Its between Kelly or Taj at this point.

Dane Reynolds...meh...hes got a lot of growing up to do before he will be a serious contender. Look for him in 2012-2013.

What a start to this year?s title race, we have some of the usual suspects sitting in the top ten, Taj, Mick, Parko, and Bede, probably the most consistent surfers over the past few seasons. Least of all Mr Kelly Slater who sits at the front of the pack and from this point on demands respect as a serious contender for title number ten. But perhaps almost as important and dramatic has been the start of the two surfers carrying the biggest expectations excluding Mr Slater that being Jody Smith and Dane Reynolds. Jody has come out firing and sits at number two in the world rankings with three keeper results and some of his more suited surf beaches to come, like J bay in South Africa. Dane has two great results in his best start yet and sits in a great position to strike at any point at six in the world ratings. At let?s not forget Taj who also has two great results backing up from an epic finish to last year?s title race. So there you have after round three we have all the major players within striking distance of the title, this will be without doubt the most exciting world tour ever in my view, don?t miss a thing.

Mark. Surfing-products.com

Nice Jaff, welcome back mate

Well the research project is over now, two speed east coast on south island review.two speeds only when I was there at Mangamaunu, flat and flat out Hawaiian style.First four days a maxing east swell with howling winds mega big and messy and couldn't and didn't wish to try and beat the shorebreak to get out. See photos posted on the Graveyards and Mangamaunu surf spots. Last day of five a small enough day to surf Manga's still ordinary but it did show its potential.To Kai the Koura go to Nin's bin a caravan about 10 minutes up the coast fresh cooked lobsters take your own freshly baked bread from Kaikoura and a bottle of your drink sit on the beach and tuck in. Romantically recommended.

Recommend Surfwatch B&B overlooking Mangamaunu, it's not cheap but we had new Bamboo House 2 x queen or King beds and a loft to stash the kids. full facilities not cheap $250 per night but a great standard and well worth the price. Hosts Lynn and David treat you well. You may get a surf with David, his work permitting. rest of trip grade 5 white water rafting, glacial lake kayaking, all the fun things of the south island. Hey english is spoken the jokes are understood no hustle on the streets and a nice slow pace.

Ya, good time to go as well, water still a bit warm

East coast south island comments coming up! Three weeks research project begins 02/02/2010!I hope and believe it will be more successful than Scotland and the European tidal bores.

Yeah, lots of angry locals there though - everythings a secret apparently

Stop going to Bali and go here, your surfing ability will thank you for it, bodyboard to longboard its all here. This site could do with better South Island coverage IMHO, sort it out Admin!