I'm going to disagree with most of the postings here, but not out of any lack of respect for Clay. I think Clay is a phenomenally talented surfer; creative, gifted, and unique. I think he definitely has the skill to make the 'CT, but the same qualities which make him such an interesting and innovative surfer will preclude him from having the drive to persevere through the 'QS. To do well competitively takes restraint - the ability to surf defensively and sometimes conservatively. It takes a certain mindset to subordinate the freedom of surfing to concerns about what the judges are looking for, who has heat priority, strategies and tactics. It takes focus, and Clay definitely has that. But his focus is different. It's a pure, unadulterated passion for surfing, in and of itself. I don't think he will make, or even try to make, the 'CT. But I think his passion could easily make him the greatest free surfer ever.