The cruel nature of capitalism exposed!
An email just landed in the electronic boxes of surf fans worldwide promises the opportunity to “own a piece of Championship Tour history.”
It’s a compelling sell and for the keen surf fan, it might be impossible to pass up the chance to buy an Abu Dhabi competitors’ jersey signed by winner Caity Simmers or Italo Ferreira.
Both jerseys are available for purchase, extremely limited quantities etc, for $US478.95 or almost eight hundred Australian dollars. The Japs get real shafted at 71,220.09 yen.
Other jerseys for $478.95 include Tyler Wright and Barron Mamiya’s Pipe Pro jerseys.
The most expensive jersey available is Olympic gold medallist Caroline Marks’ Tahiti Pro and Surf Ranch jerseys at $644.95 or over one thousand Australian dollars and a wild ol 95000 Japanese yen.
Jerseys also available from Ryan Callinan, Molly Picklum, Ian Gentil, Caio Ibelli, Tatiana West-Webb, Gabriela Bryan, Seth Moniz and Rio Waida for prices ranging from $321 to $483.95.
A slap in the face to Sammy Pupo, whose surfing is characterised by a spring-loaded explosiveness, however.
The 2022 rookie of the year and world #32, who was ground into second-last place in Abu Dhabi courtesy of his big brother, revenge for the 2024 Margaret River Pro where little bro’s win kicked Miguel off the tour, is listed at a paltry $240.95 or almost one third of Caroline Marks.
Would you buy at $240 or save the extra 400 and get Caz Marks’ lycra from Taheets?
UPDATE: Jersey prices are actually in Australian dollars not US so forget all that currency conversion crap.