Mooloolaba’s Keely Andrew says she’s surfing smarter than ever before, midway through this year’s world tour.
The 26-year-old is in the midst of her fifth campaign on the sport’s top tier, and it’s proved to be a breakthrough one.
“In years past, I haven’t had this kind of consistency,” she said.
“I feel like I’m probably surfing tactically better than I’ve ever surfed.
“I’m really happy with how it’s going.”
Andrew is in on track for a career-best season.
She was ninth overall on the standings after five of nine events, with her previous best year coming in 2017 (11th).
She was scheduled to compete this weekend at Surf Ranch, a California wave pool from American surfing legend Kelly Slater. It’s the only artificial wave location on the schedule.
“I enjoy it there. It’s challenging in different ways to ocean surfing,” Andrew said.
“Strategy changes a lot. I think it’s a good place to get a solid result, without having to be in the water with other surfers.”
Andrew is intent on making an impact in the remaining events, at Mexico, Tahiti and two in California.
“I really want to finish strongly,” she said.
“If I can continue to get results, I’ll at least re-qualify (for next year’s tour).”
The top nine surfers on the end of season rankings will automatically earn berths for 2022.
“So, it’s really quite difficult,” she said.
“I need a couple more big results.
“I’d love to be in the top five at the end of the year but if I just focus on single results at each event, then it will make it easier and uncomplicated.”
Andrew also has one eye on the opening event for next year, after it was announced the season will start with a men’s and women’s stop at iconic Pipeline in Hawaii.
It will be the first time the women have a designated Championship Tour event at the famous break, which boasts large, powerful surf.
“It’s super huge (news),” Andrew said.
“It’s a really big thing for the women.”
The world’s best female surfers competed at Pipeline in December, when the Maui Pro was relocated there mid-competition, after a man was killed by a shark at Honolua Bay.
“Last year, with the unfortunate events, there was a forced change (of venue),” Andrew said.
“But it’s exciting to have it on the schedule next year and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m excited to see the girls in action there and it is what the sport needs to progress.”
Andrew has had limited time in the water at Pipeline and she would like to become more accustomed to the large waves before the event is held.
“It’s scary for me. I’ve surfed it once when it was really small,” she said.
“I’ve been there and seen it (big) but it (big wave surfing) is something I have to work on.”
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“I need to spend more time out there, so I feel more comfortable.
“It’s about progressing and if I can take baby steps in the right direction than the outcome should be a positive one.”
Andrew said she’s enjoyed some great encounters with fellow Sunshine Coaster Isabella Nichols this year.
The latter has made an impression in her rookie season, climbing to eighth place overall, highlighted by a runner-up result in Newcastle.
The two have met three times this season, with 23-year-old Nichols holding a 2-1 advantage, including a thrilling semi-final win at Newcastle.
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“It’s been fun,” Andrew said of the budding rivalry.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with Bella, growing up, and we know each other quite well.
“We’ve had some really close heats this year.
“It’s exciting having her on tour with me and to almost show her the ropes.
“Fingers crossed we have more heats together and more little battles and we keep it going.
“She’s doing really well and has impressed everyone, but she hasn’t really surprised me because I already knew how well she could surf. She’s doing an awesome job.”
