Just a few takeaways from Tampa Pro 2021:
POSITIVES
+ Tampa Pro did not miss a year because of the pandemic! The 2020 edition happened right before lockdown in March 2020. That year, X Games and SLS had to be cancelled. Now they came back for 2021 without a hitch.
+ Judging was on point. Would have like to see Felipe win it if he just hadn't stepped off his board, or Kairi Netsuke for that matter. At the end of the day, the guys on top had flawless runs.
+ Really insane skateboarding all weekend. Jamie Foy and Jack Olson in best trick, bowl session, and final runs with stuff you otherwise only see in videos. Shane doing back-to-back 360 flip and switch 360 flip over the kicker was a nice flex (if you can name the pro who did this a few years ago, extra trivia points. Hint: He's a SOTY).
NEGATIVES
- Not enough international skaters due to border restrictions. Most 'international' skaters already live in the US like Axel and the Brazilians
- No live scoring was not a good change. It's always been part of the excitement to see who's in first and who can take it all on their final run.
- Pro skater commentary can be great, just look at Rowley and Hawk. But when it's all just responding to what is in front of you at face value with no context or perspective, why even bother? "Sick backside tailslide, bro!" Does that add anything?