Warming Up For Rio

The WSL's jaunt into South America might have been one of the most scrutinised (and criticised) CT events of the last few years thanks to a myriad of local and national problems, but the change of venue to a picturesque bay to the south called Grumari is a solid step towards seeing better waves in cleaner water. We've already seen fireworks during the free surfs, both at Grumari and at venues closer to Rio such as Arpoador, and with a fun-sized swell still on the cards day one of the waiting period is set to throw up plenty of highlights. Gallery and board breakdowns, below: Whether it's righthand walls or rampy lefts, Ryan Callinan's more than comfortable. At 6'0" / 80kg, Ryan rides the Monsta 6 at 6'0" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 28.1L, but more so than any of our other team riders, he also chooses the Forget Me Not for smaller surf as well as more powerful, hollow surf. Due to its more pulled-in outline and extra rocker, the FMN suits his critical approach perfectly, with the 6'2" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 28.1L being one of his go to sizes. Photo Trevor Moran Ace, burying the rail on a Grumari lefthander. At 5'9" / 76kg, he rides a 5'11" x 18 5/8" x 2 1/4" x 25.9L Monsta 6. Photo Trevor Moran Rio might've had its fair share of detractors this year, but after getting tubed in crystal clear water (in boardshorts to boot!), Jeremy probably won't be one of 'em. At 5'9" / 68kg, Jezza's everyday dimensions for the Monsta 6 are 5'8 1/2" x 18 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 24.4L and 5'9 1/2" x 18 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 24.6L. Photo Trevor Moran Coming out of the Australian CT leg, Sal's rail game is incredibly sharp. Combine this with the new finishing moves she's been working on adding to her repertoire and her contest history in Brazil, and she's a firm favourite in any conditions we might see this contest run in. Sal's 5'7" / 57kg and rides a 5'8" x 17 5/8" x 2 1/4" x 22.3L Monsta 6. Photo Trevor Moran. Dusty, tail high in front of another classic Rio backdrop. He rides the Monsta 6 in the vast majority of waves he surfs around the world throughout the year, and at 5'11" / 80kg, his favourite everyday dimensions are 5'11 1/2" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 27.6L and 6'0" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 28.1L. Photo Trevor Moran Julian, going for broke with a huge slob grab air rev. Thanks to Rio's beachies offering up a solid variety of wave types and conditions, JW has plenty of his favourite Air 17s and Monsta 6s on hand to ensure he has the right board whether it's a dredging four foot tube or a playful two foot ramp. At 6'0" / 80kg, Julian rides both models at 6'0 1/2" x 18 3/4" x 2 3/8", with volume sitting close to 28L.