Round 4, heat 5 and 6, were pressure cookers. Really enjoyed watching. Makes me want to get back into competitive mode. Really was pulling for Nate...stoked Tanner made it.
Well that's good. If you have the urge to compete then go for it. Competition seems to be the thing these days. A personal quest if you will. I never felt the need to compete although in my younger days I did a few in the ESA, it just wasn't for me. Surfing has always been a personal thing, a way to get away from life's competitions and personal egos. Some need it I understand that and can appreciate those personal goals people find in competing. If you pursue comp again keep focused on your ultimate prize, to be better than most. Good luck!
Even though the conditions for the Semis and Finals were kind of inconsistent and gutless, I kind of dig someone like Wade Carmichael just plugging way connecting turns and winning purely on his rail game while the other guys were more interested in looking for a hail mary air.
The last few ESA contests sealed it for me...no way...picking spots weeks ahead of time that only work in certain conditions and then running the contest in crap conditions because half of the contestants are driving three hours and they need to make the call way ahead of time.
Or waiting for your heat and watching conditions deteriorate. Nah...don't miss it. You are right though, some comps are exciting to watch. In good waves. Even now, sharks are getting involved. That will amp things up.
I used to choke during heats. It was embarrassing. I'd psyche myself out and have to go for the wrong waves after waiting almost the entire heat for a perfect wave that was not to be. Plus my surfing sucked compared to the NSSA crew. It's way more fun to free surf. No judgement, no pressure, just surf.
