Listen: “If the fresh World Surf League format encourages Filipe Toledo to bravely cower into the new ‘one-day World Title event’ I’ll demand a refund!”

"Watching Filipe chicken out is a sport unto its own."

Well look at us, chatting about professional surfing again. About events and venues, heats and strategy, Filipe Toledo and his tried and almost true personal strategy of not paddling into big waves.

You’ve now had plenty of time to digest the World Surf League’s new format that includes a “one-day World Title event” wherein the five top surfers travel to a yet-to-be-named location and surf for the win.

I don’t like it, no not at all.

Part of the true joy of professional surfing is the year closing at the Banzai Pipeline… a wave that rightly terrifies many including Filipe Toledo. But there he must paddle, every year, with World Titles on the line and there he must throw himself over the ledge.

Or, in his case, not throw himself over the ledge.

But the passion. The tension. Now it is gone and I feel that many pros will refuse to give it a true go at Pipeline, Teahupoo, The Box etc. because as long as they end up in top five they have a shot.

No?

Yes.

This is all an abject disaster.

Tell me I’m wrong except you can’t because watching Filipe chicken out is a sport unto its own.

Or watch!