The World Surf League is heading to El Salvador, and the forecast is calling for pumping south swell at Punta Roca. Erik Apple sits down with Mikey from Stab Magazine to break down what to expect after a lackluster showing of waves in New Zealand. The guys analyze the current dominance of the Brazilian storm on the men's side, including Yago Dora, Gabriel Medina, and Filipe Toledo, while discussing why heavy water might give an advantage to power surfers like Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto. We also get an update on Jordy Smith's lingering injuries and look at dangerous sections of the wave like "Mama Roca". In the women's division, Mikey details why veteran power surfers like Carissa Moore and current leader Gabriela Bryan hold a distinct advantage in these lumpy, heavy conditions over the lighter-framed competitors. Plus, find out which local dark horse could upset the entire bracket.
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: Catching up with Mikey from Stab Magazine.
1:04 – Moving past Raglan's small waves to a massive El Salvador forecast.
2:48 – Men's Rankings: The Brazilian goofy-foot dominance.
3:07 – Filipe Toledo's bad luck despite holding the highest average heat total.
4:07 – Why Punta Roca perfectly suits Ethan Ewing and Griffin Colapinto.
5:12 – Navigating the dangers of the "Mama Roca" rock section.
5:30 – Injury Update: Jordy Smith withdraws from the competition.
6:35 – Dark Horses: Kanoa Igarashi, Eli Hanneman, Rio Waida, and local threat Bryan Perez.
7:16 – Women's Division: Analyzing Gabriela Bryan's season so far.
8:17 – The veteran advantage: Carissa Moore, Stephanie Gilmore, and Caroline Marks.
8:56 – How heavy water and lumpy conditions will test the women's roster.
9:34 – Mikey's final picks for the El Salvador crown.