Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, reigning ASP World Champion, will commence his title defense this week at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.
SNAPPER ROCKS, Queensland/Australia (Tuesday, February 26, 2013) – The world’s best surfers have descended upon to southern end of Australia’s Queensland for the opening event of the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover, held from March 2 – 13, 2013.
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, reigning ASP World Champion, is only nine weeks removed from clinching a long sought after maiden world title, but is already noticing the change in his pre-season preparation.
“It’s been a fairly hectic off season,” Parkinson said. “I’ve certainly enjoyed my title win, but there have been a lot of requests from media and just having everyone congratulate me. It’s a nice problem to have, but after a few weeks of it, I was keen to get back in the water and just focus on my surfing.”
While the transition of becoming ASP World Champion has required some adjusting, the stylish natural-footer admits that the win has been refreshing and he’s entering 2013 with a relaxed mindset.
“Winning the title has definitely removed a big amount of pressure for me,” Parkinson said. “I feel great now and loose and ready for the season. I’m healthy and keen to surf at 110% every wave and every heat.”
Parkinson’s world-class fitness and razor-sharp surfing were on display last week when he took out the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro in Newcastle. Having since returned home to the Gold Coast for the commencement of the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour, the ASP World No. 1 is excited about doing battle amidst the venues he is so familiar with.
“Starting the season at home is an advantage,” Parkinson said. “I feel the most comfortable here. I have my family and friends and support system here. I love the waves and feel like I surf my best out here.”
Although Parkinson is a clear favorite at the opening event of the season, this year’s incarnation of the ASP Top 34 represents one of the more deadly competitive fields in ASP history.
“Guys like Mick (Fanning) are always a threat at any venue. Taj (Burrow) always does well here. You can never discount Kelly (Slater). There’s also a huge crop of young guys – John John (Florence), Julian (Wilson), Gabriel (Medina). You could go on and on. The tour is about as dangerous as it’s ever been.”
Parkinson will face compatriot Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 24, and an event wildcard in Round 1 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.
Dane Reynolds (USA), 27, has been awarded one of two wildcards into the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. The second wildcard will be allocated to the winner of the 18-man Moskova Trials this Friday, March 1, 2013.
Miguel Pupo (BRA), 21, and Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), 31, have both withdrawn from competition due to injury and have been replaced by Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 27, and Willian Cardoso (BRA), 23, respectively.
When competition commences, up first will be defending Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast champion Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, up against Bede Durbidge (AUS), 30, and Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 30, in Heat 1 of Round 1.
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover will run from March 2 – 13, 2013 and will be webcast LIVE via quiksilverlive.com
Running in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be Event No. 1 of 7 on the 2013 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, featuring the best female surfers in the world.
