The opening events on the ASP Men's and Women's World Tours got underway, with the Quiksilver Pro witnessing some great performances on Saturday in shifty three-to-four foot surf.
Kelly Slater (USA), 40, the reigning 11-time ASP World Champion and defending event winner, sent a clear message to his fellow competitors by posting a massive 18.80 (out of a possible 20) in the first 10 minutes of his opening heat of of the Quiksilver Pro 2012.
Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, advanced directly into Round 3 after an incredible tube that netted him a 9.67 (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave score of the day.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-times ASP World Champion and former event winner, was on point in his Round 1 heat at the Quiksilver Pro today. Fanning used his local knowledge to position himself in the best spot to capitalise on the available tube rides, finishing the waves off with his signature speed carves.
Stop 1 of 7 on the elite ASP Women's World Championship Tour, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, is always one of the most exciting events on tour as the girls get the chance put their full bag of tricks on display at one of the world's most high performance waves.
Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, reigning ASP Women's World Champion, showed that a six-month break from competition hasn't slowed her down, posting a win in her opening heat of 2012 against Rebecca Woods (AUS).
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, the 4-times ASP Women's World Champion came exploding out of the gates in her opening heat of 2012. The hometown favourite unleashed a barrage of powerful hacks that saw her earn a massive 9.00 (out of a possible 10).
Sunday was elimination day at Snapper Rocks, Australia, as Round Two of the opening events of the year in the men's and women's ASP World Title season were completed in clean three-to-four foot (one metre) conditions.
Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, came flying out of the gates, scoring an 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and a 9.10 on his opening two waves.
I just had to make sure I was on the waves that allowed for those big power turns," Smith said. "If I could do that and mix it up with some explosive stuff, I knew I'd get the scores I wanted.
Kolohe Andino (USA), 17, battled fellow Californian Brett Simpson (USA), 27, in the final heat of the day, with young Andino taking a first win in his highly-anticipated ASP World Championship Tour debut. Andino showed rookie nerves, falling and catching the wrong waves at the start, but managed to pull it together and lock in some impressive scores in the back half of the heat.
"I'm stoked to win my first heat on tour," Andino said. "The end of the waves were kind of tweaking me because they were dumping in shallow water. I didn't see to many people doing airs today, so I just tried to go for one out the back and I'm stoked that I did."