South West Swells Descend On The Islands
Felipe is ferociously fast, super springy, and his air game and rail work are so technically sound and superior that he’s easy to overlook. But watch out. If he gets his bigger wave game down (surf of 5-12 feet), he’ll nail more than one world title.
Brazilian fans celebrate Felipe Toledo’s victory at the Oi Rio Pro. PHOTO FROM WORLD SURFING LEAGUE.
Toledo’s domination this year is like Kelly Slater’s when he came into his own in 1992. No one could touch him when he was on. The same goes for this humble, gracious family man from Ubatuba, Brazil.
Toledo has won two of four events this year. Yes, we have Fiji, Tahiti and Pipe, which feature big reef lefts that can be Felipe’s weakness. But we also have Jay Bay, Trestles (his favorite), France and Portugal, all spots with surf in which he excels. Pros who win three events in a year often win titles. It’s that hard to do.
Toledo could pass his fellow countryman Adriano De Souza for the lead and keep the title in South America for 2015. If this doesn’t ruffle some American feathers, we’re in for a long run of Brazilian storms. Let’s get some sunshine back stateside.
Right now, the U.S. has Nat Young from Santa Cruz, Calif., in fifth, Hawaii’s own John John Florence in seventh and Slater outside the top 10 in 13th place. The top four in the world rankings are from Brazil and Australia, while the rest of the top 10 are six Aussies, two Brazilians and two Americans (California and Hawaii).
Reminders and events: The Surf N Sea Haleiwa SUP Race is May 30, the same day of the Roxy Run, SUP and Yoga at Turtle Bay Resort. The Greenroom Art Festival at Waikiki Shell is May 31, and June kicks off with the 19th annual China’s Wahine Surfing Classic June 6-7 at Queen’s Surf.
And that wraps up another week. So stoked you’re here and hope to see you in the lineup.
