Last year, Sebastian Zietz fell off the tour. It wasn’t much of a shock–although Seabass is undoubtedly one of the greatest surfers in the world, his competitive engine was a little faulty throughout 2015. Still, though, it was strange to see a surfer as talented as Zietz relegated back to the QS. Everyone knew he had it in him–he just couldn’t seem to find it.
Then, in February, he called up the WSL and told them he was ready to compete. He flew to the Gold Coast and waited for his window to open. Commissioner Kieren Perrow held his fate in his hands–as the third option for a wildcard, Zietz knew that Perrow was the one that picked who would surf. When Alejo Muniz couldn’t compete, he made the call and Seabass was back in the game, this time with a totally renewed sense of drive.
“I’m just trying to put on more of a show this year,” Zietz said of his wildcard position. “I had such bad wave selection and heat strategy last year. I know I can do better.” And he did better. His first place finish at Margaret River wasn’t only his first CT win, it showed that Seabass is taking it seriously this year.
With his win at Margaret River, the three-thumbed Hawaiian moved into second place in the world rankings–which have been decidedly strange this year. Matt Wilkinson, of course, sits far atop the leader’s board, while Seabass, Italo Ferriera, and Kolohe Andino take up the rest of the top four. Except for Joel Parkinson, none of the so-called old guard is even in the top 10. Owen Wright and Bede Durbidge have both repeatedly hovered near the top, though, and their absence is opening up doors for new up and comers.
