How can you not love this guy? Admitting that I do
sort of puts me in an awkward spot. I happen to be a journalist (not
that you care). I’m not supposed to be a fanboy. I’m supposed to be
critical and angst-ridden and cynical. And like most surf “journalists,”
an irrepressible narcissist. But I don’t have it in me. So f*** it, I
admit it, I still love watching Kelly surf. And will always kinda root
for him.
Today, after destroying his foot earlier this season at Jeffrey’s
Bay, he made his comeback at the Pipe Masters (nice place to ease back
into competition, right). It was kind of vintage Kelly: He easily
disposed of Joan Duru and Kolohe Andino, sending them to Round 2 licking
their wounds. And he looked really good. He wasn’t gingerly threading
the barrel like he did while wearing a brace at his surf ranch. He
looked aggressive and confident and ready to roll through the event. But
even if he doesn’t, we have this: a 20-minute heat squeezed down into
40 seconds of beauty. Enjoy.
