Lock in those picks! (bracket thoughts)

• Women's heat 2 features Sawyer and Lakey. Both are ripping and could go far. I just don't want any part of such a tough matchup.

• Caity and Gabi both have Round of 16 matchups they should win (nothing is ever a sure thing). I'm picking Caity for these 3 reasons:

  1. Better bracket placement. Wouldn't face Gabi or Tyler until final.

  2. Point of difference. I think everyone will be picking Gabi after her El Salvador win, and hot start at Bells. Meanwhile Caity put up big scores without really surfing to her potential.

  3. Caity is the best in the world. Not necessarily at this spot, just in general. I don't see her losing 2 in a row to Gabi.

• Erin Brooks hasn't had her best surfing yet on tour. She will break out at some point, and I want to have her selected when she does.

• Ellie Harrison is a great Tier C pick, but she's matched with Tyler who looks like she's barely trying while absolutely shredding!

• I love Ethan's bracket placement! On paper he wins 3 heats with ease. (Note: Comp does not happen on paper)

• Italo looks incredible but has work cut out for him with Xavier Huxtable.

• Picking Round of 16 opponents Cole and Morgan. Just feel like one of them could win this whole thing.

• Picking Kanoa over Matt McGillivray just based on matchups. Kanoa will surely lose now.

• Filipe and Jack will faceoff if victorious in their next heats. Feel like there is a lot of value for each guy.