The names most consistently at the top of the list. Photo: ASP/ Kirstin
Mick, Kelly, and Joel – the order changes, but the names at the top of the ASP Men’s WCT still remain the same. Nevertheless, mid-way through the 2013 season, several intriguing storylines have played out making for what has been an immensely exciting 2013 ASP Men’s WCT thus far.
The most stirring storylines of the 2013 season include the immediate rise of rookie sensation Nat Young, the much-applauded return to winning form of seasoned tour standout Jordy Smith, and the injury and return from injury of the enormously talented John Florence.
Among Nat Young’s amazing rookie season accomplishments are a runner-up finish at Bells, along with respectable finishes at Brazil (equal 9th), Fiji (equal 9th), and Bali (equal 3rd). Nat currently sits at number six on the ASP Men’s WCT Ratings and has clearly built some solid momentum and confidence straight out of the gate. An event win and top 10 ranking at season’s end seem very achievable for the capable 22-year-old California goofy footer.
Jordy Smith has clearly rediscovered whatever it was that went missing in the second half of 2011, and that remained elusive during Jordy’s entire 2012 campaign. Jordy’s back to displaying explosive, impassioned, creative, on-point surfing that has created multitudes of followers and believers in the 25-year-old South African. Jordy’s win at Brazil, as well as solid finishes at Bells (equal 3rd) and Fiji (equal 5th) have him currently ranked number four in the world and within reach of a maiden World Title.
John Florence’s ankle injury suffered at the Snapper event during the expression session cost him two and a half event results in 2013, and likely any realistic chance of winning a world title in 2013–a world title that John seemed poised to capture going into the season. His return at Fiji was immediately celebrated by the ASP faithful as John treated ASP fans to a semifinal finish that took a solid performance by Kelly Slater, the eventual (and back to back) event winner, to extinguish the red-hot Hawaiian phenom.
Events remaining on the 2013 schedule include the Billabong Pro Teahupoo which is set to kick off in mere days, the Hurley Pro at Trestles next month, the Quiksilver Pro France very shortly thereafter, the Rip Curl Pro by Moche (Portugal) in mid-October and concludes with the Billabong Pipe Masters in December. You are not going to want to miss out on any of the remaining action from the 2013 ASP Men’s WCT season.
