Joel Parkinson has won his second Quicksilver Pro presented by LG, and this time it was all the more sweet because it was at one of his all-time favorite waves, Kirra. The spot has been dormant for the better part of a decade due to a sand replenishment project that filled in the bay, essentially ruining the wave.

Now, because of some recent sand movement and a cyclone out-to-sea, the wave has begun to wake up. Since the Quiksilver Pro is a mobile event it has the option to run anywhere on Australia's famed Superbank, which consists of spots like: Snapper Rocks, D'bah, Coolangatta and of course, Kirra.

The first two rounds were held at D'bah, a beach break type wave, offering lefts and rights, and sections that allow progressive above-the-lip surfing. This catered to younger guys like: Dane Reynolds, Jordy Smith and Julian Wilson. All three, especially Wilson (he's not even on the tour, he was wildcard into the event), are relatively new to WCT contests, and all three shined.

Then it was on to Snapper for Round 3, and this is where Wilson really made his impression felt. The 20-year-old took out 9X ASP World Champion, Kelly Slater, who had been riding an experimental rounded-nose 5'4" with pulled-in tail all contest. The talk seemed to be whether or not he was underscored for not riding the norm. Although, he did ride a similar board at the Pipe Masters and won.


Julian Wilson on his way to defeating Slater. Photo: ASP

As the cyclone moved closer, the chances of finally having another ASP event at Kirra were starting to look good. Round 4 almost went down at the spot, but it just wasn't right, so Coolangatta Beach would be the contest site. This break is in the middle, between Kirra and Snapper Rocks. There were serious barrels being offered up by Mother Nature, and the boys were taking full advantage. The most anticipated heat of the day was Californian and tour sophomore, Dane Reynolds, against Australian tour veteran, Taj Burrow.

Reynolds struck first with 9.50, but couldn't find a back up wave. Burrow was able to add a 9.10 to his early wave of a 7.17, which gave him the lead as the heat wound down. Then with 12 seconds left, Reynolds was able to find a descent barrel and make it out, a wave not many people saw, due to a squall that moved through the lineup, and cameramen error on the webcast. He was given a 6.73, not enough to make it through.

One person who did see the wave was the champ himself, Kelly Slater, and he made it quite clear as he commentated the webcast, that he thought Reynolds was underscored. It may have been retribution for the Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles last year, where Burrow was possibly under-scored in the Final. Who was also in that heat? You guessed it, Slater, and it was in California. Let's recap, American vs Australian in the US, and the Australian is thought to be under-scored. Australian vs. American in Australia, and the American is thought to be underscored. In both instances Burrow was involved.

Back to the contest. On the last day it happen. Kirra woke up and delivered for the Semifinals and the Final. The heat of the day was Parkinson's Semifinal heat against Mick Fanning. The two are friends, from Coolangatta, and grew up surfing the break with each other, so even though it wasn't the Final it was more or less the main event. Parkinson put up a perfect 10 and a 9.93, which gave him a 19.93 out of a possible 20 and the win. In the other Semifinal Brazilian, Adriano de Souza, took out Burrow.


de Souza with one of his signature speed snaps. Photo: ASP

On to the Final, Parkinson vs. de Souza, Australia vs Brazil, Local Boy vs. Visitor. The showdown was on, and with a large Brazilian crowd on the Australian beach the stage was set. Parkinson put up an early 8.83, and de Souza wasn't able to find much of anything. At the 12 minute mark, he did put up a 7, which kept him in striking distance. Then with 2 minutes left, it came, as every Aussie on the beach went nuts, Parko dropped into a runner, pulled in, got spit out, and another perfect 10 and the Quiksilver Pro were his.

Well, there you have it, on the final day two perfect 10s and two heat wins. That's how you win a contest. With the victory Parkinson takes the early lead in the race for the ASP World Title. Next stop, Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia. For more on the ASP World Tour click here.








QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.83
2. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.30

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19.93 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.66
SF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.84 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 5.34

CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 5:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 1200 points
2. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 1032 points
3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 876 points
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 876 points
5. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 732 points
5. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 732 points
5. Adrian Buchan (AUS)732 points
5. Damien Hobgood (USA) 732 points