Ahead of his face-off against longtime rival Martin Potter, Brad Gerlach visits the ASP desk during the 2014 Hurley Pro at Trestles.
The next ASP Heritage Series heat will be at Lower Trestles during the 2014 Hurley Pro and Swatch Women's Pro, with a battle between historic longtime rivals Martin Potter (GBR) and Brad Gerlach (USA). Each was a big star in his surfing heyday: Potter was 1989 ASP World Champion, while Gerlach was 1991 ASP World Runner-Up.
Created to honor the icons of the sport, the ASP Heritage Series was launched at the J-Bay Open this year when surfing legends Tom Curren (USA) and Mark Occhilupo (AUS) squared off in perfect, 6-to-8-foot barrels. Curren emerged victorious, securing a Perfect 10-point ride in the process.
Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo takes on Tom Curren in the inaugural heat of the ASP Heritage Series.
Ahead of the face-off, Potter was hard-pressed to open up about his archrival. Just one story for us, Pottz? "Not yet. But I guess everyone knows that one story..."
Potter was referring to an infamous confrontation between himself and Gerlach during a 1991 heat in Japan. Potter rode over Gerlach's favorite board, puncturing the bottom and creating a ding that's still there for posterity. Just as things were coming to blows, the heat was called off and both men returned to shore. What happened next depends on who you believe: The altercation sparked a decades-old he said, he said set of stories that's still up for debate.
Just how differently do they see the famous altercation, to this day? Decide for yourself with each of their versions.
Between them, Pottz and Gerr have 23 years on the elite Tour. With a head-to-head matchup record of 8-4 -- advantage, Potter -- and a long-standing feud, pride and history are on the line at their Heritage heat.
"It's going to be amazing," said ASP's Joe Turpel, who commentates alongside Potter. "Those guys had some epic battles. They still don't like each other!"
The Potter/Gerlach bout will take place during the event window for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, which runs through Saturday, September 20, 2014.
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1991 World Title Runner-Up Brad Gerlach. Photo/Tom Servais
- WSL / TOM SERVAIS
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1989 World Champion Martin Potter. Photo/Servais
- WSL / TOM SERVAIS
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Brad Gerlach is a regular-footer, but he often opted to ride a few waves switch. ASP/Cestari
- WSL / Kelly Cestari
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Martin Potter, picture perfect in Maui. Photo/Servais
- WSL / TOM SERVAIS
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Gerlach above the lip at the 2011 Grand Masters in Rio. ASP/Cestari
- WSL / Kelly Cestari
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Pottz stands up for a smooth ride in Pe'ahi. Photo/Servais
- WSL / TOM SERVAIS
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Gerlach at the 2011 Hurley Pro in Trestles, cheering on the competitors alongside a little-known grom: Kolohe Andino. ASP/Rowland
- WSL / Rowland/ ASP Handout
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Gerlach competing in The Battle of the Legends in 2013. ASP/Rowland
- WSL
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Pottz dissecting the lineup at the 2010 Quiksilver Pro France. ASP/Scholtz
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Gerlach isn't all progression all the time. Just watch him charge. Photo/Servais
- WSL / TOM SERVAIS
Heritage Series: Potter vs. Gerlach
Paula Lehman
The next ASP Heritage Series heat will be at Lower Trestles during the 2014 Hurley Pro and Swatch Women's Pro, with a battle between historic longtime rivals Martin Potter (GBR) and Brad Gerlach (USA). Each was a big star in his surfing heyday: Potter was 1989 ASP World Champion, while Gerlach was 1991 ASP World Runner-Up.
Created to honor the icons of the sport, the ASP Heritage Series was launched at the J-Bay Open this year when surfing legends Tom Curren (USA) and Mark Occhilupo (AUS) squared off in perfect, 6-to-8-foot barrels. Curren emerged victorious, securing a Perfect 10-point ride in the process.
Ahead of the face-off, Potter was hard-pressed to open up about his archrival. Just one story for us, Pottz? "Not yet. But I guess everyone knows that one story..."
Potter was referring to an infamous confrontation between himself and Gerlach during a 1991 heat in Japan. Potter rode over Gerlach's favorite board, puncturing the bottom and creating a ding that's still there for posterity. Just as things were coming to blows, the heat was called off and both men returned to shore. What happened next depends on who you believe: The altercation sparked a decades-old he said, he said set of stories that's still up for debate.
Just how differently do they see the famous altercation, to this day? Decide for yourself with each of their versions.
Between them, Pottz and Gerr have 23 years on the elite Tour. With a head-to-head matchup record of 8-4 -- advantage, Potter -- and a long-standing feud, pride and history are on the line at their Heritage heat.
"It's going to be amazing," said ASP's Joe Turpel, who commentates alongside Potter. "Those guys had some epic battles. They still don't like each other!"
The Potter/Gerlach bout will take place during the event window for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, which runs through Saturday, September 20, 2014.
Martin Potter
Longtime rivals Martin Potter and Brad Gerlach face off in the second Heritage Series heat at Lower Trestles.
Heat-by-heat recaps as the field at Lowers narrows to eight.
Brad Gerlach and Martin Potter match up in second ASP Heritage Series heat at the conclusion of men's Round 4.
Ahead of his face-off against longtime rival Martin Potter, Brad Gerlach visits the ASP desk during the 2014 Hurley Pro at Trestles.
Hurley Pro at Trestles
A tour of Lowers to help negotiate the circus in San Clemente.
Josh Kerr and Aritz Araburu go head to head in the first elimination round.
Spend a lay day from the Hurley Pro Trestles swinging the sticks with WCT pros Sebastien Zietz and Brett Simpson.
The WSL Top 34 recorded 19 rides of 9.00 or above at the sanctuary of progression.
A look Jordy Smith's winning board from the 2014 Hurley Pro.