1986/87 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour -Top 16

00:06 Mitch Thorson
00:35 Charlie Kuhn
02:27 Gary Green
03:41 Derek Ho
06:10 Barton Lynch
08:17 Michael Burness
10:37 Brad Gerlach
12:30 Shaun Thompson
14:36 Glen Winton
18:45 Hans Hedemann
20:02 Damien Hardman
22:55 Martin Potter
26:37 Gary Elkerton
30:34 Mark Occhilupo
36:05 Tom Carroll
40:11 Tom Curren

Before the WSL, before the top 44, even before Kelly Slater...this was where surfers wanted to be. The ASP had between 20-30 events each year, some with more points (A - AAA ratings) than others. Each event offered a trials pre-event which allowed most any aspiring pro to earn their way into the main event. The few to make it through would join the ASP top 30 in the contest. Round one (equal 33rd) was trialists, wildcards, and the back 14 (ranked 17-30). The top 16 got to start each event in round 2 (equal 17th), which meant only two heat wins got you into the quarterfinals! It was a big advantage, but one that was earned by following the tour around the world the year prior.
This season was an interesting one. Tom Curren had just won his first world championship in April of 1986 and was at the peak of his powers. Occy was right there with him and was the only one who seemed to be able to beat Tom with any regularity. Tom Carroll was just a year removed from back to back world titles, and talented freaks such as Potter and Kong were right there in the top 5. All of these legends were in their early to mid 20's and the surfing, in sometimes poor wave conditions, is off the charts for the time. Besides the top 5, there were future world champs Damien Hardman, Derek Ho, and Barton Lynch, along with former champ Shaun Thompson.

All music is by your 1985/86 world champion: Tom Curren.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJTCVHML/...
https://www.amazon.com/Curren-Tom/dp/...

*I do not own any of the content, and this video was edited and posted strictly for the enjoyment of those of us who are interested in pro surfing of yesteryear.