Australian surfers Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson were among the first in the water on the sunny shores of Tahiti, with Ethan progressing to the round of 16.
Ethan, first in the water for Australia in round one heat one, put together a solid score off his opening barrel ride with a score of 7.33.
This early ride was a strategic move for Ethan and supported his win in the heat with the final score of 9.90, more than two points ahead of South African Jordy Smith and German Tim Elter competition.
The performance puts Ethan in a strong position as he directly progresses through to the round of 16.
Teammate Jack Robinson was also in action on day one in Teahupo'o, lining up against Matthew McGillivray of South Africa and Frenchman Jona Duru.
Jack started off well posting a 6.83 for his opening ride and backup 6.53 which commentators called "hardcore, critical surfing off a late drop".
Unfortunately, for Jack, he was beaten at the last moment by Duru (FRA) by the smallest of margins, just .48. As a result, Jack will face the elimination round of competition tomorrow.
“It was a good heat and I feel good.” Jack said.
“Felt like I won, but we just keep going. I didn't see the wave at the end and that’s just part of it. So we'll go again.”
Coming off a minor ankle injury, Jack felt good going into competition and was optimistic about his chances to progress.
“You always have some little niggles, but it feels good. You don't think about that when you get out there.
“I think there's a lot of good energy in the team. (The different environment) feels good, but the surfing's still the same, so it feels good out there.”
Australia have both Tyler Wright and Molly Picklum in the women’s competition which is set to kick off later today, with conditions expected to remain consistent.
Molly will be in action in a highly anticipated heat four against Caitlin Simmers (USA) and Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA).
Shannon Knaus
