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