Small waves a boost for Wilson

INTRIGUING battles are looming at the Hurley Pro in the US at an event that has produced small waves.

The small surf will stay through this event, a shame because it is crucial in the men’s and women’s world title race.

To add to the intrigue, the top men, Jordy Smith and John John Florence, will face off against two of the best small wave specialists in the world in Round 3.

Wildcards Evan Gieselman, from Florida, and Hiroto Ohhara, from Japan, are through to Round 3 and will face Smith and Florence, and, in these waves, you would have to think the wildcards are almost favourites to win.

If that happens, the door opens in a big way for Austra- lia’s Julian Wilson, who is possibly the most rounded surfer on the tour.

Wilson is excellent in big and small waves, and this event presents an opportunity for him to make a serious move on the ratings.

Surfing small waves is an integral part of the sport and while it is not as spectacular as the big ones, the aerial moves that can be pulled make it a spectacle that is still exciting.

Victoria’s sole representative on the World Tour is Nikki Van Dijk and she is through to Round 4, which is great news.

Van Dijk is having her best season on the tour and is well in range of making the top five on the world rankings.

Our long winter keeps giving with plenty of good waves all this week to date and the coming four days look good. The swell should increase today with cross shore winds. Tomorrow looks good with clean winds and waves to 1.5m then plenty of swell throughout the weekend.