The Hawaiian discusses what's keeping him from going all-out.
Freddy Patacchia (HAW), currently No. 28 on the Jeep Leaderboard, is opting out of the remaining Championship Tour (CT) contests in the 2015 season. With lackluster results -- the last time he made a Quarterfinal was in 2013 -- the Hawaiian is looking to regroup, think about what he wants, and see if he can rediscover the competitive drive that has kept him on Tour for 11 consecutive seasons.
Freddy Patacchia's frustration at the 2015 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast led to one of the season's most memorable moments.
After an incredible Round 1 heat at the Hurley Pro at Trestles, he announced in his post-heat interview that he is also withdrawing from the contest. Competing in Heat 10, Patacchia paddled in with a perfect, 10-point score, topping Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Bede Durbidge (AUS).
The 11-year Tour veteran calls it a season with a huge score and high five from Medina.
"I knew the day would come when I would have to walk away from professional surfing," said Patacchia. "This isn't it for me. It is probably the last time that I'll compete on the big stage on the Championship Tour, but I look forward to still competing in some Qualify Series events. I just need to take a step back and cool down.
"It's a long time on the road and I have other things I want to do in life. It's tough to walk away from everyone that has become my family but I've lived my dream. For me this is it, but I want to thank everyone who's played a part in helping me do what I love."
After a triumphant 10-point ride, the Hawaiian discusses why he's taking a break from CT events.
Patacchia leaves an open spot in Round 3 at the Hurley Pro. One of the remaining surfers after the first elimination round (Round 2) round will get a direct advance to Round 4 without having to compete.
Watch the rest of the action at Lower Trestles LIVE daily here and on the WSL App through September 20.
Patacchia Withdraws from Hurley Pro, 2015 CT
WSL
Freddy Patacchia (HAW), currently No. 28 on the Jeep Leaderboard, is opting out of the remaining Championship Tour (CT) contests in the 2015 season. With lackluster results -- the last time he made a Quarterfinal was in 2013 -- the Hawaiian is looking to regroup, think about what he wants, and see if he can rediscover the competitive drive that has kept him on Tour for 11 consecutive seasons.
After an incredible Round 1 heat at the Hurley Pro at Trestles, he announced in his post-heat interview that he is also withdrawing from the contest. Competing in Heat 10, Patacchia paddled in with a perfect, 10-point score, topping Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Bede Durbidge (AUS).
"I knew the day would come when I would have to walk away from professional surfing," said Patacchia. "This isn't it for me. It is probably the last time that I'll compete on the big stage on the Championship Tour, but I look forward to still competing in some Qualify Series events. I just need to take a step back and cool down.
"It's a long time on the road and I have other things I want to do in life. It's tough to walk away from everyone that has become my family but I've lived my dream. For me this is it, but I want to thank everyone who's played a part in helping me do what I love."
Patacchia leaves an open spot in Round 3 at the Hurley Pro. One of the remaining surfers after the first elimination round (Round 2) round will get a direct advance to Round 4 without having to compete.
Watch the rest of the action at Lower Trestles LIVE daily here and on the WSL App through September 20.
Freddy Patacchia Jr.
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