This Way In

Monster Threats

John Florence: He just came off a win at Margaret River in what many are calling the most dominant surf contest performance of all time. So, yeah, he’s got some momentum at the moment.

Owen Wright: Though he relinquished the yellow jersey to teammate JJF after West Oz, his surfing has been precise, and those backside whips will serve him well at Bells and WInkipop.

Conner Coffin: While his knee is sporadically bothering him, if he can muscle through the pain, his forehand power hack could be worthy of ringing that bell on final’s day.

Filipe Toledo: Filipe found his feet at Margaret River, so expect him to dance over those Bells flat spots like it’s Samba night at the Toledo household.

Miguel Pupo: Miggy’s Baby is literally due any day now, and whether that’s a motivation or a distraction remains to be seen. Either way, he’ll be ripping.

Frederico Morais: If the swell fills in, Freddy’s never-bobble, never-fall surfing is sure to polish the Bells Bowl to a fine shine.

Tyler Wright: Coming off a final’s finish in West Oz, Tyler’s got her swagger back and is sitting third in the world. We’ve got five bucks that says she leaves higher than that.

3 Questions

1. Why is Bells the third stop? Normally, Bells is the second stop on the Australian leg. This year, however, we’re celebrating a late Easter, and Bells runs over Easter. It just does.

2. How’s the forecast look? Not classic Bells, but not flat, either. If our Aussie- leg luck continues, we should be in for a great event!

3. Speaking of the Aussie leg… You heard, huh? Yes, seems like this will be the last year that there are three stops on the Australian leg of the tour. Expect Bells or Margarets to be on the chopping block for 2018.