Matt Wilkinson // Really Really Really Good Surfers, Ep1
Rip Curl had three of the last four surfers in the recent Quiksilver Pro, one of which was Matt Wilkinson who Rip Curl have handed the baton for their new web series. The concept is a simple fly on the wall look at surfers as they go about their biz.
So yeah, first up is the fella with the sexiest backside on tour, Matty Wilko.
Comments
Great backhand for sure. His stance looks a little wider than others. Do you think that helps?
I think it's because he's quite tall he has a naturally wider stance, Owen too.
One of the best on his backhand. Will never forget that heat against Parko at solid J-Bay.
It seems he opens both legs on hard bottom turns; that is, both knees point out. It looks different but super functional.
Yep, and I reckon he's extended that stance this year. His legs appear a little more bowed and knees a touch more bent. I can't explain what or how it works - any exercise physiologists out there? - but my bet is it's a deliberate technique to enable variety on backside attacks.
It sure ain't pretty - if Wilko was Brazilian he'd have all sorts of nicknames relating to a Brazilian Crab - but fortunately for him style isn't in the criteria.
Unfortunately I can't find the whole heat but skip forward to 1:35 and 3:00 and tell me that aint stylish surfing.
Can't argue with that, but then it ain't three foot Snapper where he's compressed and the squat is exagerrated.
I should have put a caveat on that and clarified in surf 6ft +.
Agree he aint pretty in the small stuff.
I'm still not convinced, as in probably my least favourite CT surfer to watch. Squatty, lacking flow and drive - but always ripping and going totally vertical, I'll give him that.
That's the beauty of surfing IB, what's pleasing to some is anathema to others.
IMO, when the surf is well overhead and Wilko is on his backhand (as in the clip above) he is phenomenal. In the small stuff, not so.
Don't think height has anything to do with it Zen. Wilkos stance is a little wide but Owen's stance and overall technique is without flaw I reckon. He shifts his front foot forward a split second before a air or waft but tightens it up straight after.
If the surf gets over 6ft at Bells, Wilko will be extremely difficult to beat. Watching him from winki last year was a real eye opener. Wilko throws way more spray than every other surfer on tour.
Sure Jordy Smith and Parko can throw in huge power turns, but for those guys it's usually one per wave. Wilko just keeps banging them until the sand or close out section.
I must be missing something here. In these clips there's a lot of pivoting off the top but not seeing much spray. Not really carving. The judges still place a lot of value on turns per wave so he's right up there in terms of keeping busy on each wave , and he knows how to go vertical.