Hawaiian Fred Patacchia is one of the most respected voices in surfing. A formidable competitor, ASP Rookie of the Year in 2005, the smooth and polished goofyfoot was never backwards about coming forward. So, after retiring in 2015 who better to ask about the first event of the 2016 season? Here’s Freddy P’s form guide ahead of the Quiksilver Pro Snapper Rocks.
Felipe Toledo
“He’s a freak and impossible to beat at small Snapper.”
John John Florence
“John John is starting to realize being talented isn’t enough. He’s slowly maturing into a talented competitive athlete and that’s scary.”
Mick Fanning
“Cause he’s Mick F&*king Fanning! God given talent, dedicated athlete, best competitive mind in surfing and a genuine human being.”
Julian Wilson
“Jules has all the tricks and should be winning events.”
Gabriel Medina
“He’s the best Goofy in the business and never gives up in a heat.”
Matt Wilkinson
“Just cause I want him to do good. He’s my wildcard.”
Adriano De Souza
“He’s the current World Champ and always finds a way to make it to the Quarters.”
Jeremy Flores
“I get the feeling this is going to be Jeremy’s best year to date.”
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Heat Draw:
Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Italo Ferreira, Keanu Asing, Ryan Callinan
Heat 2: Julian Wilson, Michel Bourez, Adam Melling
Heat 3: Filipe Toledo, Jadson Andre, Stuart Kennedy
Heat 4: Gabriel Medina, Caio Ibelli, Sebastian Zietz
Heat 5: Mick Fanning, Matt Banting, TBD
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza, Kolohe Andino, TBD
Heat 7: Jeremy Flores, Adrian Buchan, Davey Cathels
Heat 8: Kelly Slater, Matt Wilkinson, Conner Coffin
Heat 9: Nat Young, Kai Otton, Alex Ribeiro
Heat 10: Josh Kerr, Taj Burrow, Kanoa Igarashi
Heat 11: Jordy Smith, Wiggolly Dantas, Miguel Pupo
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson, John John Florence, Jack Freestone
Roxy Pro Gold Coast Heat Draw:
Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Tyler Wright, Johanne Defay, Alessa Quizon
Heat 2: Bianca Buitendag, Nikki Van Dijk, Coco Ho
Heat 3: Carissa Moore, Chelsea Tuach, TBD
Heat 4: Courtney Conlogue, Sage Erickson, Bronte Macaulay
Heat 5: Sally Fitzgibbons, Malia Manuel, Laura Enever
Heat 6: Stephanie Gilmore, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Keely Andrew