I often see Brett Simpson out surfing at home and I’ll think to myself; fuck – this dude could still be on Tour. He absolutely rips, and that’s obviously a huge part of it, but also, surfing was so much better 14 years ago. Although he lost in this particular heat, this 7.70 would still stand for a similar score today.
Was this one of the best competitive events ever? It’s undoubtedly the best contest I’ve ever watched live to date. 2010. The waves, the surfing, the entire experience is fondly recollected. And yeah, how about the surfing? Bede Durbidge was throwing more commitment into his turns then than half the tour of 2024. Dane’s clips from this event could go in the Surfing Hall Of Fame. This was where the infamous Dumpster Diver made its debut, and the surfing can not be denied.
That was just on the singlet side of surfing too. Let us not forget..
There were some amazing movies to come out in that 5 year period or so. It’s got my vote for the best era of surfing ever, and it all still stands the test of time. We’re going to show my personal favorite movie down at the Shop soon. I’ll post the flier here, because you’re all invited. Hope to see you there.
Until then, sip on that nostalgia.
Cheers,
hwilsin
Drew Stanfield