The Men's round 1 action got underway just after 9:30 a.m. in 4-6 foot semi-clean conditions at Bells. This event marks the first time the new alternative judging format was put into action this year. Essentially, the 16 top rated surfers on tour get an automatic seed directly into the 2nd round of the event. The remaining 28 CT surfers, and 3 wild cards are left to fight it out in man-on-man single elimination heats in Round 1.
This format is being tested on tour this year, with each event given the freedom to decide whether they want to use it, or stick to the traditional format. One advantage to the new system is that it eliminates an entire day of competition, needing only 3 days to complete the event and taking advantage of the best swell event within the given wait period. Time will tell if this system is adopted permanently, or tossed out the door. One thing's for sure, it puts the pressure on the round 1 seeds who only get one chance to advance.
The standout today was by far Jordy Smith who used his considerably bigger mass to power through surface chop and link big fluid turns in and out of the unpredictable sections. He scored the highest heat and single wave of the day, easily moving into Round 2.
Dane Reynolds was sent packing by the West Australian wild card entry Owen Wright in the day's biggest upset, showcasing the new formats brutal single elimination mechanism. Wright was surfing on a mission and seemed to find a way to get the waves he needed. Reynolds never found his rhythm and was left chasing Wright for most of the heat.
The swell will be on the fade through the end of the week, with another pulse forecasted for Easter weekend. This surfer will be heading west to score the epic beach breaks while the comp is put on hold the next few days.
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