Ace Buchan is out of the Brazil contest. He was in the STAB office recently, where we hit him with five topical questions.
Five questions with Ace Buchan
During a recent Hurley trip, Ace suffered what is believed to be a medial ligament strain or tear during a large day at Deserts. It was the biggest he’d surfed it. The injury occurred when Ace was bucked by a shockwave while threading a tube, contorting his knee badly. When he visited the STAB office earlier in the week, he was hobbled on crutches and wore a tremendous brace on his knee. Ace assured me the fabulous contraption, which began at his thigh, bent at the knee with a series of plastic bolts, and finished at his calf, was more precautionary than anything. It looked horrid and suggested he may miss more than just Brazil.
With limited prejudice, we thought he was in the perfect condition to divulge some facts about the next world tour event.
Stab: Should Slater ride the pod in Brazil?
Ace: Not the 5’3". He had the formula right last year. He rode the 5’10" in smaller steep waves and it worked. Then he rode relatively normal boards at the good wave locations. It seemed like he took such a big step with the 5’3". A couple of inches shorter, sure. Then again, for him, I think he’s trying to find a balance and stay motivated. Maybe it inspires him.
Who will win the title this year?
Joel. It’s a long year and it will go down to the last event but he’s had an amazing start. He had a ninth in Tahiti and there will be other events he doesn’t do well in. One of the other contenders will get on a roll where they'll win a couple. But I think Joel will have the edge from his start.
Of the contenders, who won’t win the title?
Bede. Not having performed at Bells hurt him. He’s had good starts the past few years, which were the key to his success. The next two contests are going to be interesting. Brazil is an open contest. The wildcards, as much as everyone writes them off, they do really well there. Then J Bay. Slater, Joel, Mick and Taj have all owned that place. It would be cool if they all did well and it was super close heading into the Europe leg.
Who will win in Brazil?
Mick has a good chance. He’s a darkhorse. He hasn’t had much publicity. And he had a really good trip to the Mentawais recently. He will be feeling good. It was also his birthday the other day.
Jordy’s and Gudauskas’ rodeos. Discuss.
Jordy’s was better for sure but Pat’s was the first time someone ever pulled one in a comp. I’m surprised Dane or someone has never pulled one. It’s funny that Pat Gudauskas came out and pulled the first one in comp. What was it, like 10 years ago Slater tried the first one out Pipe? - Jed Smith.
All photos by Ace's pal, Little Weed Luke Shadbolt (check their work together in the latest Stab).
Posts: 9
Reply #9 on : Mon July 13, 2009, 13:39:58