Eugene is still there.   I mean for god sake Mick is an Aussie and Partying is in there blood.  After all they are good at it.  No Great at it.   I think the focus for a world titile put Eugene in hibernation.  Injury and the years of being oh so close to many times was stronger than the next Fosters.  A little bit of the Slater concentration was needed and look what it got him.  A world Championship.  So many talented surfers that close in talent but with a little Kelly, a little Jordan, and a bit of Kobe Bryant that killer instinct to win over all gave him a world championship.  All this sense coming from a California transplant stuck in the Caribbean for work.  Damn I miss good consistant surf and I am compairing this to southern cali.  YES, i am surf starved.

Scott Hughes

surftippers@yahoo.com