Watch: 'Make or Break' // Trailer
The Wozzle's much-hyped documentary series 'Make or Break' premieres on April 29th. The latest press is that the series has been renewed for a second season, which will cover this year's re-introduction of the controversial mid-year cut - and no doubt it'll make for spicy drama.
However, the producers already had a whole season in the bag and I have to assume it's covering last year's title race, as hodge-podge and improvised as it was.
Will it make for good tele? The trailer gives nothing away, coming off as little more than an upcoming contest advertisement.
Comments
Like surf clips with that stupid gladiator style music, puke.
Nothing in that trailer makes me want to even consider signing up to Apple TV. Maybe worth torrenting to watch on a plane trip or something
Name me one surf fan who likes the cut, and enjoys the World Champ being decided at Trestles ?
As for trying to talk up the women at Pipe in the trailer ? I think that one would be best left out.
I like watching the contests, but no amount of production values, and edited spin, can cover up the lunacy of the CUT concept.
I like the cut.
I liked it back in 2012, and despite Joao Chianca not making it, I also like it this year.
Why not just get rid of non elimination rounds instead ?
They are a waste of the swell window.
Possibly. I don't feel particularly strongly about them, though they are kinda unnecessary. Having seven competition days at Bells was ludicrous; even test cricket doesn't take up so much time.
TBH I don't feel particularly strongly about the cut either, though I'll admit to enjoying the staggered mid-season drama: 32 cut to 22, then 22 cut to 5.
As long as relegated surfers have a decent shot at requalification then what's the problem? It used to be that being bumped off the CT meant one year (at least) on the QS, but now it's just six months on the second-tier.
If it happens that worthy surfers just keep getting chucked off at the mid-way point because they're constantly coming up against top seeds - case in point Joao Chianca - then I'll revisit my thoughts, but right now, I feel this season has been more exciting than anything since the Woz took over.
Bring on the Guillotine!
I can live with the 32 to 22 cut, but dont like the Final 5 concept.
(esp at TRESTLES)
Cut it to 22 and the aussie leg should be completely mobile, two comps over three days each in the best surf they can find and won't get kicked out of town.
Thanks, Stu - I thought I was the only one who likes The Cut® and thought it was a good idea.
It was much discussed at the executive and the labour level before being implemented - everyone who voted for it seemed to assume they would be on the top half when it came time to cull the herd.
I'm sure the drama at Bell's with the petition and the upcoming "Make or Break" event at Margaret's will provide the Box to Box people with plenty to work with -
I like the cut - the comps are too long with a lot of heats getting clogged with lesser surfers surviving on mediocre results and sometimes getting lucky.
I don't like the finals day concept.
And I reckon they should use overlapping heats much more when the waves are good. How many amazing unridden waves went through when they ran the round of 32 at pumping Bells on Thursday?
Agree, make the cut permanent and keep the tour at 24 surfers I reckon (could be WSLs plan too and they are easing into it). Finals days I'm indifferent to, might excite me more if its in a better timezone to watch for Aus
I'm with Gowsa on this.
No cut & no 'final 5.' And what Jono said about overlapping heats. More action, more surfing, less of a window needed.
With the overlapping heats no need for a cut or a one-day 'World Title.'
But likely the Oprah producer now running Dirk's wife's pet project will think $ and product in a vainglorious attempt to stop the money haemorrhage. Then go for a SUP while listening to a TED talk.
A fly on the wall, all-access doco giving us a glimpse behind the curtain into the thoughts and dreams of these fantastic athletes... possibly to find a bunch of self-absorbed bores, stunted by kiddie fame and entitlement? Who's to say in this crazy ol' world.
Honestly think I'd like the show if it was made for the tour in the 80's or 90's.
Back when surfers had character.
You would have to strap in it was a wild ride.
Haha nailed it Gra. The bearded baby breaking boards will get old very quickly. Gabe coming out will be epic though
Do the cut and create time for a 3rd place heat. 3rd and 4th instead of automatically 3rd.
No thanks.
Nah, once you’ve lost the final and come 2nd who gives a toss who comes 3rd and 4th.
You either win it or dont
I like The Cut too; coz' ruthless competition in competitive surfing has to be good for that version of surfing. I love the way the Brazilians are so passionate to win too; I hope they inspire a global generation of competitive surfers beyond the current entitled generation...then again is competitive surfing the bee's knees to me?..well not really
Just not their arms and legs everywhere approach to it, bar Miggy.
Not my cup of tea....
I would rather ferociously masturbate to Ultimate Surfer myself.
I have no idea why overlapping heats haven't become the standard. Surely it ticks every box for the woz. Increased action, less reliance on unreliable long term forecasts and the big one.. increased chance of drama. Hard to find something to put in the weakness column. Who care's, if occasionally, the second heat gets no waves in the first 20 minutes.
They should run the mens and womens at the same time via overlapping heats.
They need to do whatever it takes to get the comp down to a 2-day window. Perfect for capturing the peak of any swell on this planet. Fewer surfers, more overlap, 2 days, and it's done.
There’s s a couple of problems with surf comps as I see it. One is the lack of action. Two is the scoring system. I could sit and watch a crowded session for ages if good surfers are surfing good waves. Without attributing scores to the best two waves ridden, any one of us could usually ‘judge’ who the best surfers are in the water at any time.
Here’s a way to do it differently. It’s still ‘scoring’ and ‘judging’ – largely subjective too but I don’t think you can get away from that in competition surfing.
With the UFC in the conversation, why not go further and borrow the scoring system. The UFC score 3 or 5 ten-minute rounds of fighting based on effective striking and grappling, effective aggressiveness, and control of the fighting area.
Surfing could be – effective flow and control, effective progressive / aggressive manoeuvres, and control of the line-up.
The fights are scored based on a ten-point must system. Three judges score each round separately, giving 10 points to the winner of the round and 9 or less (8 or very rarely 7) based on how dominant one fighter (surfer) was in a particular round. The rounds can also go 10-10, but it is very uncommon.
This could be adapted to a surf comp with possibly more than 2 competitors based on frequency of sets and how many waves are coming through.
Here’s an example: Mikey Wright, Felipe Toledo, JJF and Mick Fanning go out in a “Battle.” There are 3 rounds of 10 minutes each. Round 1 – JJF catches 2 outside sets and smashes them to the beach. Felipe sits inside and gets 3 smaller waves but busts an air on a couple. Mick gets 2 OK medium ones and surfs well. Mikey gets a wave, carves huge gash and falls. Control of the lineup could also factor in aggressive hassling. Do away with priorities – allow surfers to paddle deeper, fight for inside etc…
This could be scored: JJF 10, Filipe 9, Mick 8, Mikey 7. Scores are posted at the end of each round. Surfers and fans are informed of the scores.
Reset – then Round 2. Etc…
Scores accumulate and are added up at the end of each round.
Winner of the battle moves on to further ‘battles’.
Finals could be 5 rounds.
Been thinking about this some more this morning:
Despite what happens with 'Make or Break', surfing isn't going to get a Formula 1-like leg up. Oh, maybe it'll get a temporary nudge in interest but it won't last and in a season or two it'll be back to a surfing fan base - the way it was and always will be.
Pro surfing's problem is that so little is at stake. Lose a heat but wake the next day to perfect waves somewhere exotic on the other side of the world? As surfers we get this, hence the constant "they're living the dream" affirmations.
You may say the world title is at stake, but I can't recall a year where there were more than four people reasonably in the hunt come mid-season, so every other surfer is competing to a) avoid a cut, or b) move up the rankings - which, let's face it, viewers don't care about. That's an athlete's personal matter and nothing else.
So, for all those surfers outside the title chase - meaning the vast majority of them - the mid-season cut makes every single contest, every single heat, matter.
Dunno if I would've cared so strongly in the past, but performances this year by Callum Robson and Joao Chianca, two surfers who've risen to the occasion(s) and fought like mother-truckers, has me convinced that introducing more pressure will see an increase in performance - and that's great for viewers.
Sure, hold it in dream waves, but 'living the dream' does not make for good theatrics.
An excellent analysis Stu. Top drawer. Hard to find the flaw in the logic.
Seconded. Nailed it Stu - no matter the marketing attempts, the barneys will never understand the sort regardless
Yep agree totally and I hate to say it but I think Jordy's time is coming to an end. No desperation or real motivation I think he should give it away, run his businesses and enjoy free surfing. One thing that needs to change is Trestles as the end of year it is such a limp wave at this level.
Totes agree Stu.
Just as an aside, what happened to Tia Blanco, Women's winner of Ultimate Surfer?
Thought she was getting 3 wildcards and haven't heard her name mentioned by the Woz.
Has The Ultimate Surfer now been memory holed?
One wildcard. Came last in two heats. Eliminated.
Can't even recall what comp it was. Portugal, maybe?
Up against Steph and Carissa in Round 1, then Tyler and India in the Elimination round.
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/3973/tia-blanco/eventresults?ev...
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/3973/tia-blanco?yearResultsTour...
I think it was the one where there was a clamour for Moana Jones-Wong to get the wildcard, but Tia Blanco got it for her previous heroics in "Ultimate Surfer" -
She promptly squandered her chance with two dead-last heat finishes and was eliminated.
Ah yeah, I missed Portugal due to flood.
I guess we will see her later in the year?
Seems odd to bring her in after the cut.
why sub to Apple TV when I can just rewatch Sarge's Surfing Scrapbooks on YouTube?
The name that shall not be spoken
Sarge?
Yeah, I don't know...seems like every other person, even entitled pro surfers, is throwing out the mental health card, yet there's an example where the case is overwhelming - the guy needed help. Unfortunately for him (and others around him), it was all unspoken and hushed away, as opposed to today where the Black Dog is called by its name and help is more readily available.
None of which is to deny the hurt he caused other people - this ain't zero sum - but if we're now taught to be sympathetic and understanding of those needing help then Sarge is a good place to start.
Not looking to open a can of worms, but just saying.
Sexual assault goes way way past the mental health card? You might even suggest he was lucky to not end up in jail?
I agree on the second point: He was lucky.
Don't know the exact stats, but the % of people in jail with mental health issues is far above regular society. One way or another, many people with unresolved issues end up there.
After seeing the trailer, i say break.
Aside from the 3 brazzillian superstars, and Slater, JJF and Fanning, those watching with little interest in surfing aren't going to be too fussed if Kolohe came a close second or Tatiana stubbed her toe on the Bells steps.
It's a similar formula to reality tv....take someone not famous, add some real or imagined drama, and make them into overnight sensations...for who??
If i could make a simple suggestion to the WSL> Stop chasing the elusive mainstream unicorn, turn your funds and marketing geniuses back to the surfers, bring the last 2 or 3 generations of surfing royalty and stars back into the game, fuck off all the Elos, Sofies and the rest of the corporate greasers and allow surfing to be returned to it's rightful owners. How is it that the best surfers in the world end up back labouring, in surf shops or as surf coaches while these elitists and corpos with no background in surfing or its rich history are the ones steering the ship.
I'll probably still watch an ep though! Never know, maybe they finally stumbled upon the magic formula.
Ditch it all and let's go back to free surfing. Torryn Martin probably gets more ROI on a youtube video than a pro with a sticker on their board? Without a wealthy benefactor pro surfing cannot survive.
MAFs crossed with Ultimate Surfer! Bah ha ha ha. Pewk!
There will be plenty of theatrics....if we have equal rights; women & men surfing heats together... then have a mid season cut; find performance reef waves for the 'Makers' & more comfortable waves for the ' Brakers ' .
Tyler Wright mouthing of about the girls at pipe well girl you were fucking pathetic
and a embarrassment to womens surfing with all your bullshit political stands and
statements I dead set cant stand you for a second. Just shut the fuck up.
Hahahah totally agree on that one Evosurfer. She's so freaking woke it is painful to watch. I guess the wozzle is right up there with it all anyways. Pretty soon we will see some of the men becoming trans after the cut and joining the women's tour, perhaps there's a Karen Coffin on the way =)
How is she "woke" ya wanker? Its not an opinion, she's literally living in the world where she has to cope with ignorant fuckwits like you and old mate above. Grown up incel.
Of all the things to get fired up about... fragile much?
I reckon Tyler's earned her right to share her opinion/stance.
Here's Evo - today's butt hurt incel who will never surf as well as Tyler guys...so lame
The thing with the WSL as entertainment is you need land based drama to sell it because most punter’s eyes glaze over when shown more than two minutes of actual surfing.
That might explain why Italo was already ropeable about the results of his heat at Bells with Robbo despite not having heard the final scores or seen any of Robbo’s waves for himself. He was stomping off to hide in the shittah and ready to explode well before he had reason to be upset.
All the contrived camera angles sure were organised in a hurry.
Pretty sure that was a porta-shower, the guy was just having a rinse.
Not sure why Overlapping Heats are not a standard practice for the WSL, as it has so many positive benefits.
It basically doubles the excitement as you often have twice as many waves being surfed at any particular time, and twice as many surfers to watch at once.
2 Surfers in a lineup choosing the absolute best waves gets boring very quickly as so many good waves go through unridden causing way too much down-time.
Shit if it were up to me I would have 3 overlapping heats in the water at once, and watch every wave come through ridden by someone. Non-stop fucking action is what we want, not listening to commentators ramble on in between sets that were passed by surfers waiting for a better one.
I think the surf quality will be less important when there are more surfers in the water as there will be so much action that the viewers will forgive less than perfect waves in exchange for action and excitement.
Almost every contest I finish with a feeling it was too slow and really didn't see that many waves being caught, or the surfers showing what they can do.
Maybe even go back to 4 man heats? and that way they could get to surf twice in early rounds so that it wasn't such pot luck.
Anyway, I think we could all agree we want to see more of the worlds best surfers actually surfing waves, as all the rest is just commercial bullshit
I'm guessing events with ski assist are a bit of a problem with overlapping heats. They probably don't want 4 skis zipping around. Easy answer though, only priority heat gets ski assist.
Here’s an idea for the WSL. Keep the mid year cut and scrap surfers seeding. Pull all the names out of a hat like board riders for the heats. Would be much fairer for the newly qualified surfers.
Wild cards could actually do some damage and so too the rookies. Get some big match ups in the first round.
Thoughts??
Agreed, I like the board riders format, i watched the one in, i think Newy, and it was all time. I reckon they should keep the mid year cut, but the cut surfers have to surf in a board riders style of events (but under their sponsors), i guess it'd be like the F1 in that way. But, either way, the WSL should use the cut surfers to experiment with different comp formats, Ala Nab cup in AFL. If they don't, they are basically getting nowhere
I’ve never understood why the bell female surfers (and male surfers for that matter) are not outraged that the womens tour has so few spots from the get go and that’s before the cut. All the accolades about equal prize money during the year from past and present champions completely missed this point.
I suspect those women on the tour don’t raise it because they don’t want the extra competition and extra round extra surfers would bring.
Just a question for those closer to the source. Was this all brought about back when WSL needed a film permit to run the Hawaiian comps in peak covid period? Remember how they had to call the comps productions and yada yada. If so its a master stroke to bring in the F1 priduction guys and still b able to run the comps. Love or hate the woz, thats a great move of the chess piece in crazy times if thats the case. Will just b a bonus now if they get a great series out of it.