Exclusive: Billabong Pro Teahupoo Preview
Looking forward to the madness that is the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, the Red Bull crew is more than eager to get their feet wet in the South Pacific. Timmy Patterson recently finished a brand new tow-board for Andy Irons with the intention of getting Andy into “some mean ones.” At the time Andy was enjoying a brief respite in mainland Mexico, and after the respite, he’s more than ready to throw himself into the fray. Bruce on the other hand has been enjoying his down days in Bali, surfing and filming for one movie part or another. Will he be ready for Tahiti? As long as it’s pumping, count on it.And what about our defending world champ and runner-up in Tahiti in 2007? Well, old Mick Fanning's more than a month into his marriage and life is good. With wedding madness behind him he's been back on point, surfing on the Gold Coast when it's on, an enjoying the down days between Bells and Tahiti. Considering how much effort he put into Teahupoo last year, one has to figure going back this year will be a lot like riding a bike and he probably didn't forget the feeling.
And then there's Adriano De Souza, Benny Dunn, Tiago Pires, and Royden Bryson have yet to prove themselves at the famed lefthander, but like any underdog, this could most certainly be either of their year. All have showed marked improvement this year, and their surfing continues to develop and mature. Given the nature of Teahupoo, there's no better place to man up. Stay tuned as the Billabong Pro Teahupoo rolls live May 8th.
Tahitian Hearsay
“The guys who surf out here the most, Hira and Manoa and all the locals, are the most solid surfers on this wave in any conditions, big or small – its always dangerous having a wildcard in Tahiti.”—Andy Irons, on the less obvious threats in Tahiti
“I'll never forget my first heat at Teahupoo back in 2002, the surf was 8- to 10-foot and I was against Kelly Slater and Peterson Rosa, I remember this huge set came in and Peterson took the first wave and scored a 10, and I was on the inside for the the next one. I knew Kelly would take it if I didn't go so I swung into it. It was the scariest wave of my life and I only got a three. It was crazy!”—Mick Fanning, recounting tales of yesteryear.
Don't miss the Red Bull Air Races coming to San Diego. Check out Red Bull USA for more info.
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