When the world tour came to the home of “The Brazilian Airforce”, many expected the local young punters to air-reverse their way to a brazo-heavy final, but it was all Aussies and a Hawaiian into the Semis at the 2012 Billabong Rio Pro. The precise tube riding and fine tuned gear of these top ten ranked surfers continued to show why they are perennial title threats .
Adrian “Ace” Buchan (World #8) came out firing in round one, taking out event favorite Gabriel Medina and progressive rookie Yadin Nicol. Ace relies on Hurley’s Phantom stretch technology for maximum stretch and lightweight performance when he unleashes his combinations of signature power hacks. This 60s Block Party style combines a rigid waistband with the 4-way stretch material that has made this patented Hurley technology the surf industry’s best boardshort for 4 years. Unfortunately Adrian fell to an in-form Jeremy Flores, but we look forward to his front-hand attack at Tavarua during next month’s Volcom Fiji Pro. Get Ace’s style – Hurley.
Owen Wright (World #10) was another Australian who smoked a local hero Raoni Montieri, and out-gunned past Brazil winner Taylor Knox. Owen owes it to Rip Curl’s Mirage Flex technology for sticking those tricky vertical re-entries and stomping airs. For such a big guy, it’s important that Owen’s shorts offer minimal resistance and weight in such a tricky beachbreak. Owen went down to quarter finalist Tiago Pires in a wonky, stormy and low scoring 3rd round affair. Get this Rip Curl technology
John John Florence (World #5) stole the show with buzzer beater barrels against Julian Wilson, and two no-grab 360 airs to win the final over current world #1 Joel Parkinson. John’s hot streak continues in his signature Epic Stretch trunks that contain elastane stretch fabric for his freakish abilities above and beneath the lip. He has been wearing this lucky style ever since his historic run to become the youngest Triple Crown Champion in 2011. He’s another goofy-footer that is poised to place high in the upcoming Volcom Fiji Pro. Get John John’s signature style here
Parko (World #1) surpassed the sidelined Slater in the rankings with his second place result. Joel made it through four extremely close heats decided by only fractions of a point (0.4, 0.7, 1.3, 0.83) In a game of inches, Parko trusted the super-stretch panels of the Flux boarsdshort, and the good karma of this recycler series style. Get the Flux here
Watch the heat reviews here
Photos courtesy of the ASP
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