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Rookies on Tour, Six Months In
WSL
The upcoming J-Bay Open marks the start of the second half of the 2015 surf season. This year's rookies on the Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour (CT) have put on some amazing performances, but have had tough finishes as well. Catch up with newcomers Keanu Asing (HAW), Matt Banting (AUS) and Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) during the Fiji Pro to discuss their seasons so far and their strategies moving forward.
Keanu Asing (HAW) has had an up-and-down season so far, with glimmers of brilliance and disappointing missteps. Asing followed up his best finish so far -- an equal ninth in Rio -- with his first Round 1 heat win at the Fiji Pro (pictured). But against Taj Burrow (AUS) in Round 3, he failed to earn any significant scores. Still, Asing remains a confident member of the Class of 2015, and with good reason.
Matt Banting (AUS) announced his arrival at the Oi Rio Pro when he defeated 11-time World Champ Kelly Slater (USA) in a huge, Round 3 upset. His finish in Rio -- an equal ninth -- is his best so far and he still has a lot to prove. But time is on his side; he still has another half-season to do so.
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) has been steadily climbing the Jeep Leaderboard, and is now the second highest-ranked rookie behind fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira. He's bookended his season so far with Quarterfinal finishes and, based on his performance at the Fiji Pro, should be comfortable at Jeffreys Bay. In this interview he notes the differences between the Qualifying Series and the elite Tour, but seems to be taking it all in stride.
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) has been steadily climbing the Jeep Leaderboard, and is now the second highest-ranked rookie behind fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira. He's bookended his season so far with Quarterfinal finishes and, based on his performance at the Fiji Pro, should be comfortable at Jeffreys Bay. In this interview he notes the differences between the Qualifying Series and the elite Tour, but seems to be taking it all in stride.