World #28 scores ten, wins first round at Trestles, quits…
The thirty-three-year-old Hawaiian Fred Patacchia Jr quit the WSL main game this afternoon after beating Gabriel Medina and Bede Durbidge in round one of the Hurley Pro.
With a little under five minutes left in the heat, and a minute after scoring a 10 for the swift murder of a five-foot set, Fred caught a wave alongside Gabriel Medina, high-fived the current world champ, and came in to rapturous applause. He was wrapped in a Hawaiian flag (hello Union Jack!) and announced his retirement, effectively immediately, in his post-heat interview.
Ross Williams was first on Instagram, posting a photo of his “chicken skin brah!!!”
Now ain’t that some way to retire! Screw the possibility of winning the contest, I just hit a ten, I’m out. It’s the oddest thing ever!
It’s in marked contrast, of course, to most surfers, who grind away, grind away, gradually slipping down the ratings until, sometime in their mid-to-late-thirties, they disappear altogether.
Who doesn’t like a little dignity in their farewell?
Fred’s career ain’t bad, in hindsight. He was the 2005 tour rookie (finished 14th), climbed to 12th the following year (his best), but tended to hover in the twenties.
What will he be most remembered by? His last-ever ride, a ten?
Or his frenzied attack upon the Snapper Rocks?
And here’s his goodbye interview…
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How good does it look watching someone tearing the shit out of a wave with no offensive logos in sight? It almost made me weep.
Great stink-eye from the bambino
Definitely seemed like it was the worst kept secret in pro surfing. For sure, in the insulated, incestuous confines of the WSL the judges knew it was coming and threw him a consolation gold watch ten.
Let’s add this to the list or Freddy’s great accomplishments. Tell it like it is!!!
http://youtu.be/A8vdfk6Zrak
Come now, the judges are definitely not biased, not at all
I just got dumb chills watching Fillepe’s dad wax his board for him before his heat. What the fuck.
Ow wow! I missed that, I was binge watching cops. I seem to see a lot of the same personalities that “enforce” the law also judging these contests. Double standards are normal and completely acceptable, right?
Shit, I havnt binge watched Cops in at least a month.
make it stop! no more chris BROte please. his voice is harsh and makes the ears bleed.
that rock to fakie on little marley will always be Freds legacy
I met and talked to Freddy at Haleiwa a few years ago and he was great. I wish him the best.
And I agree…the Quik bankruptcy definitely had something to do with this. I suspect we’ll see a few more guys dropped in the next few weeks.
About time someone left with dignity, lets not forget Occy!
Having said that, he could have been part of the 80 employees about to lose their job at Quik, and didn’t want to look for another sponsor
Could also have finished the event, thereby earning some more $$ for surfing, whether or not Quik’s next check will be bouncing.
any chance the judges knew this was coming? he tore that wave a new one but still, a ten?
100%. Freddy’s supposed to give prior written notice of retirement according to the WSL rulebook. All the surfer’s knew (hence the big party on the beach), KP knew, Ross knew, and it’s likely the info was relayed to the judges. Just glad that the swell was on tap to give him a 10.
Props to Freddy. No better way to go out. World Class Individual
I dont want to overshadow Freddy P {that’s P for pensioner now} But I think the real news today is that Ricardo cut his locks off.
unfortunately his turns look smaller without the locks blazing
Well if he beats Wilko then your hair tips won’t have been in vain..
Slater! Fire Richie Porta and hire Freddy P as the head judge!!!!
Yep, possible his Quik contract became worthless with them filing for bankruptcy and was asked to re sign up with those taking over the running of Quik… and didn’t sign.. as I said .. possible.. a good opportunity to bail if your hearts not in it.
when your sponsor files for BK, it’s time to hang it up.