The 2011 Billabong Pro Rio started the elimination rounds this morning. Yesterday’s bumpy yet powerful surf made the boys hone their skills in to knock off the host of local Brazilians who grew up surfing the slop.

Despite the Brazilians all but sweeping the field at lowers, only defending champ Jadson Andre won his 1st rd heat, while the rest of his countrymen battle it out in the elimination rd today. The surf forecast calls for conditions to clean up, with sustained pulses of south. The swell and the waiting period end soon, so expect tons of action in the next couple days.

As for the SWELL office challenge, round two in Rio may decide who wears a bike-lock around their neck for an entire work day and a surf session.

Here’s the Fantasy Surfer teams around the Swell office.

Morgan’s Approach: “If it doesnt kill you, it makes you stronger, but walking around in Rio…that will kill you”

Bill’s Approach: “One lucky pump could change a surfer’s life…kinda how I was convinced”

Dave’s Approach: “T.Knox is makin the final. No more poop stance, slob airs and fist pumping ”

Michael’s Approach: “If I have to wear a bike lock around my neck, everybody will suffer with me”

Watch Billy pay the piper for losing the challenge for the last event at Bell’s Beach. This time the loser wears a bike lock around their neck, that video should be classic.
Stay tuned.

To create your own Fantasy Surfer team, click here