Filipe Toledo Just Won the Oi Rio Pro

Filipe Toledo (BRA) Winner of the OI Rio Pro 2018 in Barrinha, Saquarema, Brazil. Photo: Poullenot/WSL

---

---

Mother Nature, it appears, has locked horns with one Robert Kelly Slater. On paper, following the Founders’ Cup with the Oi Rio Pro – fairly universally recognized as one of the least watchable events on tour – would only underscore the WSL’s need for artificial wave tech in its back pocket.

But in a surprising twist, the Oi Rio Pro was a revival. After hours of ruler drawn perfection surfed the same way, an unclear format, and a crowd of fans begging for water as they baked beneath the Lemoore sun, like an ex-girlfriend with something to prove Mother Nature came to the bar all done up ready to show us the dilemma with plastic perfection.

With a venue change to Barrinha (which begs the question: why hasn’t the event always been held here?) punchy, unpredictable surf reigned supreme. And an in-form Filipe Toledo conquered all, giving us both one of the best tubes of the event in his final against rookie Wade Carmichael, and one of the biggest airs we’ve seen all year.

Rookie of the Year Shakeup?

While Filipe’s win had elements of predictability, Wade Carmichael’s quiet takedown of some of the best in the biz, including Jeremy Flores in Round 3 and Medina in the Quarters was an absolute stunner. Going into Rio, Griffin Colapinto was already pegged as an early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. But lackluster results since the Quik Pro Gold Coast, and Wade’s second-place here have put Carmichael in 5th on the Jeep Leaderboard.

John’s Slump?

John John Florence’s elimination in Round 4 make this the 2x world champ’s worst start to the year ever. People, apparently, are talking which compelled John’s coach, Ross Williams, to take to Instagram to proffer an explanation. “Johns (sic) had a couple poor results this year but it was never due to a lack of effort or will,” wrote Ross. The gist? “All these amazing surfers go through their dry runs. It happens.”

It’s worth bringing up a second scenario, too, albeit a less plausible one. The only surfer from Hawaii to ever win three world titles in a row, of course, is Andy Irons. If John won this year, that would no longer be the case. Not to say that John John is losing on purpose. Maybe his respect for Andy is subconsciously driving him to coast through the year. Just a theory here.

Johns had a couple poor results this year but it was never due to a lack of effort or will. Despite all the talk, some warranted and frankly some due to just laziness in my opinion, John has been surfing with the same conviction and froth as the last two years. All these amazing surfers go through their dry runs. It happens. He had a couple insane rides in his heat today but honestly I was happier with how well he built to his aggression. He fought hard for a couple scores which led to him putting the hammer down. Funny how much John gets scrutinized against his own potential. He’s had some of the most aggressive and progressive rides this year and some decent heat totals. Just a couple sloppy heats in the mix to give him those bad results. It’s a testimony more to the level of the tour. Everyone rips. At the end of the day it’s good to eat humble pie. I think it’s made his fire even stronger. He will continue to draw different lines and push the sport with integrity. Hoping it will inspire the yarners to do the same. Pic: @tallteef

A post shared by Ross Williams (@rosswilliamshawaii) on May 15, 2018 at 9:55pm PDT

Next Up Keramas and Uluwatu?

The top 34 head to Keramas next for the Corona Bali Pro – objectively a great add for the tour this year. After, competition from the Margaret River Pro will take place at Uluwatu. It’s a totally weird and unprecedented move, but will undoubtedly be entertaining.