06.13.01
by: Scott Bass
Surfer Magazine

Padang, Sumatra (June 11, 2001)

It's 10pm. Our four boat armada (now officially known as the OP PRO) leaves the Harbor in Padang, and heads for the steamy, jungle waters off the Mentawai Islands. Tommorrow, the first day of the event waiting period begins.

The opening ceremonies of the OP PRO 2001 went off at the lavish Hotel Bumimanang. Traditional dancers, a gamelon orchestra and a gourmet buffett highlighted the ceremonies. Gifts were also exchanged. Surfer magazine editor Sam George announced the commencement of a scholarship program in the name of Surfer magazine to a deserving young islander.

Op Pro - Surfer Magazine opening ceremonies

Today's arrival of OP PRO men's defending champion, Mark Occhilupo (and the other surfer's as well), has led many of us to speculate about who is favored to take this year's OP PRO crown. So, just as the Occster would do at his favorite TAB on the Gold Coast, we're going to offer you a little light-hearted handicapping to help you fill out your PICK SIX card. Just for the sport of it, here's our informal "book" on the event.

MEN'S HANDICAP

Mark Occhilupo: Last years happy go lucky champion. You have to put him in your trifecta--experience, contest savvy, sizzling on both rights and lefts. He maximizes tuberides and torching cutbacks. However, last years win came in the midst of his global World Championship victory lap. And with absolutely nothing to lose, his surfing at last years OP PRO was on an etheric level. He was floating. That's not the case this year, and he will come down to earth. Nevertheless, the morning line on Occy is steady at 3 to 1.

Shane Dorian: New house, soon-to-be-married, all his stars seem to be aligned. He is the only Men's surfer to get to Indo early, so he's well rested. Be advised, however, he hasn't surfed in three weeks--since the Tahiti event. This may hinder his chances in early heats, and the "advance or you're out" competition format could take him down early. Smart money doesn't see this happening. Morning line on Dorian: 5 to 2.

CJ Hobgood: Going into this event CJ has a number two ASP WCT world ranking. He's obviously determined. But will these "relaxed fit" heat duration's (1-2 hours) throw him off? He may burn out early. CJ has dark horse written all over him. He's your money horse, and when the dust has settled and the results "official," you'll want him somewhere in your exacta wheel. Morning line on CJ: 4 to 1.

Tim Curran: Toss last year's event out of the equation. Even the greatest of horses (Point Given, Cigar) have an occasional bad race. And with spectacular past performances in hot dog waves as a guide--talent wise--Tim has what it takes to go wire-to-wire. Tim is the only one of the above mentioned surfers who can match the talented Irons Brothers in aerial antics. If the contest comes down to hotdogging at Macaroni's, Tim is the man. Morning line: 8 to 1, expected to drop rapidly as "fast" money rolls up to the betting window right before post time.

Andy Irons: Could be unstoppable if "Lance's Right" is happening. He loves this track, and runs very fast here. The fact that his younger brother, Bruce, will be in the water with him makes Andy even more dangerous. More determined than his laid back demeanor suggests. Must "use the whip" at the final turn. Morning line on Andy Irons: 5 to 2.

Bruce Irons: This early speed horse may go wire-to-wire, and most bettors have him on top in their exactas. His versatility makes him hard to ignore. Big waves, small waves, aerials--whatever it takes to get him home in the money, Bruce has it. If he doesn't run out of steam too early, he should win going away. Morning line: Even money.

Our exacta pick: Bruce Irons wheeled on top, with either Dorian or big profit horse Tim Curran to grab second.

Best money bet: CJ Hobgood at 4 to 1.

Competitors Shane Dorian and Rochelle Ballard recieve gifts from the West Sumatran government.

WOMEN'S HANDICAP

Rochelle Ballard: Last year's champion, she is hard to ignore. Versatile. Agile. Complete. Like last year, want's a "soulful" experience out here. If she has a clear run to the wire, look out. However, if Rochelle experiences a cluttered 1/4 pole, with lots of hungry horses, she may disappoint. A lot depends on the attitudes of the others. Morning line: 3 to 1.

Layne Beachley: The favorite among the early bird wagers. Determined via disappointment last year. For Layne, the "soul" experience was great last year, but that was last year. Look for the "eye of the tiger," and a hard charge from Layne. Morning line: 2 to 1.

Serena Brooke: She is the early speed horse in this field. If she starts out fast, she could go wire-to-wire. Must get and maintain early confidence. If "Lance's Rights" produces clean, hollow 5-footers, and the title is on the line, Serena will carry home the roses. Morning line: 4 to 1

Keala Kennelly: All agree that Keala is the unknown factor in this race. If she comes out early to challenge for the lead, the "soulful" flavor that some of the women are anticipating will be shot. Keala's hard charging vibe in the water may push her, and the others, too far. For all the women involved, this entire race depends upon how Keala approaches it. She may intimidate her way into the victory circle. The betting line on Keala is too erratic. Anywhere from 20 to 1 to even money.

Not enough numbers in this race for an exacta bet. However, at 20 to 1, we'll throw down 200,000 Rupiah on Keala. Check out event coverage at Op.com

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