Alright, we’re back with Edition Two. Today’s guest has recently grabbed my attention by sharing some very interesting content online. Throughout the CT Event at Raglan, this page was updating projected picks and results daily, backing their selections with useful info and statistics. It’s a really good follow if you’re in any kind of Fantasy Surf Leagues, or even if you just follow the Tour. A very unique look at surfing that I think is much overdue.
I reached out to see if I might be able to get some information and insight about this page. And with that, I am excited to introduce you all to Pedro, creator of SURF STATS. I hope you all enjoy the second edition of this series.
HELLO, MY NAME IS: SURF STATS
Hey Pedro! Thanks so much for sharing some of your time. How is everything going? How did you enjoy the New Zealand Pro?
- Sup Drew! I appreciate the invitation and am super stoked to be talking to you about surfing and a bit of business.
- Everything is chill and I had a blast watching the NZ Pro. I really wanna surf those waves at some point, omg! Pity we had bigger ones before the event window but the air show more than made up for it.
What has been your favorite event so far this year?
- I gotta say Bells Beach. 1st because it always looked like a dream wave to me and 2nd cuz I gotta admit I have a thing about Miguel and was so stoked he kicked off the year so well. He saved my father-in-law from drowning on my wedding day haha.
I know that Surf Stats is relatively new and you are just getting started this year, but how long have you been following the Tour?
- Oh, I’ve been watching surf events since about ‘05, but seriously following since about 2010.
Were you a competitor yourself?
- Nah, nothing like that. Surfing is a big part of my life, second only to family, but wasn’t ever close to good enough. Had a few runs in college tournaments but thats about it.
Where are you from, and what is your local surf break?
- I’m from Brazil, born in Santos, same region as Adriano. But most of my surfing happens close to Maresias region (Medina and Pupo’s break).
Who is your favorite surfer?
- Such a hard question. Miguel is the one I most cheer for, no doubt, I really want all the best to him, such an amazing guy. But as far as style goes, I really love Griffin’s power surf, its outer world.
Can you give us a bit of background info regarding the beginning of Surf Stats? What inspired you to start this page?
- Absolutely. Well professionally I’ve always been what currently we call a Data Scientist. I have a Masters in Statistics so that most of my everyday problem approach is data-backed. Aside from that I have a background in programming.
- I’ve been playing in fantasy league for years and had developed a few indicators that at some point I felt like sharing. I wouldn’t say I cracked the code, in the sense that I don’t “win it all”, but I’m very consistent in being among the top players of my league, and winning a few occasionally.
And how has your experience been running the page so far this season?
- Oh man, its harder than I anticipated. I really thought this was something fantasy players would look for and not find, but its been hard to grow an audience. Or maybe I’m just too new to this somehow! I’m thinking of starting to publish some general statistics, not so fantasy-oriented.
Have you gotten any feedback that you feel like sharing, positive or negative?
- Yeah! Quite a few positive ones like “thanks for doing this” and having @ cjhobgood_ follow me is as good as it gets. But also had a negative one like “you’re not for real, create a league and beat up if you’re that good”
I think Surf Stats is a fantastic idea. Every other major sport has a deep statistical and analytical database they draw from consistently. It helps keep fans engaged. Do you have any goals or plans set for moving forward for Surf Stats?
- Thank you so much for all the support, means the world to feel heard and appreciated! Regarding plans and goals I don’t really have any set in stone. Honestly it’s the tip of the iceberg of something I already did, so it doesn’t take up a lot of my time and I like to see how it’s shaping up. As long as its fun for me or has business value I’ll keep on doing it.
If you could attend one event coming up on the schedule this year, which would it be, and why?
- Hmmm thats a good question. I’ve been to Keramas, Uluwatu, Trestles, Cloudbreak, Saquarema, Pipeline and Sunset and I gotta say as far as an event goes theres nothing like Saquarema. But one event I never fail to watch is Tahiti, to me thats the most impressive one, so I guess I’d have to go to Teahupoo and see the legends getting barreled.
Anything you feel you would like to add?
- Just wanted to say thank you and I’ll try to support hvoide as much as possible. Best luck to us both! Cheers!
Thank you so much for the time Pedro, I really appreciate it.
I’m looking forward to seeing your work get shared around and start to grow. Great job. Thank you again for your time!
You can follow Pedro and his page Surf Stats on instagram
@ surf.stats
Get a good step ahead on your fantasy league. Or if you’re the wagering type, this might be able to help out your wallet. Either way, some great insight Pedro is putting out there for free. Jump on the train while it’s early.
Cheers,
hwilsin
Drew Stanfield