Thursday at the Quik Pro, the Championship Tour's current batch of six World Champions totally owned their heats, and 2012 Champ Joel Parkinson was clearly no exception.
With unbelievable wave selection, Parko looked as light on his feet as he did as a grom in the iconic film, 3 Degrees. Surfing noticeably faster, with more maturity and explosive power than his competitors, Parko linked deep tube-rides with gorgeous arcs, wraps and even air-reverses. His rides literally bringing the screaming crowd on the beach to their feet.
With a whopping 16.86-point heat total, Parko edged out the impressive rookie Joan Duru, who was nipping at his heels. And all this from a guy that probably had to pick his kids up from school a little later today.