I don’t think anyone expected to see so many big names fall so
early in the Quiksilver Pro, and we’ve got an interesting field of surfers
remaining in the Quarterfinals. Let’s take a look at the next four heats:
Heat 1 – Filipe Toledo vs. Joel Parkinson: This is a battle
of the young guns and the air game vs. the old guard and the rail game. It's the most intriguing heat of the quarterfinals in my opinion, as I could see
either of these guys taking home the win in this event. Both Filipe and Parko
have won at Snapper before, but Toledo has looked like the best surfer thus far
this year. If Parko beats Toledo, I’d consider it an upset at this point. I can’t
imagine typing that two years ago.
Heat 2 – Matt Wilkinson vs. Adriano De Souza: Wilko has
surfed the minimum amounts of heats at the Quiksilver Pro to this point, and he’s
looked really good doing so. However, he gets the reigning World Champ here. De
Souza looked to be in trouble early in his Round heat against Connor Coffin,
but he battled back in classic Adriano fashion and took home the win. If Wilko
can beat De Souza here it could give him some amazing momentum to carry on
throughout the season.
Heat 3 – Kolohe Andino vs. Adrian Buchan: Kolohe has looked
electric at Snapper thus far, and maybe 2016 is going to be a massive
bounce-back campaign for the young Californian. Ace Buchan has looked powerful
and aggressive on the Gold Coast this year, though, so he can’t take this heat
lightly. Kolohe has more upside in this matchup, but Ace is the more reliable
surfer historically. It’s a tough call to choose a favorite here. Both guys
have looked impressive.
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| Kolohe Andino is capable posting huge scores at any time. Courtesy of Patrick Warren |
Heat 4 – John John Florence vs. Stuart Kennedy: This should
be a thrill ride of a heat if the guys get good waves coming through the lineup, and maybe even if they don't. John John
has looked dynamic and focused in this event, an extremely dangerous combo. He
has been tearing apart Snapper this year, drawing creative lines and showcasing
his full repertoire. Kennedy, though, has been perhaps the most electric surfer
in the event. His board has looked faster and shown more pop than anyone else’s.
He’s already posted some huge upsets in the Quiksilver Pro, so who’s to say he
doesn’t have another one in him?
Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf
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