Brazil’s surfing cred finally gets a break
THE wash-up from the latest World Surf League event in Brazil has opened up some new observations.
After repeated criticisms of Brazil and its below-par surfing conditions for a world-class event – especially at Rio de Janeiro where ocean pollution has been a serious problem – a new venue at Barrinha, Saquarema delivered big time.
Formerly the venue of WQS events, this time round the world tour capitalised on a new break that has been the result of coastal technology much like our Superbank at Snapper Rocks but more like D’bah and South Straddie.
Barrinha was an ocean outlet for inland pollution where a breakwater was designed like a point break to direct the outflow out to sea.
But in the process the artificial headland made of boulders, not unsimiliar to Big Groyne at Kirra, created a whole new wedge peak that offered world-class waves.
Like Superbank, which was a technological fluke on behalf of coastal engineering to combat beach erosion, Barrinha restored much-needed wave credibility for Brazil.
An electrifying win by their latest hero Felipe Toledo in front of thousands of cheering fans on the beach and millions of worldwide viewers on the internet glued to the live webcast should insure Brazil stay on tour.
■ AUSTRALIA’S best chance for this year’s world title hangs in the balance with Coolum’s Julian Wilson who was unceremoniously outsurfed by Toledo in the Rio semis.
Wilson retains the world lead narrowly over Toledo.
Australians and particularly Gold Coasters were buoyed by Steph Gilmore’s second win for the year that has her firmly on track for a seventh world title.
Noticeably missing in Brazil were three former world champions – Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson and a retired Mick Fanning.
It’s a whole new ball game without these guys who have pretty well dominated the world scene since the late Andy Irons had his day.
■ THE world tour returns to Keramas, Bali, on Sunday for the first time since Joel Parkinson won there in 2013.
Parko will be hoping to repeat that winning form in a wave that suits him perfectly.
Following the Bali Pro, the cancelled Margaret River event will be resumed at Uluwatu.
WSL have confirmed that Margaret River will be back next year.
Uluwatu put Bali on the world surfing map back in 1972 with the release of Alby Falzon’s movie Morning of the Earth, which still rates as one of the all-time best surf movies. After the Bali events the tour moves to South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay.