Semi got a demi: Bedes of sweat vs billy Joel; Owen will I be famous? vs. Fanning     Photo: Warbrick

ICE ICE BABY

Supertubos pumped today, Lord have mercy. The Iceman never got ruffled when he needed to get his three sixes (they used to score three waves). He never got ruffled when Curren or Pottz did rad stuff in his face, he’d simply sit their and wait until he got his chance to do those slow backhand floater snap thingys all the way to the ’91 World Title. So when everyone second guessed his contest directing ass after walking away from hissing 4ft bazas on Sunday in front of a biblical crowd, (“does Hardman live in Portugal now? I thought he had a pie shop in Narrabeen… How come he’s the Contest Director?”) the Iceman again was ruffled not. He sunk his head back pensively into a rather thick neck and stared out to sea. Then, the fog cleared, Supertubos pumped, quarter final cigars were lit with ten point rides. The Iceman knew best all along.

CHEESE N’ OWEN

Owen Wright doesnt know how much he gets paid. Slayer of Slater, Reynolds, Hobgood (even whilst not in the lineup of half the heat), winner of the Aussie Pro Junior circuit, teenage darling of ‘Stralian surfing, it’s probably a canny bit, but he doesnt know. Not because he’s still concussed from a brutal ear twanging slap, but because his dad wont tell him. He just gets an allowance every month and other than that just told to get on with the surfing, and not to worry about bringing home the Benjamins for now. We’re not sure if he’ll be able to make his semi heat with Mick, but suspect no. It looked like a burst eardrum, and those are tricky to surf with. But if so, tell me this. Does the Rip Curl TM wish him luck…?

Photo: Warbrick