And, albeit the steamy conditions, the sophomores of the surfing world were cool under pressure, throwing plenty of big, modern moves on a stellar day of progressive surfing.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion, claimed his second, consecutive Quiksilver Pro France today, defeating fellow finalist, former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, Kelly Slater (USA), 38, in pumping six-to-eight foot (2.5 metre) barrels at Les Culs Nus Beach.
Luke Munro (AUS), 27, current ASP World No. 31, was in excellent form this afternoon, besting former three-time ASP World Champion (and past three-time Quiksilver Pro France champ) Andy Irons (HAW), 32, in Round 2 of competition.
All of the National Surfing Reserves unveiled so far have the words 'share', 'care' and 'preserve' engraved on the plaque. Except, that is, for North Narrabeen where the word 'share' is missing and replaced by 'respect'. I don't think it's a typo...