Ok let’s get straight to the point, we had nothing surf wise to  really get crazy about today, couple of nice little barrels at Brims and that’s about it…

But here are the two great highlights of the day… Starting with Heat 1, In red Estienne, in white Felix, in black Cameron and in Yellow, Dave Mailman… Yes, you read well, the actual president of ASP Europe got the singlet on and paddled out at Brims. 30 minutes and five good looking wipe-outs later (That’s nearly 60 euros a piece considering the entry fee for a six-star prime contest), Dave was all smiles, “At least I got to surf today,” he said teasing all the media who didn’t get a chance to get wet, “And no one can write or say I didn’t give it a go…” Indeed, we’ll give you that Dave, definitely the best wipe-out of the day!

 

Later in the day, Hawaiian powerhouse, 6-time Triple Crown Champion and 2000 World Champ Sunny Garcia sat down for a few minutes on the cobblestones for a chat…

 

SE: Sunny, how are you?

SG: Great, I feel great, I had a quick surf this morning and I am now relaxing in the sun.

SE: You retired in 2005 from professional surfing, why did you decide to come back on the pro scene?

SG: Well I didn’t retire, I went to jail. I never gave up on surfing but I didn’t know at that time for how long I was going down. In there, I was really deseperate to get back to surfing and now I really feel I can win…

 

SE: So you are on the WQS tour, have you worked on specific aspects of your surfing to fit the new judgement criteria?

SG: Not at all, you won’t catch me doing airs, that’s not my thing, I am all power. I like the way the young generation surf, the way they do airs and tricks but I’ll keep doing what I am good at… Power surfing!

 

SE: How do you deal with the cold out here, not too difficult?

SG: No that’s fine, I had a quick surf this morning in my 5mm, no booties, no gloves or hood and I got a couple of waves. Just wished it was a couple feet bigger. I thought it would be way colder here, guess I am a bit used to it having lived in California for a few years… It’s such a great event here, with great waves, it’s a bummer that there isn’t more size.

SE: How do you think the young guys on the QS will react to surfing against you?

SG: When I was young, I didn’t care against who I was surfing. I wanted to kick asses that’s all. I hope no one is gonna take me on lightly because out there I’ll be 100%, ready to kick some butt. I am here to win, wouldn’t mind bringing home that sword! I’m also happy to meet all these new faces in surfing. I surfed against MR back in the days and now I am surfing in the same league as Jordy and Co.

 

SE: Any particular strategy for this season?

SG: No strategy is my strategy. I’ll surf in as many events as I can. You will see me in Newquay, Lacanau and Hossegor… I wanna get back on the WCT and that’s my goal. You know I’ve accomplished what I wanted in surfing, so now it is all bonus, all fun and pleasure!

SE: Looking at the WCT this season, who do you think is gonna come out on top?

SG: I don’t really know, anyone can take it really, I just hope Kelly doesn’t win it again! He is my friend but having him winning another world title is not good for the sport.

SE: What do you make of his performance this year and his potential retirement?

SG: Kelly has been playing that head game for too long with all of us… Guys now see through his mind game. Kelly is a contest machine, he can’t live without it. He won’t stop at least until he gets to his 10th title. He is the best surfer ever no doubt about it but he has to stop his silly little games.

SE: Thanks Sunny, good luck for tomorrow!

SG: Thanks

 

Sunny will meet Burrell & Richards & Taplin in heat 17 tomorrow!