The Latest from Chopes

It’s day three of the waiting period and we haven’t seen a heat. The surf is as flat as I’ve ever seen it here today. I’m three coffees deep and had to do something with the buzz so I decided to bang out a little update. Having a fun time over here staying with Alain Riou’s family down the road from Chopes. Also posted up here is Taylor Knox and Tiago Pires. We’ve had a couple of surfs out at Chopes, fun but not much to report. Also been burning over to the eastside of the island where there’s been a bit more swell.

The best wave I've had at Chopes this year. © ASP

These past few days I’ve been doing a bunch of interview people have been asking me how I’m feeling about my campaign so far. I’m obviously keen to get a win but I’m really enjoying my time on tour these days. After last year it still feels like the race is close, Jordy has been super consistent but nobody has dominated the first half of the tour like in past seasons. Jordy’s a good enough surfer that he could perform at any of the spots on tour. In past year’s I’ve noticed his wave selection in Tahiti has been a little off. If he can sort that out he’ll be dangerous here. He’s really impressed everyone with his consistency in 2010. He’s definitely the man to beat at the moment. He’s surfing like a World Champion and he’s got some real momentum. In saying that, we’ve had a different winner at each event this year and I think until someone wins a couple of comps the race is completely open.

Claiming my best wave at Chopes this year. © ASP

Not much else to report at this stage. Friday looks like the most likely day for a start but I’ll get it together with my updates and keep you guys posted. Stay tuned for video. – Mick