Connor O'Leary J'Bay warm up - video
At present, the surf world knows little about Connor O'Leary. In qualifying for the CT the young fella bucked a trend: as opposed to his peers, O'Leary didn't have a feted grommethood where the path to stardom was well lit. Nothing about his rise was preordained, he earned it through hard work and commitment, most of it away from the media spotlight.
One of the things about little-known rookies is you don't know how they're gonna perform at the CT venues. Some of them have never even been to the venues before - in 2014 CT-surfer Dion Atkinson took his first trip to Chopes for the Billabong Pro Tahiti. I've no idea if O'Leary has surfed J'Bay before, or if so how he's performed, but with the J'Bay Open coming up O'Leary has posted up on the NSW North Coast to practice on some long rights.
Here's a minute-something of footage shot yesterday by his coach Martin Dunn. Reckon it's enough to place him in your Fantasy Surfer team for J'Bay?
Comments
Not the only nice right the fellas have been hitting for a bit of J bay practice.
He looks sharp.
Cronulla point mustn't cut it?
Cronulla Point is a fat section closeout.
That looks like real good backhand surfing, sharp as. Board looks good and plenty of speed too.
I agree poo-man.
I thought his first board at Snapper looked a little odd? Anyone else notice?
I agree poo-man.
I thought his first board at Snapper looked a little odd? Anyone else notice?
yeah billie, did notice that too. He looks to have really gained a bit of confidence now at CT level. It's obviously crucial to get a good start on the CT and he must be stoked that he already looks secure for next year. On the other hand Ethan is doing it tough and will need to go do QS if he's not going to be one and done. Cool to see someone do well that wasn't a junior star