After lackluster conditions at the 2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the WSL competitors (and us fans) are crossing fingers (and toes) in hopes of a solid forecast at the next event, the Margaret River Pro.
And so, in anticipation for the Western Australia stop to kick off – the competition window runs from April 20th – 30th – let’s take a lookback to last year, and a heat that was one for the books: John John Florence vs. Griffin Colapinto in the Quarterfinals.
The two went back-and-forth throughout the heat, with the competitors dropping high eights and mid-range nines. Ultimately, though, Griffin went down to JJF – due mostly to the patented mid-face hacks that John Florence has become known for at Margaret River’s Main Break.
“He’s been peerless at this location in the past,” said Ronnie Blakey from the announcer booth. “He’s just made this place his own at this venue.”
John went on to the Finals at the 2022 Margaret River Pro, where he eventually lost to local boy, Jack Robinson. If you were going to put money down on anyone for this year’s event, these three names would be a smart bet.
“John Florence did a lot of work early on,” continued Blakey. “But Griffin, you gotta give him props. He fought back in a big way. He dropped a couple of excellent scores himself. What a heat.
“What a performance from John John. He’s put together another special one.”
Hopefully we get a few more “special ones” this year. Stay tuned for the Margaret River Pro, kicking off April 20th.
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