Jordy Smith and Julian Wilson stumble. Aritz and Tiago through to Round 3.
Following, if not in the footsteps, then in the principles of surf explorers like Peter Troy, Kevin Naughton, Craig Peterson and Mike Boyum.
In a recent interview with Vice Sports, the 11-time champ comes back surfing grudge matches and his unique rivalry with Andy Irons.
With UK's surfers, Oli Adams and Micah Lester.
With both top seeds and underdogs soaring to the challenge, Chopes delivers the best conditions the tour has seen all year.
A look back at the style master's standout performance at J-Bay this summer.
Reigning European Junior Champ Leonardo Fioravanti chalks his biggest result of his career as runner-up.
"For me, a jetski driven by Darth Vader and co piloted by Piers Morgan would've been more welcome"
Excited about Chopes? Lensman Morgan Maassen is, and for good reason.
With Kevin Bourez's accident a stark reminder of just how dangerous the wave can be, meet the lifeguards charged with competitors' safety.
The local WCT campaigner breaks down the wave for you.
With the forecast looking all-time, the Spartan and Hedgy make final preparations for the Tahiti leg.
Hailing a new era for boardsport rebelheads, Volcom launches its first renewed branding video.
The ASP monitors a storm that could see possible 20-25 foot waves forecast for this coming Monday/Tuesday.
A few more words from the world's best big wave rider.
Thinking of surfing Chopes some day? Listen in on a few tips from Joel Parkinson.
The most mind-bendingly crazy sand-bottomed time tunnel footage you have ever seen.
