Contest directors live by the creed that the early rounds can suffer through days of abject flatness but the finals must finish in good surf. If that happens all the rest if forgiven and forgotten.

And that's exactly what happened today at the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro; the surf was the best it's been in the extended 14 day waiting period and the surfers, at least those left in the contest, finally got a chance to show the punters and judges what they're capable of. For Filipe Toledo it was a performance worthy of someone considered a world title candidate, and if he can repeat those fireworks throughout the year that's exactly what he'll be.

For a full recap click here.

Photo Matt Dunbar thanks to Surf Dive n' Ski.