In today’s episode, David and Scott analyze the Australian leg of the tour and ask, is unpredictability more valued than perfection? They also congratulate the first (known) Pulitzer Prize winning surfer and Taj on retirement. And lastly, they discuss the introduction of women’s events on The Big Wave World Tour, plus Dukes and Kooks and much more. Enjoy!
WILLIAM FINNEGAN WINS PULITZER PRIZE
Congratulations to former Surf Splendor guest William Finnegan for winning the Pulitzer Prize in the category of biography for his memoir “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life”. Listen to Finnegan’s episode of Surf Splendor HERE.
And a link to the Pulitzer’s statement
And a link to purchase the book
MARGARET RIVER DRUG AWARE PRO
Seabass took down Julian in the final. Great surfing by both, but it seems like spontaneity is valued higher than perfection.
If “Power” and “Flow” are 2 key components in the judging criteria, how does Jordy not win every heat? If we were able to measure his power-output, he’d trounce nearly everyone. (But congrats to Caio here, a well-deserved win in this heat, no doubt).
Is Italo “Jadson Andre 2.0”? Clearly a superior surfer to Jadson, but I can’t help of feeling similarly about Jadson in 2010; huge maneuvers, rapid transitions, fits 2 where most can only fit 1. I’m a fan, but I’m also interested to see how his surfing evolves.
And huge congrats to Tyler Wright for his 2nd win of the season, and Courtney Conlogue for her 3rd final of the season.
SCOTT SPECULATES: IS WSL’S “PURE” A PLAN B?
In his recent opinion piece Scott speculates whether the WSL’s PURE (Progressive Understanding and Respect for the Environment) is positioning the brand to transition into non-profit status. READ HERE
ADDITIONS TO THE BIG WAVE WORLD TOUR
Two women’s events have been added to the schedule (Puerto Escondido and Todos Santos) and Nazare has been added to the men’s schedule. Full story HERE.
MUST-SEE MOMENT
TANNER HENDRICKSON // NO REST THIS WINTER from TAKE SHELTER PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.
KOOK
Martin Potter is my Kook of the week for his overuse and misuse of the world “literally”. Real examples include:
“The waves are literally on fire right now, Joe!”
and
“His head literally exploded!”
“Figuratively” is the term you’re looking for, Pottz. Love ya!
DUKE
Filipe Toledo for the announcement that he and his girlfriend Ananda Marcel are expecting their first child. Congrats you two!