Shipwrecks Invitational May 2-7, 2011 There is no better way to say it, this years Shipwrecks Invitational Surf Contest blew all other contests out of the water! The location could not have been better. We enjoyed three full days of top competitors pulling out all the stops in order to be crowned King Shipwreck. Back are the days of power surfing, floaters, and even an occasional nose tap.
In this edition of Temecula World Tour Power Rankings, we enlist the expertise of Editor in Chief, Gdub Wallwork. Gdub will break down the overall standings of each surfer and their quest for the ultimate goal…Cabo Boys World Champion of surfing.
#1 Ryan “Machado” Swindel – Being new to the tour did not stop Ryan from completely taking over the event and also the number one spot in the rankings. With smooth “machado-esque” cut backs, full commit on the drop, and overall classy style, Ryan has captured the imagination of the surfing world. Even though he exudes a mild manner persona, I see a desire in him to become the greatest surfer of all time. That same desire drives Ryan to surf 12-hour days while in Cabo. He practiced with precision, driving down the line, and then switching gears to a sweeping roundhouse cutback that brought tears to the judge’s eyes. In my opinion, this guy is one to watch for years to come.
#2 Eric “Air-ic” Lundquist – Eric’s display of power surfing combined with aerial maneuvers has not been seen since the day Martin Potter burst onto the scene. This guy has the uncanny ability to go from fun loving and adorable friend, to cut throat and relentless foe! Come contest time, it is on. Eric displayed true power surfing with huge tail slides and 360 whips off the top. It was truly a pleasure to watch. Extra style points were awarded when he rolled out in his jolly green giant outfit. Eric, keep it up broheim, the number one spot is just a backside tail slide away.
#3 Lance “Yoga” Anderson – This may come as somewhat of a surprise to some of you, but I have ranked Lanny at #3 for many good reasons. Here we have a sandwich maker that lives and breaths all things “surf”. Even his truck tells you where his passion lies. Competing on the tour with a 20-foot long board is no easy task. Lanny makes every drop-in, nose tap, and cross over look effortless. The reflection of the sun off his baldhead reminds us of choirs of angels singing hosanna. Because of Lanny’s generous nature and easy kickback surf style, this makes him perfect for the tour favorite. Drop that long board to 15 foot, and we may see SurfLanny catapult himself right to the front of the line.
#4 Ryan “Booty Call When I’m Horny” Fifield – This is the come back, feel good story of the year! Due to injury and personal issues (roid rage), Refy has missed the past few contests. 2 years later, 25 pounds lighter, Ryan is back, and this time he is black! I mean, this time he is back with a vengeance. No other competitor screams, “ I am having the time of my life” more then this man. Watching him drop in without hesitation, bottom turn, and set his line brings back memories of the old Tenderoni that we have grown to love and admire. Don’t taze me bro.
#5 Rob “Bass” Ragel – If you blinked, you would not even know Bass was around. He has an uncanny ability to blend into his surroundings without a peep, and then pounce on the unsuspecting surfer by dropping–in without any remorse. That’s what makes Bass a surfing force to be dealt with. This guy’s versatility on any wave makes him dangerous to all contestants. Bass surfs with an unconventional style of power and trickiness. Many contestants were caught off guard by the sheer game play and strategy that Rob used to pull out a number five ranking. It is not strange to see Bass paddle in, strike a pose, get covered up, and get spit out with arms raised ready to paddle back out and do it all over again. Keep an eye on this kid, you may just learn something.
#6 Shaun “I wish Deborah was here” Nelson – When you say angry little goofy footer, you say Shaun Nelson. This tour was molded around the feistiness of such a strong competitor. Shaun D. showed his utter distain for “labels” by busting out short board, long boards, or hybrids…anything that suited him that day…and he shredded them all. He reminds me of Rick Kane reciting to Chandler all the boards he mastered and how it was time for him to ride Burkhart’s board. Well brother, you earned it, you do not “need this win” to stay on course to become big Kahuna. If you continue to rip it backside like you always do, you will hit #1 very soon. I’d tap that.
#7 Matthew “Mateo, KGB, Teo” Downs – Coming in at number seven, but positioning himself to make a run at number one, Mateo has accomplished more in his short time as a Cabo Boy then most have accomplished there whole lives. A long boarder with unbelievable grace and style, Teo is able to put in the time and effort to make him a surfer’s nightmare. Quietly stalking his opponents, Matt actually has been know to punch fellow contestants in the stomach and make them throw up, he gets a kick out of that for some reason. It was good to see Matt recover from the ankle sprain (alexander dumass) that sidelined him for most of the year and make a good showing at this year’s invitational. The human dynamo is on the rise so look at next year when he declares war on the tour.
#8 Glenn “Hey, where’s my clothes?” Wallwork – Somewhat of a disappointment this year. It hurts to see a guy with so much potential and talent, squander it away for the sake of a few laughs…but I guess this is why we all hate to love him. You know what I am talking about G, that blatant display of nude surfing was met with mixed emotions. Some of the guys had to question their sexuality after that little stunt. Wallwork seems to be finding himself lately, going from late drops, to taking lessons from Machado on how to sweep those cutbacks. Being the talent that he is, this transition has come naturally and I see him taking a few wins this year.
#9 Brandon “Brando Calrisean” Sowards – And to round out our top 9 competitors, Brando comes marching into the ranks. Literally, half the man he used to be, Brando has shown commitment, will power, and longevity while ripping the waves this year. Known to take off on any bomb, Baby Hughie commands respect and admiration wherever he goes. Going out to dinner would not be the same with out the witty banter and perfect comedic timing story telling of this loveable gentle bear. We all got a taste of just how dangerous a competitor Brando is and he used Cabo as the perfect venue for showcasing just how superior a surfer he is.
Until next year surfers, get your surf on!
