J-Bay Picks!

It appears I'm posting picks more than 24 hours ahead of an event, and I'm rightly very proud of myself!

I should start by congratulating our recent winners in the Lord Kookington league. Something we would normally talk about on the pod, but haven't been keeping up with that. Mahalonerds won at lowers, and Hegss took the top place in Brazil, nice work to both of you! Currently CharlesWaters is leading the league.

I'd also like to congratulate my podcast co-host Ventaur on getting 2nd in Brazil, moving him into the top 25.

Currently your boy is sitting in 4th place, still waiting for that signature event, which is most certainly coming! Here's the current leaderboard:

Ok let's talk J-Bay. I went back to 2018 for this research which really only includes 4 years of contests without covid years, and no CT stop last year.

Women

Tier A

This one is freakin tough! Past results say go with Molly as she was 2nd in her only appearance here, the last time it was run in 2023. I never bet against Caity, but she has an uninspiring 9th in her only appearance. Gabi has a pair of 5ths, which also don't really excite me for this tier, but I think this wave is tailor made for her. Probably going against the numbers and taking Gabi, but all 3 options have value.

Tier B

This is the kind of pick I hate sharing because I also want to beat you all, but Tyler Wright has been spectacular here. A 3rd and 2nd the last two times out, hard to get past Tyler. The other pick I find super interesting... Caroline has been mostly mediocre with a 3rd in 4 tries. You could have good results from the remaining regular footers but Bettylou and Isabella both have a single 9th, and Luana is debuting. That leaves my favorite Erin Brooks. The smart move is one of those regular footers, but I personally can't stay off Erin.

Tier C

Sarah Baum has a 5th here, and won the event last year when it wasn't a CT. But I'm going Lakey who's last 4 results are 1st, 9th, 2nd, and 2nd. She loves this wave!

Men

Tier A

As you might imagine this tier is filled with good choices. In my mind the one lock is Ethan with a 2nd and 1st. You'd think this would be a great wave for Griffin, but he's never done better than 9th. Yago has a 3rd and 5th, but I'm hesitant to go goofy. Kanoa actually has 3 3rds and a 5th, but I don't see him making the final 5, so he's going to lose early here (logic lol). Jordy is my second pick despite less than stellar numbers 9th, 5th, 9th, and 3rd, he did win the comp in 2010 and 2011, and he's having an incredible year coming home.

Tier B

Jack Robinson has a 5th and 2nd.

Filipe is an absolute lock: 1st, 9th, 3rd, and 1st.

I don't love Barron's 9th and 17th here, but as long as he's healthy (I don't know how you'll figure that out), here's ready to break out!

Taking another regular in Crosby who should be really good here.

Other great picks I think are Leonardo Fioravanti and Jake Marshall.

Tier C

Matthew McGillivray and Rio Waida (yes I ran out of time)

Good luck to you all!

LK