FANTASY SURFER PREVIEW:

Damien, Globe team rider and former event winner

It's time for the 2006 Globe WCT Fiji, and who better to give some Fantasy Surfer insight than Floridian pro surfers and Globe team riders CJ and Damien Hobgood?

Damien Hobgood's Picks:

Andy Irons-
Over the years he's been unstoppable in Fiji. Barrels, huge turns, and those floaters at Cloudbreak, his act is as good as there is out there.

CJ Hobgood-
He can get barreled, and got second last year. Has good boards too. Couple real trusty gems.

Bobby Martinez-
What can I say, he's been on fire and Fiji would be another wave that's right up his alley.

Fred Patacchia-
He made the semi's last year and is coming off a second in Tahiti last week. Really good barrel rider and appears to be in form.

Troy Brooks-
Tricky Troy is a dark-horse in Fiji. As a wild card, before he made the tour, he did some damage in Fiji. Good value for the money.

Mark Occhilupo-
Historically he's been amazing in Fiji. I think we'll see a good event out of Occy. His power and style really shine in Fiji.

Shaun Cansdell-
He could have a good showing in Fiji. I don't know how much he's surfed there, but he can get barreled and do the power turns the judges like.

Peterson Rosa-
Big barrels, big turns and crazy floaters; he charges. A lot of people think he's a bit ugly, but if you watch him out there you know why they call him the animal.

CJ Hobgood, a strong barrel rider, has performed well here in years past

CJ Hobgood's Picks:

Damien Hobgood-
The last time he surfed a heat in Fiji he got a 10 and a 9.7 to beat Andy in the final.

Joel Parkinson-
Joel's ability to throw a big turn and look super casual in the barrel is crucial in Fiji. His pricing is really good too for what you're going to get out of him.

Bobby Martinez-
I don't know how much he's surfed here, but he hasn't really surfed any of the waves on tour yet and it hasn't really hurt him. He can ride the barrel.

Bruce Irons-
Any of the regular footers that can do the butt drag stall have an advantage out there. Bruce nearly invented it and was one of the best in last year's event.

Travis Logie-
He made the quarters last year in some of the best waves we've ever had in Fiji. He can get the job done and I think could be a surprise again this year.

Cory Lopez-
You can't ever count out Cory in the big lefts. He can do it all and he's really experienced in Fiji and on tour.

Nathan Hedge-
He's always a threat in the big lefts, with his ability to get barreled and do huge turns. His 10 point ride last year was a huge statement for him.

Peter Mendia-
Big Pete's a wildcard. He got a 10 to win the trials last year and then made one round. Goofy foot that can get barreled and do big turns. Not much heat experience, but he'll do well on his raw ability in bigger surf.