Parko determined to bow out on high
FORMER world champion Joel Parkinson has begun his farewell tour to surfing in Hawaii with an emotional and unexpected win.
And the world tour veteran has admitted the triumph at the Hawaiian Pro has given him a taste for more success with just two events to surf before he packs away his competition boards and becomes an official “surf fan”.
Gold Coaster Parkinson won the opening leg of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing at Haleiwa yesterday with a stunning performance in the four-man final.
Next for the retiring world tour star is the Vans World Cup at Sunset and then the WSL world tour finale, the Pipe Masters.
“There are two event to go and I’d love to be back on the podium,” said Parkinson who has won the Triple Crown on three previous occasions.
“I really want to go out in a high. I have put too much into the sport to just drift off. “I’d like to put on a good show. Mick (Fanning) did it when he retired and I’d like to do the same.”
Parkinson chaired good mate Fanning up the beach after the three-time world champion fell just short of. winning his finale world tour event, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach earlier this year.
Fanning was beaten by Brazilian Italo Ferreira at the event where thousands of fans held up #CheersMick signs in honour of the champion surfer.
Parkinson announced early in the season he would quit the world tour after 18 years and a world crown in 2012.
Parkinson, who score 17.36 in a thrilling final, beat Brazilian Mateus Herdy, New Zealander Ricardo Christie and Brazilian Deivid Silva in the final yesterday.
“That heat was so much fun I just wanted to go back out there and surf again,’’ said Parkinson, who scored a 9.33 on his first wave and a 8.03 for his second scorer.
“I really want the Triple Crown again. It has always been special for me and I would really like to win it one more time.’’
I REALLY WANT TO GO OUT IN A HIGH. I HAVE PUT TOO MUCH INTO THE SPORT TO JUST DRIFT OFF. GOLD COAST’S JOEL PARKINSON