Many Surfers have been to Bells Beach over the years and had little success in the famous Bells Bowl. (321 surfers have competed here and just 22 have won it)
Mick is one of those 22 surfers who are allowed to ring the famous Bell.
“No Kook has ever won a Bell”…
This year will be Mick’s 11th visit to Victoria to compete for the most iconic prize in surfing.
His previous results here include 1 x 1st .. 2 x 3rd .. 4 x 5th .. 2 x 9th and a 17th.
His average event result here of 6.20 which is second only to Andy Iron’s average of 5.60.
Of the 321 surfers who have competed here Mick in my opinion is ranked amongst the all-time greats to visit Bells Beach, and all the greats have all been here. Think of a surfer in history and they have tried to win a Bell.
His record at Bells is parallel with Parko, Andy Irons, Martin Potter, Damien Hardman, Sunny Garcia, Barton Lynch and Mark Richards.
Some of these guys have won multiple Bells but on average they have all posted about the same as Fanning’s record.
Mark Richards won 4 Bells, nobody has more, but Richo’s record show that these 4 years are the only years he won finals heats at the Bells location. Kelly Slater has 3 Bells but his record also shows that these are the only years in his 15 appearances that he has won finals in the Bowl.
Damien Hardman and Sunny Garcia both made the most final heat appearances at Bells, 5 times each with Sunny winning 3 and Damien winning 2, but the ironic thing about Sunny’s record is he never won his Bells at Bells. Sunny’s 3 wins were all at the back-up location of Joanna Beach, 4 hours away…
Winning a Bell is like doing an apprenticeship, very rarely does anybody win it first time here. In fact only the original winner did it, MP (Michael Peterson 73-75)
When Taj won it in 2007 it was his 11th time here, Mat Hoy took 10 years competing here to finally win one. Tom Carroll and Wayne Lynch waited 9 years to ring the Bell… Sunny, Martin Potter and Shane Horan did 8 year apprenticeships before winning, Occy and Shane Dorian 7 years, Ritchie Collins & Trent Munro did 5 years, Hardman, A.I & Parko 4 years, Tom Curren, Kelly Slater and Joe Engel all did 3 years service before their wins.
Hackman, Anderson and Richard who won the first three had all been coming here to competed for several year before the iconic trophy became part of the ASP tour.
But Mick Fanning and 16y/o Nicky Woods only took 2 visits in the main event to become Bell ringers..
Nicky was the youngest winner at just 16, but what many forget is he finished 17th at Bells as a 14 year old two years earlier.
The following list of 18 surfers who had some success here, all had an average result of under 10.0 but only 11 of them won a Bell… Shane Dorian who is another of the Bell Ringers had an average result here of 19.68 and he had a runner up finish as well… It’s hard to be consistent here, but these 18 are probably the best of a big bunch… 5 of the following list still have a chance to add to their careers…
Best Average Results Under 10.0 at Bells Beach Over the Years.
Andy Irons (98-??) 2 wins @ 5.60 ave result.
Mick Fanning (00-??) 1 win @ 6.20
Martin Potter (82-94) 1 win @ 6.23
Joel Parkinson (01-??) 2 wins @ 6.56
Damien Hardman (84-00) 2 wins @ 6.81
Dane Keoloha (79-81) 0 wins @7.00
Richard Cram (81-86) 0 wins @ 7.60
Sunny Garcia (88-05) 3 wins @ 7.80
Mark Richards (76-88) 4 wins @ 7.91
Barton Lynch (81-97) 1 win @ 8.00
Mark Occhilupo (86-07) 1 win @ 8.38
Bede Durbidge (05-??) 0 wins @ 8.40
Wayne Lynch (76-80) 0 wins @ 8.60
Tom Curren (78-93) 2 wins @ 8.91
Wayne Bartholomew (76-88) 0 wins @ 8.91
Shaun Tomson (77-89) 0 wins @ 9.00
Kelly Slater (92-??) 3 wins @ 9.80
Bruce Raymond (77-83) 0 wins @ 9.80

Aloha,
Mike Newman
RAS Surfing Stats

Who will be the Bell ringer in 2010. © ASP

Mick Fanning, welcome to the Skullcandy team.
“Skullcandy is pleased to announce the addition of two-time (2007 and 2009) and current ASP World Champion Mick Fanning to its elite family of athletes. Skullcandy will become a seamless part of Mick’s pre-heat rituals by providing the highest quality of audio for the reigning champ as he continues psyching to his music before his heats.

Mick’s enthusiasm for the highest quality headphones made him a perfect addition to Skullcandy’s Surf Team, “I’m pumped to be on the Skullcandy program! I met up with the crew earlier this year and got a sneak peek of the new premium headphones and basically said, ‘You’re not getting ‘em back boys!’ Making it official was the next and only step. Ever since I got my hands on the Skullcandy product I’ve been loving the look and most of all the quality of the sound.”

Skullcandy global crew is thrilled with the addition of Fanning to the team. Rick Alden, CEO/Founder of Skullcandy, “We’re thrilled to have Mick on board with Skullcandy. He’s a fantastic athlete, a fierce competitor, and clearly passionate about his music. He embodies the spirit of Skullcandy, communicating our music message through surf and all sports. He’s an incredible advocate for the brand, and a huge addition to our surf program.”

Mike Carter VP of Global marketing also commented, “Fired up to partner with Mick, he’s a freak talent needless to say, and we all know he takes his music listening and sound quality very seriously. Micks pedal to the metal way of life fits the company culture perfectly, and because of his love of music and high standards for audio products we’re looking forward to future collaborative efforts with him.

Look for Mick’s continuing success in 2010, and psyching in the competitor’s tent with his new headphones. Expect highly anticipated signature product collaborations later this year.”

Check the video at skullcandytv.com

About Skullcandy
Skullcandy designs and constructs premium headphones, ear-buds, speaker docs, audio accessories, and other audio-enabled lifestyle products. Skullcandy also collaborates with top brands to integrate its speaker technology into products from snow helmets to jackets, beanies and bags. The Skullcandy family includes exclusive partnerships with: Roc Nation, a Jay Z founded music and entertainment company, Mix Master Mike, the National Basketball Association, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with branded Skullcandy stages at the Joint, Wasted Space, Rehab, and Friday night live.

Skullcandy’s roster of artists and athletes is amongst the most prolific in any industry, including rap czar Snoop Dogg; snowboarding legends Terje Haakonsen, Mark Frank Montoya and Devun Walsh; skate pros Lizard King, Theotis Beasley and Greg Lutzka; surf rulers Kai Otton, Kolohe Andino, the Gudauskas brothers, and Clay Marzo; as well as free-ski greats Tanner Hall, Kaya Turski, and Tom Wallisch Skullcandy gear is sold globally through top retailers, specialty outlets and can be viewed online at www.Skullcandy.com

I consider the article to be offensive and arguably designed to cause hurt and distress.

Prior to the exchange with the reporter, I had refused to speak with him because I understood he worked for Stab Magazine and that it had previously published articles which I believed were racist and anti-Semitic. I strongly object to views, statements and comments of that nature.

I acknowledge that my decision to use words that were inappropriate - albeit in an attempt to be ironic, knowing they were of the type favoured by the magazine - was misjudged and wrong.

I don’t have or condone, any form of racist or, more particularly, anti-Semitic view.

I deeply regret my exchange with the reporter and apologise unreservedly to anyone who may have taken offence.

I strongly object to the article and through legal representatives steps have been taken to withdraw the edition from circulation.”

Media:
For further information contact:
Richard Owen
Principal Consultant
Three Plus
Ph +61 (0)7 35035700
Mb +61 (0)412 869 937
Email: richard@threeplus.com.au

Final results…
1 Owen Wright
2 Cooper Champman
3 Chippa Wilson
4 Mick fanning
5 Jordy Smith
6 Josh Kerr

A ninth place finish in the first event of the year. © ASP

Through out round 4 there were upsets and close heats.
4 heats were separated by under 2.3 points with Mick going down to Kai by just 0.19 pts. Straight off the bat in heat 1 Adriano got past Ace by just 0.36 pts.

9 round 1 losers surfed in round 4 …
5 of those have gone through to the final 8.
Only 10 events in the last 46 events have been won by round 1 loses (22%)
These are events that have used the long method, three men round 1 heats.

9 of last years top 10 will start inside the top 9 with 16 surfers sharing the top 9 positions after event 1.

8 Surfers left in the event after round 4

What have they done here on the Gold Coast before
2002- 2009 Tour Years
3 have never been past round 4, “but they have now”…
(Otton (2) .. Reynolds .. Smith (2))
1 has made the semis but never been to the final
(Martinez)
3 have been runner up in the event
(Burrow .. Durbidge .. de Sousa)
1 has won the event before
(Parkinson (2)

The Final 8 Average Results on the Gold Coast
Parko has an average event result here of 5.50 in 8 years.
Taj of 8.13 in 8 years.
De Sousa 7.75 in 4 years.
Jordy 9.0 in 2 years.
Bede 12.00 in 5 years.
Otton 17.00 in 3 years.
Bobby 17.50 in 4 years.
Reynolds 23.00 in 4 years.

The round 4 winners and the final 8 left in the event are…
Aussies 4 … USA 2 … ZAF & Brazil 1 each.
7 have come from within the top 11 ratings from 2009 and Kai Otton last years number 17.
5 of the final 8 have won a Dream Tour event before.
There are 3 without a title yet… Dane & Kai have both been to a 1 final earlier in their careers for a 2nd each. Jordy has been as far as the semis before for two 3rds..

Quarter Final Series …
Four first class heats with 3 scores over 17 and an average between the 8 surfers of 15.81.

In round 3 Bede posted his second 19 plus score of his career. 19.30
His best was his 19.40 he posted on the Gold Coast in 2007.
In the quarter finals Dane posted his second 19 plus score of his career. 19.20
Danes equal best was his 19.20 he posted at J-Bay in 2009.

5 surfers in the Quarter finals were round 1 losers…
Only 10 events in the last 46 events have been won by round 1 loses (22%)
Only counting back events that have used the long method, three man round 1 heats.

9 of last years top 10 will start inside the top 9 with 16 surfers sharing the top 9 positions after event 1.

Semi Showdowns…
There are now just 3 heats left in the event till they Crown a Champion for two10…

The Quarter Final Winners and the 4 Semi Finalist left in the event are…
USA 2 … Aussies 1 … ZAF 1
2 of the final 4 have won a Dream Tour event before.
There are 2 without a title yet…
Dane has been to 1 final earlier in their career for a 2nd.
Jordy has been as far as the semis before for two 3rds.
Now they face off in semi number two for a crack at a title.
So there will defiantly be a first time champion possibility with one of the two to make the final.

All 4 surfers in the Semis finals are round 1 losers, they all came through the 2nd round to the finals, first time I have seen this…
Only 10 events in the last 46 events have been won by round 1 losers (22%)
Only counting back events that have used the long method, three man round 1 heats.

The top 12 average scores in 2010 and ladder position pre Semis, Event 1…
16.22 Fanning 9th
15.90 Durbidge 5th
15.68 Parkinson 5th
15.44 Slater 9th
14.79 de Sousa 5th
14.71 Andre 17th
14.51 Patacchia 9th
14.48 Smith ???
14.27 Knox 17th
14.21 Burrow ???
14.13 Gudauskas 33rd
14.02 Pirez 17th
2009 top 5; Fanning 14.96 .. Slater 14.69 .. Reynolds 14.61 .. Parkinson 14.60 .. Burrow 14.02

There has only been one score over 19.00 in Dream Tour history that has lost a heat.
It was here on the Gold Coast , 19.10
38.63 – Quar’ final 2007 Mick Fanning 19.53 d Josh Kerr 19.10
The second highest combined total in history..
The highest was 2004 Fiji Final between Damien and A.I…
Damien Hobgood USA 19.90 def Andy Irons Hawaii 18.96 (38.86)

The Semi Finals might be tomorrow or next week!!!

Aloha,

Mike Newman
RAS Sports surfing stats

Studying video footage of my heat post loss. © ASP

Cheers everybody, round 3 is now complete and we are down to the final 16…

There are now just 15 heats left in the event until they Crown an event Champ for 2010…
With round 3 behind us, the final 16 surfers are all from within the top 28 ranked surfers coming into the event. 15 are re-qualifiers from 2009 and the WQS Champion from 2009 and Muscle Man Dan Ross.

Bede Durbidge posted the second plus 19 score of his career today. With wave scores of 9.93 and 9.37 and a total of 19.30 he blitzed Luke Munro. It wasn’t the highest score of his career; his best was his 19.40 he posted on the Gold Coast in 2007.

The waves pumped for day 4 of the Quiksilver Pro. © ASP

9 of today’s 16 heats were won by less than 2 points with the 4 closest being…
H 13; Dane Reynolds def Jeremy Flores by 0.34 pts
H 2; Adrian Buchan def Taylor Knox by 0.40 pts
H 14; Kieren Perrow def Mick Campbell by 0.63 pts
H 16; Jordy Smith def Tiago Pirez by 0.64 pts

ROOKIE FILE
This year 11 young surfers have started their Dream Tour careers at Snapper Rocks in event 1.
5 went into round 3 but none went through into round 4…
5 rookies have started the season with 17ths and the other 6 have taken 33rds home.

MILESTONE FILE
TAJ (300 wins)

In round 3, Taj Burrows won his 300th heat on the Dream Tour in his 13th year.
Career to date; 134 events .. 492 heats .. 300 wins .. 61% win ratio
116 final heats; 59 quarters .. 38 semis .. 19 finals for 7 wins.
Taj wins an event 1 in every 19 events he surfs in…

The day 4 winners and the final 16 left in the event are…
Aussies 9 … USA 4 … Hawaii, ZAF & Brazil 1 each.
9 of the final 16 have won a Dream Tour event before.
So with 7 surfers having not won before, there is a chance that event 1 might see a first time winner…

16 Surfers left in the event - what have they done here before
1 had never been past round 2… he has now. Congrats Dan Ross.
6 have never been past round 4: Davidson, Otton (2), Patacchia (2), Reynolds, Perrow, Smith (2).
2 have made the quarters but never won a final: Buchan (2), D Hobgood (2).
1 has made the semis but never been to the final: Martinez.
3 have been runner up in the event: Burrows, Durbidge, de Sousa)
3 have won the event before: Slater (2), Parkinson (2), Fanning (2)

Round 4 & the Finals could be on today.

Aloha,
Mike Newman
RAS Sports surfing stats

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.00 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.46
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.10 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 13.70
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) 11.00 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.27
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.84 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 6.67
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.16 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 11.26
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.73 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 13.40
Heat 7: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.97 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.60
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.74 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 10.43
Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.63 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.20
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.17 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 12.64
Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 13.54 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.00
Heat 12: Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.57 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.23
Heat 13: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 19.30 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 7.37
Heat 14: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.06 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.43
Heat 15: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.37 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 7.56
Heat 16: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.23 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.77

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 2: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 4: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 6: Daniel Ross (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)