Comments on: Any Ideas For A New Tour Format?

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:07:12 +0000

Pro Surfing as it stands has jumped the Shark…

Ha Ha. Good call Damo…Go The Fonz

By: J

Mon, 18 May 2009 18:09:03 +0000

Hey Mick,
I really hate the new format. I believe for the fans the Kelly format is the best. You see way more quality waves ridden, with very progressive surfing especially by the surfers without priority. Also the first round non-elimination is great because the surfers really go for broke with over the top progressive surfing because they have nothing to lose.
Whereas with the New format, it is very stale. Surfers are just doing what they have to make it thru the heat. It is slowing the progression of competitive surfing. The new format has to go away, bring on the Slater format for all of us.

By: Mick Fanning

Mick Fanning — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:42:54 +0000

The general feeling I am getting from the guys on tour is that they don’t like it. But this is the ones who speak up some don’t.
And look everyone has their favourites even if they arent the top guyus that is why we try a cater for everyone not just the top guys.
Keep them coming
MF

By: Shawna

Shawna — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:43:28 +0000

Hi Mick,
I do not play fantasy surf and was not aware that it was “the core” audience for webcast, as stated by someone above…who knew? And I do not have some well thought out plan for how the comps should be run. I Do know this, I want to see my favorite guys surf as much as possible. Some of my favorites are not the top guys…I’ve been holding my breath waiting to see Taylor Knox surf for the last few days…He is local boy and I’ve been following his career since I was a little girl. And of course I have my top favs. But I like to see everyone surf at least twice, can’t believe Dane is out in the first round. I watch for the pure pleasure,love of the sport and the occasional goose bumps.

By: Jenna Tadlock

Jenna Tadlock — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:09:24 +0000

Mick,

Since you are on the tour is there a general agreement or disagreement or mixed feelings about the new format from the other guys? I think what it will come down to in the end is this the best fit format for the tour and probably for the executives if there is profitibility from it (aka fan support and surf community).

I’m trying to imagine a bunch of surfers in a board meeting discussing formats in some boardies and flops and no shirt but with a tie…now that would be a great photo!

All the best,
Jenna

By: Mick Fanning

Mick Fanning — Sun, 17 May 2009 01:47:32 +0000

Hey everyone! Great to hear your feedback on the new formats and love the ideas you’re presenting. I have read everyone’s messages and I will pass them on to the Events, ASP and the Surfers. Wow, now my brain is working overtime. If there are more ideas I would love to hear them. It’s great to hear your comments because you are the people we’re selling too. If you don’t like it then it must change. Thanks again and keep the ideas coming – MF

By: Benno

Benno — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:43:37 +0000

The sport really needs to be made palatable for TV, cut it down and create a greater degree of pressure to ensure the action is premium.

But hold on, we’re talking about surfing. Tides, swells and winds affect comps. Geez, I dunno, Kelly can win most heats but if he is on the wrong end the waves he’s out and can’t perform regardless of his talent.

Fanno, its the same for you. No waves = no chance to perform

By: chris mauro

chris mauro — Sat, 16 May 2009 06:35:03 +0000

Why the 4-4-3-3-2-2-2-2 format works for each party:

Surfers– make it out of just one (of two possible) four-man heats and the next two rounds feature three man heats where two advance, so better than 50% chance of moving on, followed by man-on-man heats from round before the quarters on.

Fans– get to watch your favorites multiple times, and stacked heats are exciting!! Much more fast paced, too.

Organizers– Shaves 10 heats off traditional format, so running it in three days is a possibility if conditions demand it.

I call this the 4-3-2-1 format, as the heat sizes shrink until the winner is declared. 4-4-3-3-2-2-2-2-1=winner.

By: kincaid

kincaid — Sat, 16 May 2009 06:23:48 +0000

First off get rid of half tour. 20 guys is plenty. Make it 24 with wildcards.

The first 2 rounds each guy gets to surf in two 45 minute 4 man heats. That way we get a chance to see everyone surf a minimum of twice.

Sick of seeing guys only surf once!
Also more guys in the water means more action. These 2 man heats can get boring and alot of good waves go through unridden.

You take a guys best 3-4 waves from the first two rounds to come up with 16 spots for round 3. Round 3 run 4 more 45 minute 4 man heats. The 8 guys with the best 2-3wave total move on to the quarters.

From here on out run 30 minute 2 man heats til the finals. Best 2-3 waves in each heat advances. Final can be 45 minutes.

This event could be run in 2 days giving a better chance for good surf. Each guy will surf way more making it better for everyone watching. The first 3 rounds would be more exciting with most every wave getting ridden. This would be the best way I can see to make sure the best 8 surfers at a spot make it to the final rounds. 2 man heats starting in round 2 is a terrible waste of waves and time. Save the 2 man for the best 8 guys.

By: chris mauro

chris mauro — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:39:45 +0000

To summarize.

Round One: twelve 4-man heats that are non elimination…
Round Two: six 4-man heats with two being eliminated.
Round Three: twelve 3-man heats where top two advance.
Round Four: eight 3-man heats where top two advance.
Round Five: man on man
Quarters: man on man
Semis: man on man
Finals: man on man