I watch it when I can..for the same reasons I would watch some random distant cam while eating a sandwich at work. It's kinda nice. As far as competition goes, who cares..I guess you could find some entertainment in a sorry way WSL is trying to monetize surfing competition. Someone would seriously paddle out wearing Medina, or Andino, jersey and feel all cool? Probably some jerk off marketing + MBA from socal idea, who is like "guys, this is a huge untapped market!" while not surfing around on San Diego or traveling. Actually, WSL would love it if it would be more like snowboarding, you could milk it way better. Broadcast is okay on a good day. They should turn on Red Bull and see how media production is done by an energy drink just playing around.
I'll miss the Trestles contest. Its a spot I like to surf. Most of the other waves on tour are either beyond the ability or beyond the budget for the average working man.
They should keep the pipe masters open until there is a solid swell instead of having to force the competition to go in sub-par pipe (I know there is a permit issue, but c'mon cant tell me something cant be worked out for the final event) That Kelly - JJF final few years back was epic to watch in that swell
my guess is its not gone for good. I'm actually kind of glad its not happening in 2018...I'm gonna be in California next spring during what would have been the waiting period, and that circus might have jammed up my plans to surf Trestles a couple times.
They should open the Pipe Masters up to a number of Pipe specialists and noted tube riders who do not do the WCT and WQS show. They should also extend the waiting period to make sure they get real Pipeline for the contest. Kind of a joke to see the Pipe Masters running heats in head high junk.
A few years back I surfed right down the beach from where the contest was going on... just happened to be in town for a family trip while it was happening... and it wasn't too bad. The surf was great that day too. I was catching super long rights on an old longboard at the church. It was the day Slater did the air to kinda falling and getting back up 4.17 wave. Just had to stay well clear of lowers, which tbh im not that interested in anyway. Any break near SanO is going to be better than 99% of days at my local.
They should have a Pipe legends contest for those over 65 yrs of age. That way I can get out there for a few waves with few out. And of course, I would be the best out there and win the trophy--a 22 year old hot bimbo sex slave. Is that too much to ask??
Seriously how do you get rid of Cloudbreak Fiji, arguably one of the most epic waves on the planet.. for some factory cookie cutter waves in a lake.. Part of surfing is wave selection and reading the ocean.. WSL you suck ballz.