Simon Alexander reports....
Andy Irons is well focused ahead of the contest renowned for its heavy surf conditions. "I love it there," said Irons. Waves are so good. Food's good. People are nice. I am really looking forward to it." "The best thing I like about "Chopes" is surfing the contest. Probably the best waves on tour and just having one other guy out. It's awesome especially if it's pretty good size. I just love it," he added.  | | Teahupoo Reef … Not for the faint hearted. |
The WCT now in its sixth year has seen the level of surfing at the feared break increase dramatically and Irons is not underestimating his competition or the wave. "Everyone charges out there now," he said. "It's gotten to a point where a guy who you think would never catch a wave out there is going for sets. A lot of people have come a long way surfing that wave. People are definitely taking a lot of risks out there to get some good barrels. "The wave could kill you at the same time, so it's pretty sketchy. I try and make calculated risks and not get myself into situations I can't get out of. It's a pretty perfect wave if you make it to the bottom and then get going - unless it's a west wall - you just have to look for the right waves," he added. Six times world and defending champion Kelly Slater returned to the WCT winning circle following a three year absence, when he defeated Taj Burrow in the final last year.  | | American Kelly Slater tucking in to a big Teahupoo beast during last year's contest. Picture courtesy ASP. |
Slater who managed the win while competing with two broken toes ironically enjoyed his previous victory at Teahupoo in 2000. The 32-year-old Floridian claimed the rating lead from Irons with the win and then challenged for the 2003 ASP world title until the final heat at Pipeline last year. Corey Lopez (USA) and Mark Occhilupo (Aus) are also previous Teahupoo champions. The water patrol features some of the most experienced watermen in the world who are responsible for the surfer's safety plucking the competitors from the impact zone when required. Local legends and Teahupoo specialists patrol the line-up under the leadership of former top pro surfer Vetea David. Article first published: 28th April 2004 | 
