Chopes - bring it on!

Ou's will start hurtling themselves over the ledge starting Thursday 15 August - whilst the rest of us sit tuning them for pulling back from the safety of our computer screens. Roger Waters, legendary Pink Floyd front man, has a cool lyric about "the bravery of being out of range". Never more true than at Chopes.

The event is already not without controversy - as Hawaiian nut-job, J.O.B, smacked a brazzo in the chops after dropping in on him during the trials. Who knows what went down during the paddle battle to get that wave in the dying seconds of the heat, but ultimately there really isn't any excuse for slapping an ou on a wave. I say "slap" - cos I reckon if Jamie had punched him proper he'd have more than a lil cut in his gum to show for it. Crazy dude that, with behaviour that can be borderline to straight outta line. But do dig his surfing. Power on full ball all the time. Beats chop hops and lil fly away spinners any day, all day.

Wildcards for the event are local Alain Riou and Aussie Anthony Walsh who'll be looking to claim some scalps from the pro tours elite.

Nothing too big on the forecasts yet - with maybe a start right away, and then some downtime for a week, with a bit more swell pulling in towards end of next week. Guess they can't get maxing Chopes for every event. Pity! Maybe we're getting to used to assuming it should be death pits every time. But even at 6ft Chopes is an awesome wave - and always good to watch some of the best surfers riding it.

Who's your money on?? Yrr, let's hold thumbs that Jordy clicks, and pulls off another win. But looking at the stats - Kelly is still the man to beat. Competed in 51 Heats; Total Heat Wins 41; Winning Percentage 80.39%; Event Wins 4; Winning percentage in the Final 100%; Perfect Heat 20/20 (2005, Final). Tough nut to crack.

Mick currently heads the leader board and is no doubt frothing on the chance at a 2nd world title, but then so is Parko sitting in 3rd at the moment. Taj Burrow is also in one of his highest positions in a while, sitting 5th on the rankings. 

Get your entries in to the Millerslocal Fantasy Surfer competition - and stand a shot at winning kiff prizes if you call the winner correct. <Enter here>

First prize scores themselves a set of lekker Von Zipper sunnies and a set of Kinetic Racing fins, and 2nd place hooks a Billabong hoodie & a DaKine leggie and grip. Schweet! So start thinking who you gonna peg your hopes on for the win. Comp closes just before the quarters, and is open to East Cape locals only. Cos local is lekker!

Wanna win this? Course you do. Click here to enter.