely from the list. Joel Parkinson, the first man on the outside looking in at the Top 10 following the omission of Mick Fanning, now moves into the Top 10. I will edit previous surfer profiles to reflect these changes as well.

Joel Parkinson, Australia

2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 10

2015 World Ranking: 13

2015 WCT Wins: 0

2015 was a down year for Parko; there is no way around that. The oddest thing about last year was that it didn’t really appear as if his surfing had slipped, but he was on the losing end a lot of heats anyway. Perhaps that can be chalked up to bad luck, or the World Tour getting better, but one can’t simply ignore the results that Parko posted. The Aussie vet failed to make a single semifinal in 2015, which was extremely surprising, but he did finish the year with two fifths and a ninth in his last four events. Still, this is a guy that has a World Title to his name and finished just outside the Top 5 in 2014, so we've become accustomed to better results.

Joel Parkinson on the Gold Coast, where he'll look to get off to a good start in 2016.
Courtesy of Michael Dawes

2012’s World Title seems like a long time ago, and there are a lot of young, talented surfers on the rise on the CT. Maybe Parko doesn’t have that fire in his belly anymore, or perhaps he’s just on the downside of his career. He’s one of the smoothest surfers to ever hit the pro tour, and I think we can expect some solid yet unspectacular results from him in 2016. At 34 years old, Parko has had a great career of consistent World Title contention, but perhaps those days are behind him.  

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Owen Wright Out For First Half of 2016 Season

Owen Wright has announced that he’ll miss the first half ofthe 2016 WSL Championship Tour season due to injury. Wright suffered a head injury while warming up for the Pipe Masters in December, causing him to miss the final event of the 2015 season. It was a big blow at the time, as Wright was technically in contention for the World Title heading into Pipe, not to mention that he’s one of the best left-handed tube riders on tour and very well could have won arguably the most prestigious surf contest in the world. It’s an even bigger blow now that we know it will affect his status in 2016 as well.

Owen Wright will miss a large chunk of the 2016 CT season.
Courtesy of surfglassy

I had Owen fourth in the Go Left 2016 Projected World Rankings before Mick Fanning’s decision bumped him up to third. Obviously now I must drop Owen from the Top 10 completely, and adjustments to everyone’s ranking will be made accordingly. It’s a shame that Wright’s injury in lingering, especially considering how much it took for him to come back from his last ailment. Hopefully he’ll be back in the water for Fiji and Tahiti, where he has been an absolute standout over the last two years thanks death-defying drops and cavernous barrels that make surf fans weak in the knees. Here’s to getting healthy, Owen. 

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @ GoLeftSurf

Preseason Surfer Profile: Adriano De Souza

Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.

Adriano De Souza, Brazil

2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 5

2015 World Ranking: 1

2015 WCT Wins: 2

Adriano De Souza is the reigning WCT Champion, so some people may see my projected 2016 rank for him and think I’m disrespecting the Brazilian. It’s not disrespect; I simply think that everything came together at the right time for De Souza in 2015, and I have a hard time seeing it all shake out the same way in 2016. De Souza has quietly been one of the better surfers on tour for probably half a decade now, and he certainly deserved everything he received last season. Consistency was huge for Adriano in 2015, as he never posted a result worse than a 13^th. That’s extremely difficult to do on today’s World Tour, as the competition from top to bottom is better than it has ever been. De Souza avoiding a second-round exit in every event in 2015 is quite the accomplishment in itself.

Adriano De Souza taking flight.
Courtesy of Steven Tyler PJs

To be honest, I was not a huge fan of Adriano for quite some time. His attitude in the water and frequent claims soured me on him a while back, but every time I see an on-camera interview with him he seems like the opposite of the surfer we see in the water. I think it comes to down De Souza being a passionate person and a fiery competitor, not a guy to dislike. 2015 made me come around on him, and now I like to see him do well in events. I also have a lot of respect for the commitment he puts into his craft. The guy basically stalked Jamie O’Brien last year in order to learn the nuances at Pipe, and it paid off big-time.

I would not be surprised to see that I’d underestimated De Souza come season’s end, but I think each of the five surfers I ranked ahead of him have more upside. Adriano could very well place himself in the title race early on yet again and make me look stupid, but I have to go with my gut and rank him sixth. It could be a mistake.

John John Florence Wins The Eddie

Is there anything that John John Florence can't do? Yesterday, after much anticipation, the Eddie was called on. A lot of living legends entered the contest; Clyde Aikau, Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian, the list goes on an on. However, it was young John John Florence that bested them all in surf where the word "heavy" doesn't really do it justice.

The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau is an event that doesn't run every year. The contest requires massive surf at Waimea Bay, and certain conditions must be met in order to see the event get the green light. This contest is a tribute to Aikau, one of the great watermen of Oahu's North Shore. Eddie was a surfer, lifeguard, peacekeeper and hero to many. He famously perished while trying to save the lives of others, inspiring an ESPN 30 For 30 documentary.

John John certainly did Eddie proud yesterday, and one has to wonder if 2016 is Florence's year. Sure, he's not going to be surfing any conditions that even remotely resemble those of yesterday throughout the WSL Championship Tour season, but it's a fact that he's one of the most gifted surfers we've ever seen, and yesterday added another feather to his already crowded cap of accomplishments.

Preseason Surfer Profile: Jordy Smith

Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.

*With the news that Mick Fanning will not surf a full season, I have had to make adjustments to my Projected Top 10 Rankings for the WSL’s 2016 Championship Tour. I had Mick atop my rankings, and with his participation too difficult to predict I’ve omitted him entirely from the list. Thus, this news, while huge for the 2016 season, merely bumps everyone up one spot for the purpose of the Go Left rankings. Jordy Smith, who was the first man on the outside looking in at the Top 10, now moves into the Top 10. I will edit previous surfer profiles to reflect these changes as well.

**Owen Wright missing the first half of the 2016 season pushed Smith to ninth in the projected rankings.

Jordy Smith, South Africa

2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 9

2015 World Ranking: 28

2015 WCT Wins: 0

Jordy Smith lost most of his 2015 season to an injury, as he only surfed in five events. He started off the season pretty well, posting a ninth at Snapper and a fifth at Bells, and looked on track for a solid season yet again. However, getting hurt cost him any chance to compete for a lofty ranking on the year.

Jordy Smith's dynamism has never been in doubt.
Courtesy of Michael Dawes 

Anyone that follows the World Tour knows that Jordy is capable of surfing at an elite level. He surfs with a ton of power, and he’s been one of the best aerial guys on tour since he arrived, despite his size. Smith has finished as high as second in the rankings; in 2010 he ended the year as a distant runner-up to Kelly Slater. In 2014, Smith’s last full season, he finished seventh in the rankings and won at Trestles. That year he made the semis three times and the finals twice. When Jordy first came onto the scene, a lot of people assumed he’d win a World Title. While that window may have closed for him, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a serious rebound season from the South African. This projected ranking could definitely be too low.

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf

Mick Fanning to Surf Only Select Events in 2016

Three-time World Champ Mick Fanning has announced that he’s going to take a personal year, surfing selected events instead of participating in the full 2016 WSL Championship Tour season. That’s huge news. In my opinion, Mick is currently the best competitive surfer on tour, as well as the most consistent. His last four seasons have resulted in finishes of third, first, second and second in the World Rankings. That is incredible, especially when you consider how strong the Top 34 is from top to bottom these days. I had Mick as the number one surfer in the Go Left 2016 Projected World Rankings (adjustments will be made).

Mick Fanning will not surf a full season in 2016.
Courtesy of MarkYourWaves Surf

If anyone deserves some time off, it’s Fanning. 2015 was a tough year for the Aussie star. His much-publicized shark encounter during the J-Bay final would shake anyone to the core, and the fact that he emerged physically unscathed defied all odds. Mick also learned of the passing of his brother during the Pipe Masters last year. Both of these things can certainly change one’s perspective, and how could you do anything but respect Mick’s decision here? He’s said that he will surf Snapper and Bells for sure, and likely J-Bay, but has not committed to any other stops. Mick still wants to remain on tour, making it clear that this is not a retirement, so he’ll have to notch enough points in the events he does surf to qualify for 2017. All in all, this is an understandable move by a guy that has more than earned the right to do whatever he pleases, though it has major ramifications as far as the 2016 season goes.

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf

Worthy Watch: Slow Dance

I watched Quiksilver's "Slow Dance" last night for the first time since it came out in 2013, and was reminded how much I like this short, little film. A collaboration between Dane Reynolds and Craig Anderson? How could that be bad? Make sure to go full screen. Enjoy.

Preseason Surfer Profile: Filipe Toledo

Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.

Filipe Toledo, Brazil

2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 6

2015 World Ranking: 4

2015 WCT Wins: 3

Filipe Toledo is arguably the most exciting surfer on tour. When he has the chance to take to the air, everybody on the beach collectively holds their breath. Toledo experienced a serious breakout year in 2015, winning two of the first four stops on the World Tour on his way to finishing fourth in the rankings at year’s end. He had a shot at the World Title going into Pipe, but so did several others surfers. While Toledo is known for his air game, he continues to improve the other facets of his surfing each year. A ninth-place finish in Tahiti and a 13^th in Fiji show that he’s improving his barrel riding, something that needs to continue if he wants to win a World Title.

Filipe Toledo, doing what he does best and going to the air.
Courtesy of Steven Tyler PJs

Toledo is no longer just an aerial specialist, which makes him a contender in 2016. However, I see a bit of regression coming in his ranking, mostly due to the positives I expect from guys that could leapfrog him in the ranks more than any negatives relating to Toledo. Filipe is still just 20 years old, though, and if he makes significant strides at certainly tour stops this season he could end up winning the World Title. I don’t think I can remember a season in which there were so many legitimate World Title contenders. Hell, Brazil has three on its own. Toledo is a must-see surfer in rampy conditions, and if he can continue to get better at other events on tour he could very well be hoisting the hardware next winter. 

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf

Recommended Read: Laughing It Off

SURFER Magazine currently has a great interview with surfer Sterling Spencer up on their site. It covers a variety of topics, including his latest self-released movie, but the parts dealing with Spencer's battle with depression, the death of his father and his lack of competitive drive are the most poignant and intriguing. Definitely worth a look.

Tom Curren on the Finless Movement

Tom Curren, three-time World Champ, style master, always thoughtful and insightful.
Courtesy of SURFER

Preseason Surfer Profile: Italo Ferreira

Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.

Italo Ferreira, Brazil

2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 7 

2015 World Ranking: 7

2015 WCT Wins: 0

I must admit, I did not see Italo Ferreira coming in 2015. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the Brazilian when the year started, but that quickly changed. Italo looked like he belonged with the big boys right out of the gate when he posted a ninth at Snapper Rocks. After a pair of less-than-stellar results on the remainder of the Aussie leg, Ferreira really began to show his chops in Rio when he did his brethren proud by appearing in the semifinals. I was prepared to chalk that up as a fluky result, but there was no denying this kid’s staying power after he reached the quarters in Fiji.

Ferreira throwing some spray on his backhand at J-Bay.
Courtesy of Leo za1

Italo continued to post good finishes as the season progressed, including a fifth in Tahiti, a fifth in France and a second in Portugal. It was a no-brainer to vote him as Rookie of the Year, and he finished in the Top 10 for the season. Italo surfs well in all conditions. He has an electric air game, and he quickly proved himself in barrels as well. His backside hacks are always on-point, and he’s a real threat to break into the Top 5 this season if things really click for him. He failed to reach Round Three just one time in 2015, an amazing feat for a rookie. There could be big things in store for this youngster.

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf

Don't Be Fooled By the Name, Firewire's Creeper Looks Really Fun

It seems like a match made in heaven. Firewire and Rob Machado have teamed up to create a new surfboard, The Creeper. While the name may conjure up some negative imagery, the design looks fantastic for those surfers that don't feel the need to pretend they're Mick Fanning on a daily basis. The Creeper has an old-school look to it in every way, from the woody appearance down to the dimensions and specs.

The Creeper looks like it should be named The Cruiser, and it definitely has the feel of a Rob-inspired board. Machado's effortless style endeared him to many a surfing fan when he was on the Pro Tour in the '90s, and he remains one of the most popular free surfers on the planet. He's a personal favorite of mine, perhaps somewhat due to Encinitas bias, but there is no denying that the guy oozes surf style in and out of the water. As for Firewire, I've had a Baked Potato for a few years, and it's probably my favorite board in my small quiver. Last year it accompanied me on a three-month trip to Costa Rica, and I couldn't have been happier with my choice to bring it, even when the swell picked up. The Creeper certainly looks different than the Baked Potato, especially in the tail, but it appears decisively casual in every way. Plus, with the TimberTek design it's a bit better for the environment than your average stick. Alexander Haro has a nice, little piece on The Creeper over at The Inertia, and I'd say it's worth a read.

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf 

Preseason Surfer Profile: Nat Young

Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.

Nat Young, USA

2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 8 

2015 World Ranking: 10

2015 WCT Wins: 0

Nat Young is an interesting case. He surfs consistently from heat to heat, and for the most part from event to event. However, he rarely looks spectacular the way the guys ahead of him in the 2016 projected rankings often do. Nat is best on his backhand, as his hacks on rights can be some of the best on tour. He has a lot of raw power, and that's probably his biggest asset, but Young's not much of an aerial guy, he’s not a standout in barrels and he needs a pretty big swell to truly showcase his abilities. That said, there is enough potential for conditions of which Young can take advantage on the World Tour for him to log another 10^th, or better, in the world rankings.

Nat Young on his backhand, where he often puts up his best performances.
Courtesy of Steven Tyler PJs

Young has been on tour for three years now. In those three seasons he’s finished eighth, 13^th and 10^th in the rankings. Like I said, consistency. He needs to perform really well in big, open-faced conditions to have a chance at a career year, which means he'd do well to advance deep into events like Bells, Margaret River and J-Bay. 2015 saw Nat finish third, third and ninth in those stops, respectively. I would expect similar results in those events again in 2016, but if he can win one and make a final in another he could be looking at a potential Top 5 finish in the rankings this year. One thing is for sure; this guy works extremely hard. He’s just 24 years old, but how much better will his repertoire get?

Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeft

A Drone's View of Massive Waimea

Waimea Bay Surfing Drone Video. from Makai Creative on Vimeo via The Inertia.

Go Left is Back!

Dear Readers,

After a more than two-year hiatus, I’m happy to say that the Go Left blog is back. My time away was filled with lots of travel and life changes, and with things settling down a bit I thought it a good time to resume some surf writing. This time around Go Left will focus on a multitude of topics in the surfing world. The blog will extensively cover the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, the elite level of competitive surfing. It will also be a place to find videos, information on coastal conservation and musings on a variety of surf-related topics. If you’re a surfer, then you surely understand what an integral part of your life the pursuit of riding waves quickly becomes, and hopefully Go Left will serve as a place where you can quench a thirst for all things surf while you’re not in the water. So welcome back to any returning readers, and welcome for the first time to any new readers. I hope you enjoy Go Left and get something out of it. Shakas.

Sincerely,

Morgan
@GoLeftSurf