.png){kind=logo}
When you visit our website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to and to provide a more personalized web experience. However, you can choose not to allow certain types of cookies, which may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings according to your preference.
These cookies are essential to enable user movement across our website and for providing access to features such as your profile. These cookies cannot be disabled. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information and cannot be used for marketing purposes.
These cookies allow us to analyze visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site and enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers, such as Google Analytics, whose services we have added to our pages. Information collected through these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly and/or we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts or content. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
The Rookie Bloodbath
Paul Evans
Fall can either be your favorite season, or your least favorite, depending on your perspective.
Surfers famously love the combo of warm waters with favorable winds grooming thumping swells. Hunter-gatherers, by necessity, would revel in the abundant rewards of nature's bounty. Lambs on the other hand, would probably look less favorably on the traditional season of their slaughter.
And so it went that the justifiably feted 2017 rookie class played the role of sacrificial lambs on a textbook autumnal day in Western Australia. It was a day when Connor O'Leary would be the exception that proved the rule at Margaret River Main Break, as one of just two rookies (Ian Gouveia is the other) not to be leaving Western Australia with an equal last.
While none of the new faces went quietly, Frederico Morais in particular stood out with surfing and scores that would be more than worthy to earn a stay of execution in most heats. Alas, Ace Buchan drew upon his predatory instincts to rustle up the right number. Another rookie, Leo Fioravanti, made a strong case for clemency, but his opponent Joel Parkinson's marginally sharper blade would ultimately strike the fatal blow.
Ethan Ewing, perhaps the most prodigious of the rookie flock, wasn't able to avoid the ax, despite serving one of the most prime cuts of the day with an 8.60. And despite juiced-up conditions that suited their power-based approaches, neither Zeke Lau or Joan Duru -- two more first-timers to the Tour -- could avoid adding to the unmistakable aroma of fresh meat carried seaward on a keen, unforgiving wind.
Tune in Friday at 7 a.m. local WA time (Thursday at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST U.S.) to see how the remaining two rookies fare.
News
Excellent scores across the board!
Contenders Head To South Africa for Stop No. 2 of the Challenger Series
Elimination drama to the World Title race, early spoilers and all the passion ignited on opening day at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by
The world's best showed their prowess when conditions proved testy in Saquarema with a full opening day of action unraveling at the VIVO
The biggest upset of opening day unraveled courtesy of Peru's wildcard standout Arena Rodriguez dethroning World No. 1 Gabriela Bryan and