These guys aren’t usually ones to claim. However, with surfing like this and scoring perfect 10s, anyone would have claimed. Photo: ASP
When the ASP announced the 2014 Men’s WCT schedule, the entire global surfing community was dumbfounded. Some were in disbelief and others were outraged. Why wasn’t J-Bay included? Was this a typo? Did the ASP really make the conscious decision to exclude J-Bay from the 2014 WCT? How could they do this and keep Rio de Janeiro?
It appeared as if the ASP realized their mistake and decided to return to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The public responded with a sigh of relief followed by a subtle, “hell yes.” After all, what would the World Tour be without J-Bay? It’s probably something similar to pizza without ranch, Bonnie without Clyde, or Oreos without a cold glass of milk.
It was a good thing that the ASP changed their minds because J-Bay was absolutely pumping, to say the least. Conditions were perfect, swell was firing and our beloved WCT surfers were straight ripping.
One of the standouts was Joel Parkinson, who narrowly lost in the Final Heat to fellow countryman and powerhouse, Mick Fanning. As equally impressive was J-Bay pioneer and arguably the best surfer to ever surf this region, Tom Curren, who surfed in the Heritage Heat against Mark Occhilupo. Both surfers put on an incredible show in flawless J-Bay, each posting a perfect 10 in their heat. The question is: who surfed it better?
Tom Curren
It is widely understood that Tom Curren is an absolute legend of the sport and he will undoubtedly be talked about long after he is gone. His style and prowess on a surfboard, especially at J-Bay, is arguably unequalled. A few wrapping turns and an incredible barrel on this wave earned him a perfect 10.
Joel Parkinson
Seamlessness, buttery and crisp are all words that adequately describe Parko’s abnormal ability to flawlessly navigate any wave on the planet. Even when he bogs his rail (which is about once every 4 years), he still manages to maintain his superhero status.
The question is: who surfed it best?
