Remember John John’s “air heard ’round the world” that went down at the Oakley Pro Bali a while back? Remember the explosion of excitement about it? Well, here’s another one. Julian’s air at the recently-finished Rip Curl Pro Portugal just might top it. In a contest that was, for the most part, starved for waves and excitement, Julian’s escape into the stratosphere shines pretty brightly.
John John’s seems a little smoother in the air. A little more hold, a little more style, while Julian’s seems like a bit more of a Hail Mary. The landings are where things get interesting: Julian’s is flawless, while John John’s is a little bumpy, a little unsure.
The best part of both? Their apparent surprise at what just happened.