Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2012 - Preview

Adriano is always dangerous and will be up in Heat 1 of Round 1. (Photo: ASP)

After the crazy mutant tubes in France, we need to prepare for more of the same in Portugal for the Rip Curl Pro. Supertubos is a wave that can deliver insane tubes and great punt opportunities on the smaller days. Just check the videos to see the wide variety of wave on offer at one beachbreak.

With 2 wins on the trot, Kelly Slater is definitely back in the Title hunt and he will be pretty confident going to Supertubos. Joel Parkinson is the number 1 surfer on the ratings, but he knows Kelly is breathing down his neck and after losing in the semis to Kelly in France, he may fold. Mick Fanning has done well at this event in the past and needs a solid result to put his campaign back together after a horrid result in France. Mick was looking so good all year, but wave choice let him down at the last event.

John John and Julian Wilson are my dark horses along with the Frenchman, Jeremy Flores. Jordy Smith has been ripping, but sometimes the luck is not with you. That's been his year in 2012! It will only take one win to change everything, so here is hoping both the judges and that fickle bitch, luck, go his way in Portugal.