Fact: Damien Hobgood is one of the best ever surfers at Cloudbreak.
And If you have ever wanted a masterclass in stalling for large front-side barrels, this is as good as any you're likely to come across.
The former world number four has a well-deserved reputation for charging solid left-hand reefs, be they Teahupoo, a myriad of Indonesian destinations (think Greenbush in Joe G's seminal film Strange Rumblings in Shangri La) or, in this case, Cloudbreak.
It's obvious he's lost none of his desire or ability to shred and (more importantly) stall in the most solid, hollow surf, and this is hardly a surprise given Damien took out three top-tier events in big lefts: The Quiksilver Pro Fiji in 2004, the Globe Fiji Pro 2006 and the Billabong Pro Teahupoo in 2007.
In this snippet from the Salty Crew film Sink of Swim, a bunch of seafaring rebels headed to cloudbreak for the waves as much as the world-class fishing, and Damien displays his signature double-hand drag stalling technique.
Did he invent it? no. Is he one of the most-polished and precise implementers of this particular method of pumping the breaks? That's a definitive yes.
There are few surfers on the planet who can bury their arms in a slab of water to wash off speed like Damien Hobgood
Congratulations to Damien Hobgood, winner of sibling bragging rights and the Heritage Heat at the Tahiti Pro pres. by Hurley.
Double-Arm Stall Masterclass With Damien Hobgood
Ben Collins
Fact: Damien Hobgood is one of the best ever surfers at Cloudbreak.
And If you have ever wanted a masterclass in stalling for large front-side barrels, this is as good as any you're likely to come across.
The former world number four has a well-deserved reputation for charging solid left-hand reefs, be they Teahupoo, a myriad of Indonesian destinations (think Greenbush in Joe G's seminal film Strange Rumblings in Shangri La) or, in this case, Cloudbreak.
It's obvious he's lost none of his desire or ability to shred and (more importantly) stall in the most solid, hollow surf, and this is hardly a surprise given Damien took out three top-tier events in big lefts: The Quiksilver Pro Fiji in 2004, the Globe Fiji Pro 2006 and the Billabong Pro Teahupoo in 2007.
In this snippet from the Salty Crew film Sink of Swim, a bunch of seafaring rebels headed to cloudbreak for the waves as much as the world-class fishing, and Damien displays his signature double-hand drag stalling technique.
Did he invent it? no. Is he one of the most-polished and precise implementers of this particular method of pumping the breaks? That's a definitive yes.
There are few surfers on the planet who can bury their arms in a slab of water to wash off speed like Damien Hobgood
Damien Hobgood
Peter "Joli" Wilson explains just what made the 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti such a special moment in surfing history.
This was a wild year, with perfect heats, jet ski madness and some of the best barrel riders ever taking on maxing Teahupoo.
2x World Champion Tyler Wright set for a star-studded Sydney Surf Pro, Surfrider goes to Washington, Camp Shred and Damo scores Cloudbreak.
Top surfers are among millions taking flight this time as massive, back-to-back hurricanes bear down on the region.
The Hawaiian's best moment at the Puerto Escondido Challenge couldn't have come at a better time.
Australia/Oceania
Jahly Stokes and Keijiro Nishi Finish Runners Up as Jinzun Harbor Turns on Pumping Surf For Finals Day and Kerr Wins Second QS 5000 Event
Women's Top Seeds Dominate Round of 32 -- Stage Set For Potential Finals Day in Taiwan.
Only Four Heats of the Men's Round of 96 were Completed on Day 3, with a Promising Forecast For the Coming Days at Jinzun Harbor.
Super Fun Waves on Offer at Jinzun Harbor allows for a Huge Day and Sees the Completion of 20 Men's Heats.
Women's Round of 48 Completed in Taiwan as Olive Hardy Top Scores on Day 2 of Competiton.