Fantastic Noodles WA State Junior Surfing Titles - Geraldton provides great conditions, as WA's rising stars shine
Monday, 27 July 2009
The future stars of WA surfing were on show at the final event of the 2009 Fantastic Noodles WA State Junior Titles, held at Flat Rocks south of Geraldton over the weekend. The three event series wrapped up in perfect conditions with waves in the 3 to 4 feet mark (2 meters), giving WA’s best junior surfers every chance to impress the judges. Competition was fierce as surfers battled it out for a total of seven prestigious State Titles that were up for grabs.
Not only were State Titles on the line, but also positions in the WA State Junior Surfing Team, that will head to Queensland in December to contest the Arnette Australian Junior Surfing Titles. With so much at stake no one seemed keen to ease the foot off the pedal with some sensational surfing the highlight of an amazing weekend.
Despite testing conditions that were on offer on day one, surfers were blessed with what can only be described as highly rippable Flatties. The long left hander allowed surfers to show a full repertoire of manoeuvres, but it was surfers from the Mid-West and South-West that looked best suited to the prevailing conditions. Danny Williams (Geraldton) marked a great weekend for local surfers claiming his first under 18 boys State Title. The solidly built natural footer headed into the event sharing the ratings lead with another Geraldton surfer Jake Fawcett. The former school mates and close friends traded waves during the 25 minute final, with both keen to get their hands on the silverware at the end of the day. The blue ribbon under 18 boys final, started in sensational fashion with Danny Williams locking in a excellent 7.83 ride in the opening thirty seconds of the heat. Williams caught one of the only right handers of the weekend and proceeded to link big turns through to the beach, to signal his intentions to win.
Fawcett answered only minutes later with an outstanding 8.00 ride to throw the challenge back onto Williams. Not one to be intimidated or to take a backwards step, Williams replied in the only way he knew how, picking off a big set wave from out the back and surfing it through to the inside shallow reef. His razor sharp backhand attack was rewarded with the weekend’s highest individual wave score of 9.17 from a possible 10, and a combined two wave total of 17.00 from a possible 20. Despite every effort from Fawcett, the total was too much for his to overcome.
“Im stoked to have finally won a State Title. I’ve been surfing in the Juniors since I was about 14 or 15 and to win a State Title in my last year of the under 18’s makes this even sweeter”, said a happy Williams who was supported by a vocal crowd of supporters.
Fawcett had to settle for second, but will be an excellent member of the WA Junior Team with many years of experience at National level. Kalbarri’s Jake Kearney finished in third, with Perth’s Ash Quinn making his first WA State Team with a fourth placed finish enough to see him qualify.
Not to be out done by the boys, the junior women also provided an entertaining final, with Laura Macaulay (Gracetown) stamping her authority with a dominant performance to see her crowned 2009 State Champion. The daughter of former world # 3 Dave Macaulay, Laura showed that surfing runs in the blood locking in the two highest scores of the final, a 6.67 and a 7.67 to take the win comfortably ahead of Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys) in second, Mikaela Greene (Yallingup) in third with younger sister Bronte finishing in fourth.
“This waves is a little bit like Left Handers back at home, long lefts that left me really open up a bit. I knew it was going to be close between me and Felicity, but I just seemed to be in the right place at the right time.” Said Macaulay.
It was a weekend for the Macaulay’s with Bronte, securing back to back under 16 girls State Titles, by winning all three events in the series.
Margaret River’s Jack Robinson lived up to all expectations by winning his first ever under 16 boys State Title. The pint sized eleven year old kept his winning form rolling after some impressive competition results on the east coast recently. Robinson scored two excellent 8.00 rides which included some vertical backhand turns, long floaters and even some tube rides. Even though he can compete in this division for another four years Robinson was clearly happy with the result.
“I felt really good out there and got a few good hollow ones, Im off to Bali tomorrow so I guess this is just the icing on the cake for me.” Commented Robinson.
Creed McTaggart (Margaret River) did enough to qualify for the WA State Junior Team with a gutsy second place finish. McTaggart’s busy competition schedule meant he only competed in two out of the three events this year, but did enough to make sure he’ll be travelling to Queensland later this year. Kalbarri’s Jesse Carter finished as the runner up for the under 16 State Title, but proved he’s progressing each and every event with some polished surfing leading into the final. Shaun Green (Margaret River) finished in fourth and will also be surfing in the Australian Junior Titles in December.
Robinson was unlucky not to win the under 14’s State Title as well, with another young Margaret River surfer Jacob Wilcox stealing the win with a last minute 6.4 ride that saw his move ahead of Robinson with only seconds remaining. Wilcox is another exciting prospect for the future and will surely feature in many WA State Junior Teams as the years go by. Robinson had to settle for second ahead of James Fleming (Geraldton) in third and Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs) in fourth place.
In other results, Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup) won the under 12 micro-groms division and Eliza Greene won the under 14 grommet girls division.
Today, Surfing WA also announced who they will be sending to participate at the prestigious Mark Richards and Layne Beachley High Performance Camps. This program is designed to provide necessary skills development to ensure that surfers are given every chance to maximize their potential. Kalbarri’s Jye Perkins and Jesse Carter will join Sam Humphry and Shaun Green at the Mark Richards Camp, while Skip Van Peer (Mandurah) and Carly Lynch (Dunsborough) will attend the Layne Beachley Camp.
Attentions now turn to Surfing WA’s own high performance programs, which will look to prepare the WA State Junior Team before competing at National Titles in December. A big thank you to all competitors, parents, event staff and sponsors that made the 2009 Fantastic Noodles WA State Junior Surfing Titles one of the best in recent years.
The Fantastic Noodles WA Junior Surfing Titles are proudly supported by Fantastic Noodles, Brownes Chill, Hot Buttered, SunSmart, Geraldton Boardriders and Surfing WA.
Final Results:
Under 18 Boys >
1st – Danny Williams (Geraldton)
2nd – Jake Fawcett (Geraldton)
3rd – Jake Kearney (Kalbarri)
4th – Ash Quinn (North Beach)
State Champion – Danny Williams
Under 16 Boys >
1st – Jack Robinson (Margaret River)
2nd – Creed McTaggart (Margaret River)
3rd – Jesse Carter (Kalbarri)
4th – Shaun Green (Margaret River)
State Champion – Jack Robinson
Under 14 Boys >
1st – Jacob Wilcox (Margaret River)
2nd – Jack Robinson (Margaret River)
3rd – James Fleming (Geraldton)
4th – Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs)
State Champion - Jacob Wilcox
Under 12 Boys >
1st – Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup)
2nd – Ace Van Peer (Mandurah)
State Champion – Shaun Manners
Under 18 Girls >
1st – Laura Macaulay (Gracetown)
2nd – Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys)
3rd – Mikaela Greene (Yallingup)
4th – Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown)
State Champion – Laura Macaulay
Under 16 Girls >
1st – Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown)
2nd – Mikaela Greene (Yallingup)
3rd – Carly Lynch (Dunsborough)
4th – Skip Van Peer (Mandurah)
State Champion – Bronte Macaulay
Under 14 Girls >
1st – Eliza Greene (Yallingup)
2nd – Emi Campbell (Denmark)
3rd – Riley Nagtzaam (Yallingup)
State Champion – Eliza Greene
Fantastic Noodles WA State Junior Surfing Titles - Mandurah’s wild weather can’t deter WA’s best junior surfers
Event 2 Mandurah June 20-21 2009
The second event of the Fantastic Noodles WA State Junior Surfing Titles was completed over the weekend in Mandurah, with some wild weather making life tough for WA’s best under eighteen surfers. With the first serious cold front of the winter lashing the metro coastline late last week, strong winds, rain and a big ground swell greeted competitors on day one of competition.
The inclement forecast didn’t stop over 80 grommets from right across the state turning out for the chance to be selected to represent WA at the Arnette Australian Junior Surfing Titles, to be held in Queensland at the end of the year. The WA Junior Surfing Title Series is the breeding ground for the next generation of professional surfers, with the likes of current world # 2 Taj Burrow and top female surfer Claire Bevilacqua both making their way to the professional ranks by first surfing in the state titles as juniors.
Traditionally, the second round of competition is usually the most important, with surfers looking to capitalise on their round one results or make their presence felt on the series ratings. After a hugely successful first event at Trigg Point where competitors were blessed with clean and near perfect conditions, Mother Nature was not as kind the second time around with thirty knot winds and a five metre swell on offer in Mandurah on Saturday morning.
“Looking at the forecast earlier in the week, we knew we were in for some pretty nasty weather, luckily the event was in Mandurah where the reefs breaks offered some shape and actually allowed us to run a few heats on Saturday.” Said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks.
It was surfers from the Mid-West and South-West areas that looked best suited to the conditions and made for some entertaining surfing. Day one was highlighted by the performances of Jake Fawcett (Geraldton), Danny Williams (Geraldton), Mitch Nesbitt (Cottesloe) and Lachlan Mazzucchelli (Mandurah) in the U18 Junior Boys, with some huge round one scores. While, Jack Robinson (Margaret River), Jacob Wilcox (Margaret River), Jesse Carter (Kalbarri), Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs) Creed McTaggart (Margaret River), Matt Connell (City Beach) and Jake Edwards (Cottelsoe) all impressed in the U16 Cadet Boys.
After the preliminary heats were completed Saturday, Sunday dawned with clean offshore winds and a moderating swell. Waves in the 2-3 feet range (2.0m) saw more the level of surfing increase and allowed for high performance surfing to take place.
“It was crazy, all night the wind was howling and the rain was nonstop. On Sunday morning it was great to see the storm had blow itself overnight. Conditions had improved so much.” Commented Justin Majeks.
The quarter final, semi final and finals were all blessed with great conditions, clean winds, a dropping tide and some head high sets. As the tide begun to run off the reef at Gerries the surfing improved, as the waves became more hollow and allowed surfers to go top to bottom. The younger competitors revelled in the conditions staging some of the most entertaining heats of the day.
Shaun Manners (Margaret River) was one such surfer who took to the waves like a seasoned pro. Manners, along with Ry Meyers (Yallingup), Ace Van Peer (Flacon), Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup) and Luka Burke (Margaret River) looked to be surfing waves much bigger than themselves, but it was Manners that used his big wave knowledge to lock in a 7.50 ride and an 8.50 for a clear win in the U12 Micro-Groms Division. Manners has now claimed two wins in the three event series to be crowned State Champion.
In the U14 Grommets Division, another young Margaret River surfer shone with some spectacular manoeuvres. Jacob Wilcox had returned from a family holiday at Gnarloo only hours before the event began, but was straight into the action in Mandurah, being one of the weekend’s best performers. Wilcox’s forehand surfing had benefited from weeks of practice in the famous lefts of the North-West and he sliced his way to an impressive victory. Favourite to take out the win was Jack Robinson who fell in a close semi final. From there Wilcox took advantage of the lefts on offer to post the win ahead of James Fleming (Geraldton) who also surfed well, third was Josh Burke (Margaret River) and Jake Edwards finished in fourth.
Wilcox went on to feature in the hotly contested U16 Cadet Boys Division, where he finished in second place. The young surfer is sure to have tongues wagging after arguably being the surfer of the event. Kalbarri’s Jesse Carter was another goofy footer that used the long left hand walls to his advantage. Hailing from one of the best waves on the WA coast, Carter’s 8.73 in the final was the enough to take out his first event State Surfing Title win. Jack Robinson fought hard but couldn’t find the waves he needed for the win and finished in third, with Sam Humphry rounding out the top four.
“Im so happy to finally get a win, I love surfing lefts and it was great that we had some good ones here this weekend.” Said an elated Carter.
Felicity Palmateer continued her impressive run of competition results, with a win in the U18 Junior Girls Division. Palmateer recently won WA’s only ASP sanctioned Pro Junior event, the Chill Pro Junior at Trigg Point. Last weekend she sealed her maiden State Open Women’s Title on Rottnest Island. The bubbly school girl was another goofy that claimed a win over the weekend. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown) finished second, with sister Laura placing third and Mikaela Greene (Yallingup) finishing in fourth.
Bronte Macaulay went on to win the U16 Cadet Girls Division ahead of Mikaela Green in second, Skip Van Peer (Falcon) in third and Cary Lynch (Dunsborough) in fourth.
In the blue ribbon U18 Junior Boys Division, Danny Williams (Geraldton) did enough to hold off close friend and hometown mate Jake Fawcett in an extremely close final. With only seconds remaining Fawcett needed a 5.76 to move into the lead, he stroked into a smaller inside wave and pulled two big backside turns to receive a 5.60 and just miss out on back to back wins. Danny Williams was convinced that Fawcett got the score he required and was in disbelief when the final results came through.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was sure that Jake had done enough for the win. When I realised I won it was such a great feeling. Jake and I have know each other for ages, we’ve had heaps of close finals and Im sure we’ll have a few more in the future.” Said Williams, who now shares the ratings lead with Fawcett.
Ash Quinn (North Beach) continued his improvement with a third place finish in his first final. Mitch Nesbitt didn’t get the waves he needed and finished in a close fourth.
With so many surfers now striving for State Titles and WA team places the last round of competition is set to be a stunner. Geraldton will play host to the third and final Fantastic Noodles WA State Junior Surfing Titles in the last weekend of July and is set to set the Mid-West invaded by some of the shinning stars of WA junior surfing.
Final Results:
Under 18 Boys>
1st – Danny Williams (Geraldton)
2nd – Jake Fawcett (Geraldton)
3rd – Ash Quinn (North Beach)
4th – Mitch Nesbitt (Cottesloe)
Under 16 Boys>
1st – Jesse Carter (Kalbarri)
2nd – Jacob Wilcox (Margaret River)
3rd – Jack Robinson (Margaret River)
4th – Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs)
Under 14 Boys>
1st – Jacob Wilcox (Margaret River)
2nd – James Fleming (Margaret River)
3rd – Josh Burke (Wembly Downs)
4th – Jake Edwards (Cottesloe)
Under 12 Boys>
1st – Shaun Manners (Margaret River)
2nd – Ry Meyers (Yallingup)
3rd – Ace Van Peer (Mandurah)
4th – Luka Burke (Margaret River)
Under 18 Girls>
1st – Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys)
2nd – Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown)
3rd – Laura Macaulay (Gracetown)
4th – Mikaela Greene (Yallingup)
Under 16 Girls>
1st – Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown)
2nd – Mikaela Greene (Yallingup)
3rd – Skip Van Peer (Falcon)
4th – Carly Lynch (Dunsborough)
Under 14 Girls>
1st – Eliza Greene (Yallingup)
2nd – Riley Nagtzaam (Yallingup)
3rd – Emi Campbell (Denmark)
The Fantastic Noodles WA Junior Surfing Titles are proudly supported by Fantastic Noodles, Brownes Chill, Hot Buttered, SunSmart and Surfing WA.
Surfing WA State Open Series Presented By Wahoo Premium Ale - State Champions decided in Rottnest Island
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
The WA State Open Surfing Series 2009
Presented by Wahoo Premium Ale & Surfing Western Australia.
Event # 3 – Strickland Bay, Rottnest. 13th – 14th June 2009
Island challenge decides State Champions
The final event of the WA State Open Surfing Series was completed in Rottnest Island over the weekend, with waves in the 2-3 feet range making Strickland Bay providing the ideal event location, with light ENE winds and a 1.0 – 1.5m swell. The last of a three event series, saw a 70-strong field going hammer and tong, with State Champions crowned across eight divisions.
As well as the prestigious State Titles up for grabs, the 24 places in the WA State Surfing Team were also decided. With the 2009 Australian Surfmasters Titles scheduled to start in Port Macquarie (NSW) in just over two months, the weekend provided the last opportunity for WA surfers to qualify for the chance to compete for National Titles.
The first two events were blessed with excellent waves in Margaret River and Geraldton, and Rottnest also provided some high scoring opportunity for those that made the trip ‘out west’. Rottnest is a peaceful destination, rich in environment, heritage and culture, not to mention the incredibly relaxed lifestyle.
“I think everyone loves coming to Rottnest, although the final event is always so important, everyone gets a chance to let their hair down a bit.” Said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks.
The preliminary rounds of competition were completed in clean and consistent waves at Stricko’s on Saturday, the Open Men’s division set the pace from the start with some impressive performances from Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River), Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), Brett Hardy (Scarborough), Kayshun Rodd (Gerladton), Drew Everest (Mandurah) and Dave Macaulay (Gracetown) all of which look suited to the waves on offer.
With the ratings for this division being so close there were a number of surfers still in the mix to take the title, but none possessed a bigger threat than former world # 3 Dave Macaulay who continued to lock in some of day ones highest scores. Macaulay won the opening round of competition in Margaret River and was flying under the radar of some of his younger opponents.
“He’s such a good competitor, you can never right him off. He’s got the ability to turn a 3.0 point ride into 6.0 without even trying.” Commented defending Open State Champion Brett Hardy, after the two meet in a close round one heat.
Star Surf Shop owner Ian McPherson (Mandurah), was another surfer that looked suited to the waves on offer and tore apart anything that came his way. The Senior Men’s division (over 28) was highlighted by McPherson’s power surfing. ‘Wooly’ as he’s known amongst his peers, hadn’t surfed in an Open Series in eight years made a welcome return with the ‘Wahoo Wave of the Day’ for an impressive 9.50 ride which featured some critical backhand manoeuvres on the long peeling lefts.
Day two greeted competitors with small and inconsistent waves, which made the already close Title battles even more intense. The lack of waves early forced contest organisers to extend the heats to 25 minutes to ensure enough contestable waves were caught.
“It’s hard when it gets small over here, but there were still some good waves coming through. Extending the heats means that all surfers have an equal chance of progressing, not just the surfers getting the set waves.” Said Justin Majeks early Sunday morning.
The blue ribbon Open Men’s final was a close affair with three of the four finalists in the running to capture the 2009 State Title. Jerome Forrest led the ratings coming into the final, but was starved for quality waves and never looked completely comfortable. Margaret Rivers Dave Delroy-Carr opened well with a 6.07 and a 5.33 back up, but couldn’t improve on those scores. Dave Macaulay always threatened, but only could manage three waves during the final. It was Geraldton’s Jake Molloy that took the win, locking in the highest score of a 7.0 point ride. Molloy went on to win the final in the dying minutes with a score of 4.73. This marks Molloy’s first competitive win in some time, and he was genuinely stoked with his efforts.
“Its been a while since I’ve been in a comp and I wasn’t to sure how I’d go, but I felt really comfortable out there and to have my family over here with me makes the win that much sweeter.” Said Molloy.
In the end Molly finished first ahead of Dave Delroy-Carr in second, Dave Macaulay finished third and Jerome Forrest finished fourth. The third place finish for Macaulay was enough to see the forty five year old claim the 2009 State Open Title, after his first place finish in Margaret River earlier in the year. Not finished there Macaulay also went on to capture the Grand Masters (O45) State Title with two wins from two starts.
“I was really chasing the 45’s Title because that’s the one I’d love to surf in at the National Titles. The Open’s was never really my main motivation, but to take this out ahead of some really good young surfers is a humbling experience.” remarked Macaulay, who’ll now look to add a few National Titles to his trophy cabinet.
The Pro Junior final was another close final with four of WA’s best juniors meeting in a real arm wrestle. Dave Delroy-Carr took out the win and the State Title ahead of a determined Mitch Taylor (Trigg) who surfed well all weekend to place second. Jerome Forrest finished in third, with Jake Fawcett (Geraldton) taking out fourth place.
“I would have preferred the Open State Title, as I’ve finished runner up two years in a row now. But I guess one Title is better than none.” Delroy-Carr will now focus on competing on as many ASP Pro Junior events for 2009 as its his last year in the age group.
Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys) continued her impressive run of from after her Chill Pro Junior win at Trigg Beach two weeks ago. The seventeen year old school girl dominated the Open Womens division and was never challenged for the win. Palmateer secured the Open Women’s State Title with back to back wins at Geraldton and Rottnest.
Palmateer finished ahead of Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough) in second, Carly Bruce (Greenwood) was third and Ellie Macaulay (Gracetown) finished in fourth place.
Other divisional winners from the weekend included Luke Hayter (Trigg) who took out the Senior Men’s State Title with solid win ahead of Ian McPherson (Mandurah) in second, Jai Macrides (Marmion) was unlucky to finish in third, with Brett Hardy (Scarborough) rounding out the top four. The win gives Hayter back to back Senior Men’s State Titles in 2008 and 2009.
Ian McPherson went slightly better in the Masters (O35) division with a convincing win over Brad Cowan (Margaret River) and Craig Tuesley (Geraldton) in third place. McPherson has made a huge comeback into the local WA events and captured the Masters State Title on the strength on his performances at the last two events.
“I think my time away from the events has made me hungry again. It was great to come over here with the family and its good to see some of the old faces still competing.” Said McPherson.
Margaret River’s Brad Cowan won the Senior Masters (O40) final and State Title with a win ahead of Craig Tuesley (Geraldton), Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough) and Glenn Williams (Hillarys) who finished second, third and fourth respectively.
The Legends (O50) division was won by Steve Williams (Karrinyup) and his experience at Rottnest gave him the edge over Mick Molloy (Geraldton), Ian Darby (North Beach) in third and Steve Pozzi (Woodlands) in fourth.
The final State Open Series at Rottnest, rounded out an amazing run of events for WA’s best surfers, with quality waves and great surfing for each event. The focus now shifts to assembling the WA State Surfing Team, which will be one of the strongest in years. The 24 man team will travel in mid August to NSW for the chance to capture the pinnacle of amateur surfing within Australia, an Australian National Surfing Title.
The WA Open Surfing Series @ Rottnest Island was proudly supported by Wahoo Premium Ale, The Rottnest Island Authority, Rottnest Express, The Offshore Boardriders, Rottnest Hotel and Surfing WA.
Final Results:
Open Men >
1st – Jake Molloy (Geraldton)
2nd – Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River)
3rd – Dave Macaulay (Gracetown)
4th – Jerome Forrest (Mandurah)
State Champion – Dave Macaulay
Pro Junior >
1st – Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River)
2nd – Mitch Taylor (Trigg)
3rd – Jerome Forrest (Mandurah)
4th – Jake Fawcett (Geraldton)
State Campion – Dave Delroy-Carr
Open Women >
1st – Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys)
2nd – Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough)
3rd – Carly Bruce (Greenwood)
4th – Ellie Macaulay (Gracetown)
State Champion – Felicity Palmateer
Senior Men – Over 28 >
1st – Luke Hayter (Trigg)
2nd – Ian McPherson (Mandurah)
3rd – Jai Macrides (Marmion)
4th – Brett Hardy (Scarborough)
State Champion – Luke Hayter
Masters Over 35 >
1st – Ian McPherson (Mandurah)
2nd – Brad Cowan (Margaret River)
3rd – Craig Tuesley (Geraldton)
State Champion - Ian McPherson
Senior Masters Over 40 >
1st – Brad Cowan (Margaret River)
2nd – Craig Tuesley (Geraldton)
3rd – Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough)
4th – Glenn Williams (Hillarys)
State Champion - Brad Cowan
Grand Masters O45>
1st – Dave Macaulay (Gracetown)
2nd – Brent Moss (Secret Harbour)
3rd – Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough)
4th – Glenn Williams (Hillarys)
State Champion – Dave Macaulay
Legends O50 >
1st – Steve Williams (Karrinyup)
2nd – Mick Molloy (Geraldton)
3rd – Ian Darby (North Beach)
4th – Steve Pozzi (Woodlands)
State Champion – Brent Moss
Event # 2 – Geraldton, WA. 2nd – 3rd May 2009
Jai McCrides
Jake Fawcett (Geraldton) has been on a roll lately, taking out the Open Men’s & Pro Junior divisions of the WA State Open Series over the weekend. The Geraldton local used his home ground advantage to take down some more fancied opposition, with some innovative and committed surfing. Pic: Woolacott Images.
This was what greeted officials, competitors and spectators on the final day of the WA State Open Series held in Geraldton. Pic: Woolacott Images.
Jake Fawcett blows opposition out of the water with an inspiring performance
(Tuesday 5th May 2009) The second leg of the WA State Open Surfing Series was completed in excellent waves in Geraldton over the weekend. With perfect autumn conditions prevailing on both Saturday and Sunday, competitors that made the trek north were blessed with ideal waves that concluded with finals moving to isolated beach break south of Geraldton.
With the 2009 Australian Surfmasters scheduled to begin in Port Macquarie during August, the second round of competition saw the intensity and level of surfing go through the roof. With the chance to represent WA, surfers were looking to consolidate on results from the first event in Margaret River, or to make their presence felt on the all important ratings. With great surf forecast, a class field of over 80 competitors attended the event which will be remembered for perfect waves, and the barn storming performance of one local lad, Jake Fawcett.
The preliminary rounds of competition were completed in clean and consistent waves at Flat Rocks on Saturday, with waves ranging from 2-3 feet (1.5m). This provided the perfect setting for some truly high performance surfing. The Open Men’s division set the pace from the start with some impressive performances from Dylan Kavanagh (Yallingup), Ryan Wordsworth (Dunsborough), Codie Carter (Kalbarri), Brett Hardy (Scarborough), Kayshun Rodd (Gerladton) and Jerome Forrest (Mandurah) all of which posted round one victory’s. It was the goofy footers who took the early advantage of the long peeling left handers on offer, locking away the day’s most impressive scores. Jerome Forrest looked in tune with ocean, posting one of highest score of the weekend with a 9.10 ride out of a possible 10.
“Its so fun out there. The lefts are really long and clean and you if you can snag a good one they link all the way to the beach,” stated Forrest.
Former professional and big wave charger Paul Paterson (City Beach), was another who tore apart anything that came his way. The Senior Men’s division (over 28) was highlighted by Paterson’s power surfing. ‘Antman’ as he’s become known was awarded the ‘Wahoo Wave of the Day’ for a 9.43 ride which featured some serious vertical manoeuvres which were completed with typical style and flair.
With the swell moderating during the day, event officials decided to move day two’s competition to the remote beach breaks of Head Butts 30kms south of Geraldton. With tiny waves lapping the reef at Flat Rocks early on Sunday morning, it was a matter of loading up every available 4WD to move equipment and competitors to the perfect waves available at Head Butts.
“We’d been hearing reports about how good the waves were here yesterday, so today we’ve decided to reward our finalists with some pumping beach breaks. I couldn’t believe some of the waves I’ve seen coming through, crystal clear water, clean offshore winds, and pumping barrels, its all time.” Said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks.
With 3-4 feet (2m) right and left hand waves peeling off for as long as the eye can see, competitors made the most of the conditions and provided some excellent viewing for those that tackled the testing 4WD track.
The story of the weekend, must go Gerladton local Jake Fawcett, who not only celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday, but also took out the two blue ribbon divisions, the Open Men’s, and Under 21 Pro Junior. Fawcett pushed through a sleepless night on Friday travelling from Yallingup to Gerladton in order to compete, and used his birthday luck to take a convincing win in both divisions.
The Pro Junior final was a one horse race with Fawcett throwing down an 8.50 ride in the opening minutes of the final and went on to secure a back up 7.67 ride, for a 16.17pt total from a possible 20. Fawcett used his local knowledge and newly found motivation to assert his dominance and making the task near impossible for his closest challenger Jerome Forrest who finished second. Margaret River’s Shaun Green was on fire earlier taking out the ‘Wahoo Wave of the day’ for an awesome tube ride and forehand floater that earned him a 9.67, the highest score of the weekend. Green couldn’t find his semi final form and finished in third place ahead of Dylan Kavanagh (Yallingup) in fourth.
Fawcett also took out the Open Men’s division with some inspiring surfing in the dying minutes of the final that saw him sneak into the lead. Fawcett saved his best til last with a 6.67 ride and a back up 7.17 to take the win ahead of Jerome Forrest who couldn’t match Fawcett’s intensity. Brett Hardy surfed well all weekend and despite all his efforts couldn’t chase down the score needed to finish in third and keep his hopes of back to back State Titles alive. Jarrad Davies (Margaret River) made another finals appearance to finish fourth.
“I cant believe it really, the waves were so good this morning that anyone could have won if they’d got the right wave. I surf this place all the time and I don’t mind it with a bit of wind on the face which I think helped me.” Said Fawcett after the win.
When asked about his performance over the weekend, Fawcett puts it down to better mental preparation.
“Im just more focused on what I have to do in my heats now, before I wouldn’t think too much and just surf, but now everything goes into my surfing both physical and mental,” said Fawcett who has won each State Title division he has entered in 2009.
Brent Moss (Secret Harbour) was another standout on day two, capturing the win in the Legends division (over 50). Moss also took out back to State Title with two wins form as many events in 2009. Moss looked a cut above his competitors, picking off the better waves and stringing together some good forehand manoeuvres. Moss was WA’s best performer at the 2008 Australian Surfmasters event, capturing the over 50’s National Title, and looks set to defend his title.
“Im stoked with the result and Im definitely keen to try and emulate my results from last year at Port Macquarie”, said Moss, who was too good for Ian Darby (North Beach), Ian Salmond (Geraldton), and Jeff Bremer (Bicton) who finished second, third, and fourth respectively.
Moss also won the Grand Masters (over 45) division with some of the same form that helped him through the Legends division. Moss found stiff competition form Glenn Williams (Hillarys) who was nipping at his heals through the 25 minute final, missing out by less than half a point in second place. Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough) finished third ahead of Jeff Bremer (Bicton) in fourth.
Williams was another to take to the waves at Head Butts with some polished surfing. After missing out in the Grand Masters division, Williams won the Senior Masters (over 40) division ahead of Brad Cowan (Margaret River) in second, Boyd Purdy finished third, with Gerladton local Craig Tuesley rounding out the top four.
Although he hadn’t surfed in a State Series event in years, Star Surf owner Ian McPherson proved he hadn’t lost any of his competitive edge with a dominant performance in the Masters (over 35) division. McPherson locked away a combined total of 15.00pts out of a possible 20, including an awesome 8.17 ride. McPherson edged out Paul Paterson for the win, with Paul Anderson (Geraldton) third and Brad Cown (Margaret River) fourth.
Luke Hayter (Trigg) won the Senior Men division ahead of Paul Paterson, Jai Macirdes (Marmion) was third and Steve Kostal (Gerladton) fourth. Hayter has now thrown the State Title race wide open coming into the final round of competition at Rottnest Island in June.
As was the case for much of the weekend, it was the new school competitors who were throwing down the challenge to their older and wiser opponents. In the Open Women’s division it was 17 year old Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys) that used her razor sharp backhand attack to show why she’s one of WA’s next big things in female surfing. Palmateer looked a cut above her fellow competitors, highlighted by one wave which totalled 7.83 out of a possible 10. Palmateer’s former team mate and former National Title holder Jaala Baldock (Kallaroo) finished in second to lead the rating after round two. Lindy Cloete (Butler) finished third, with Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough) finishing fourth.
The second event of the WA State Surfing will go down as one of the best ever with great waves even better surfing. A big thanks to the Geraldton Boardriders for their constant support and professionalism that made the weekend such a success. All attentions now turn to the final event of the series to be held at Rottnest Island on the 13th – 14th June 2009 where all remaining State Titles will be decided.
Final Results:
Open Men >
1st – Jake Fawcett (Geraldton)
2nd – Jerome Forrest (Mandurah)
3rd – Brett Hardy (Scarborough)
4th – Jarrad Davies (Margaret River)
Pro Junior >
1st – Jake Fawcett (Geraldton)
2nd – Jerome Forrest (Mandurah)
3rd – Shaun Green (Margaret River)
4th – Dylan Kavanagh (Yallingup)
Open Women >
1st – Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys)
2nd – Jaala Baldock (Kalaroo)
3rd – Lindy Cloete (Butler)
4th – Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough)
Senior Men – Over 28 >
1st – Luke Hayter (Trigg)
2nd – Paul Paterson (City Beach)
3rd – Jai Macrides (Geraldton)
4th – Steve Kostal (Geraldton)
Masters Over 35 >
1st – Ian McPherson (Mandurah)
2nd – Paul Paterson (City Beach)
3rd – Paul Anderson (Geraldton)
4th – Brad Cowan (Margaret River)
Senior Masters Over 40 >
1st – Glenn Williams (Hillarys)
2nd – Brad Cowan (Margaret River)
3rd – Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough)
4th – Craig Tuesley (Geraldton)
Grand Masters O45 >
1st – Brent Moss (Secret Harbour)
2nd – Glenn Williams (Hillarys)
3rd – Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough)
4th – Jeff Bremer (Bicton)
Legends O50 >
1st – Brent Moss (Secret Harbour)
2nd – Ian Darby (North Beach)
3rd – Ian Salmond (Gerladton)
4th – Jeff Bremer (Bicton)
The WA Open Surfing Series @ Gerladton was supported by Wahoo Premium Ale, Gerladton Boardriders and Surfing WA.
Photos Available
Complimentary high resolution images are available through Surfing WA. Images of presentations and other place getters are available for your specific region of circulation.
Surfing Western Australia - Event Manager
Justin Majeks
T: +61 8 9448 0004
justin.majeks@surfingwa.com.au
The State Open Surfing Series 2009
Presented by Wahoo Premium Ale & Surfing Western Australia.
Round # 1 - Margaret River, South-West WA.
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th February 2009.
Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River) made it through barrels such as this, but couldn’t get the waves that counted during the Open Men’s final finishing second behind his surfboard shaper Dave Macaulay. PIC – Woolacott Images
Margaret River plays host to State Open Series, with local surfer Dave Macaulay blitzing the field
(Tuesday, 17th February 2009) The first State Open Series took place in Margaret River over the weekend, and competitors from across the state were blessed with what can only be described as near perfect waves. With a solid 2m – 2.5m swell running over the weekend, and producing waves in the 4-6 feet range, event organisers decided to utilise the somewhat fickle, and rarely surfed location of ‘Sewer Bowls’ to run day one of competition. With a quality left hander peeling off the point and punchy peaks on offer in the bay, the location provided some of Western Australia’s best surfers the opportunity to cut loose in quality high performance waves.
With the opportunity to represent Western Australia at the Australian Surfmasters Titles later on this year in Port Macquarie NSW, the level of surfing on day one was exceptional. The first heat of the day set the tone for what will be remembered as an awesome weekend of surfing.
Former world number 3 and surfboard shaper Dave Macaulay (Gracetown) was in devastating form throughout the event, providing the morning’s highlights with some simply amazing top to bottom surfing which saw him advance through the blue ribbon Open Men’s division. Macaulay, who retired from the professional tour in 1994, showed he hasn’t lost any of his competitive ability in an awe inspiring display. During the quarter finals he amassed a huge 18.50 point total out of a possible 20.00, which included the two of the weekend’s highest individual wave scores of 9.50 and a 9.00. In doing so Macaulay eliminated 2008 State Champion Brett Hardy (Scarborough) from the event.
“It was a tough heat, there were so many good waves, but Maca just seemed to be on them all. I cant complain though it was great to have a comp in some good waves, I’ll just have to do a bit better in Geraldton and Rottnest later in the year,” said Hardy who will be looking to capture back to back State Open Titles in 2009.
Other form surfers of day one included; Tom Clarke (Margaret River), Shaun Howe (Kalbarri), Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), Drew Everest (Falcon), and Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River), all of which showed a great repertoire of manoeuvres and looked suit to the consistent waves that were on offer.
With overnight drop in the swell, Sunday saw the event run at Gas Bay and competitors were rewarded with some clean conditions once again, with Gas pumping out some epic barrels and clean faces which allowed for some high scoring opportunities.
Dave Macaulay began where he left off on Saturday, destroying each and every section that came his way. Competing in both the Open Men’s and Grand Masters division (over 45’s) he showed that age is no factor, comfortably making his way through to the finals of both divisions.
In the Open Men’s final, Macaulay brought a mix of power, style, innovation, and commitment which saw him throw down the challenge to his younger finalists with an opening 9.00 ride to have his fellow finalists on the back foot from the start. He later secured a back up 7.25 ride to secure his first State Open Series win since the mid 1980’s. Second place went to a determined Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River) who couldn’t find the waves required to pip his elder states men. Third place went to Jarrad Davies (Margaret River) who had flown under the radar for the entire event to post his best ever State Open Series result. In fourth place was Drew Everest who was another surfer who had made a welcome return to the competition surfing after some time away from WA events.
“I was only really interested in competing in the 45’s and chasing that one at the National Titles, so now I guess I might be competing in the Open’s at the next two rounds. It was a great event, with some awesome waves, so what more can you ask for?” Said Macaulay who seemed genuinely stoked with his achievements over the weekend.
Not to be out done by their dad, sister act of Laura and Bronte Macaulay both made the Open Women’s final with impressive semi final appearances. Laura Macaulay, who won the 2008 State under 18 girls title, looked comfortable surfing against some older competition and took out her maiden State Open Series win in style . The pint sized Macaulay slotted into some great waves and finished ahead of Jaala Baldock (Kallaroo) in second, Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough) came in third ahead of Bronte Macaulay in fourth.
The most exciting final of the day went to the Pro Junior (under 21’s) division. Kalbarri’s Shaun Howe showed why he’s currently WA’s top rated junior surfer with an emphatic victory. Howe’s razor sharp surfing was evident all weekend and he never looked challenged taking the win on the strength of a blistering 8.75 ride. The kid from Kallbarri showed powerful and innovative surfing which has seen him making it through a number of heats at events on the East Coast. Mandurah’s Jerome Forrest finished second with his last two waves moving him from fourth to second. Margaret River’s Dave Delroy-Carr once again surfed well to pick up third, with Tim Nathan (Busselton) fourth.
Other winners from the weekend included Brent Moss (Secret Harbour) in the Legends over 50’s division, Dave Macaulay (Gracetown) in the Grand Masters over 45’s division, Todd Taylor (Yallingup) in the Senior Masters over 40’s division, Paul Paterson (City Beach) in the Masters over 35’s division, and Mark Clift in the Senior Men’s over 28’s division.
The State Open Series now moves north to Geraldton on the 2nd and 3rd of May, with the final event of the series held at Rottnest Island during June.
Photos Available
Complimentary high resolution images are available through Surfing WA official event photographer Nick Woolacott. Images of other place getters are available for your specific region of circulation, contact: Nick Woolacott, nicwoola@yahoo.com.au ph: 0430 434 022 photo credit: Woolacott Images.
Proudly supported by: Wahoo Premium Ale & Surfing WA.
FINAL RESULTS
Open Men : 1. Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River), 3. Jarrad Davies (Margaret River), 4. Drew Everest (Falcon).
Open Women : 1. Laura Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Jaala Baldock (Kallaroo), 3. Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough), 4. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown).
Pro Junior : 1. Shaun Howe (Kalbarri), 2. Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), 3. Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River), 4. Tim Nathan (Busselton).
Over 28 Men : 1. Mark Clift (Hillarys), 2. Damian Lipscombe (Cottesloe), 3. Scott Trew (Maylands), 4. Jai Macrides (Marmion).
Over 35 Men : 1. Paul Paterson (City Beach), 2. Damian Lipscombe (Cottesloe), 3. Mark Clift (Hillarys), 4. Luke Sutherland (Yallingup), 5. Todd Taylor (Yallingup)
Over 40 Men : 1. Todd Taylor (Yallingup), 2. Craig Tuesley (Geraldton) , 3. Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough), 4. Glenn Williams (Hillarys)
Over 45 Men : 1Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Brent Moss (Secret Harbour), 3. Glenn Williams (Hillarys), 4. Frank Hayter (Margaret River)
Over 50 Men : 1. Brent Moss (Secret Harbour), 2. Steve Williams (Karrinyup), 3. Frank Hayter (Margaret River)), 4. Leon Norris (Geradlton)
Surfing Western Australia - Event Manager
Justin Majeks
Quiksilver State Junior Titles.
Supported By Quiksilver, Roxy, SunSmart & Surfing WA.
Event # 2 - Headbutts, South Geraldton WA.
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June 2008.
Jake Fawcett (Geraldton) proves that local knowledge is priceless after taking out the Under 18 Boys Division of the Quiksilver State Junior Titles on home turf. Pic Credit: Woolacott Images
Creed McTaggart (Margaret River) showed why he’s touted as WA’s next big thing after an awesome performance saw him win his second Quiksilver State Junior event for 2008, and in the process claim the Under 16 Boys State Championship. Pic Credit: Woolacott Images
Quiksilver State Junior Series Heads North To Geraldton & Local Surfers Stake Their Claim.
The all important second round of the Quilsilver State Junior Series played out in Geraldton over the weekend. With the opportunity to represent Western Australia later this year, competitors were well aware of the need to improve on previous results, or cement a lead in the ratings.
A drop in the swell Friday night meant the event had to go mobile early Saturday morning. Event officials moved the competition south of Geraldton to a series of peaky beach breaks. The clean 1.0–1.5m waves on offer at Headbutts provided the perfect venue for some of the states best junior surfers to perform. The infamous beach breaks can only be accessed with 4WD vehicles and is one of the gems in the North-West surfing crown.
The preliminary heats were dominated by South-West surfers, with Margaret River’s Matt Baldock and Creed McTaggart putting on impressive displays that saw them cruise into the final rounds with ease. Shaun Green and Jack Robinson added to the Margaret River assault with strong surfing in the U/16 boys and U/14 boys divisions. Gracetown sister’s Laura and Bronte Macaulay also showed flair on their way to the junior girls final.
The North-West surfers weren’t going to forgotten about on their home turf, and set about turning heads. Throwing down some blistering turns, coupled with his local knowledge to pick off the better waves, Jake Fawcett (Geraldton) made his way to the U/18 boys final and stole the show.
The junior boys final featured the form surfers of the event. Matt Baldock was still the one to beat leading into the final, with style and flow he locked away some of the weekends highest scores and was always the threat. But Darcy Maynard (Trigg), and Mitch Nesbitt (Cottesloe) had surfed exceptionally on route to the final and were both in good touch. None of that mattered when Geraldton local Jake Fawcett set about an demolishing his opponents in the opening minutes. Locking away a 7.33 ride Fawcett stole the win with a back up score of 5.83 within six minutes and never looked back.
His fellow finalist never found the waves they needed and had to settle for the minor places. Darcy Maynard took second ahead of Matt Baldock and Mitch Nesbitt in fourth. This win has thrown the state title race wide open with everything will be on the line come round three.
The juniors set the pace, but all the divisions relished in the left and right walls that were rolling through for the event. The U/16 boys were out to smash each section and looked to impress the judges at every opportunity. Creed McTaggart was amazing during the U16’s final and mixed fluid manoeuvres with flashy top to bottom surfing. McTaggart’s surfing secured him scores of 9.60 and 8.27 in the story of the weekend. Jack Robinson, Scott Kimber (Trigg) and Jayden O’Neil (Padbury) weren’t able to get close and settled for second, third and fourth respectively. McTaggart looked suited to the waves and his clinical approach in the final was rewarded with the 2008 State U/16 Championship, and a guaranteed spot on the WA state team.
Jack Robinson put on a show stopping performance in the U/14 boys final. The youngest male surfer in the event sent an early message to his rivals with some huge floaters and forehand snaps that gave him the win. The final was a close affair with all surfers putting their best foot forward. Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs) earned a second behind Robinson with some good heat tactics. Shaun Green was disappointed with a third place finish after strong showing in the U/16’s division as well. Joshua Burke (Margaret River) finished in fourth place in one of his first competitions. Robinson has also wrapped up the State U/14 Championship with two wins from as many starts.
The competition was also fierce in the U/18 girl’s final with Hillary’s Felicity Palmateer getting the better of Gracetown surfer Laura Macaulay who claimed second. Yallingup’s Mikaela Green finished in third, with Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown) finishing in fourth.
The goofy footed Palmateer, represented WA in last years Junior National Titles making her way through to the final of the U/16 girls along with Laura Macaulay. These girls are the new school of female surfers coming out of WA and are looking to continue their form in the U/18 girls this year. The small rivalry between the girls will only intensify at the final event in August, with the girls currently sharing the rating lead.
The U/16 girls final was another close one, Bronte Macaulay surfed far better in this division locking in some good scores to take the win from sisters Mikaela and Eliza Greene from Yallingup and Hannah Massie from Margaret River. The girls weren’t able to match Macaulay’s wave’s and had to settle for the minor places.
The next event in the series will head to the South-West on the 2nd and 3rd of August, where the 2008 Quiksilver State Junior Champs will be decided.
Supported By Quiksilver, Roxy, SunSmart, Geraldton Boardriders & Surfing WA
FINAL RESULTS:
Under 18 Boys: 1. Jake Fawcett (Geraldton), 2. Darcy Maynard (Trigg), 3. Matt Baldock (Margaret River), 4. Mitch Nesbitt (Cottesloe).
Under 18 Girls: 1. Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys), 2. Laura Macaualy (Gracetown), 3. Mikaela Greene (Yallingup), 4. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown).
Under 16 Boys: 1. Creed McTaggart (Margaret River), 2. Jack Robinson (Margaret River), 3. Scott Kimber (Trigg), 4. Jayden O’Neil (Padbury).
Under 16 Girls: 1. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Mikaela Greene (Yallingup), 3. Eliza Greene (Yallingup), 4. Hannah Massie (Margaret River).
Under 14 Boys: 1. Jack Robinson (Margaret River), 2. Sam Humphry (Wembly Downs), 3. Shaun Green (Margaret River), 4. Joshua Burke (Margaret River).
The State Open Surfing Series 2008 - Event 2
Presented By Lizzard Surf Wear
Round 2 - Head Butts & Flat Rocks, Geraldton WA 3rd – 4th May 2008
Supported by SunSmart, Lizzard, Coca-Cola, Geraldton Boardriders & Surfing WA.
North-West surfers set the standard at the second state open surfing series event in Geraldton over the weekend.
Brett Hardy produces another hot move to take the Open Final
The pressure was on for the second round of the State Open Series held in Geraldton on the weekend, not only for competitors vying for state team selection, but also for officials. A small swell Saturday morning forced event organisers to move the event to the remote beach breaks of Head Butts 30kms south of Geraldton. With tiny waves lapping the reef at Flat Rocks, it was a matter of loading up every available 4WD to move equipment and competitors to the many peaks available at Head Butts.
The small but consistent waves ranging from 1.0 – 1.5m provided the perfect setting for some high performance surfing in the early rounds of competition. The Open Men’s division set the pace from the start with some impressive performances from Mitch Nesbitt (Cottesloe), Ryan Wordsworth (Bunbury), Ken Dann (Geraldton), Matt Delroy-Carr (Mosman Park) and Luke Hayter (Trigg) all of which posted round one victory’s. Scarborough’s Brett Hardy also looked in tune with the ocean early Saturday posting the highest score of the day with a 9.25 point ride out of a possible 10. Hardy surfed with precision and skill to move through to Sunday’s semi finals along with Geraldton locals Danny Williams and Jake Molloy. Molloy was innovative with his repertoire of new school manoeuvres, impressing the judges while Williams relied on old school carving turns combined with speed to gain a semi finals birth.
With preliminary rounds of competition completed Saturday, Sunday was greeted with a solid kick in the swell size which allowed for the event to move back to Flat Rocks, the preferred event location. With South-East winds and 2.0 - 2.5m waves on offer, all competitors were excited to perform in some waves of consequence.
The semi-final heats of all divisions made the most of the conditions and posted some impressive scores. Geraldton surfers looked most at home in the shifty peaks at Flat Rocks with Leon Norris, Dave Williams Craig Tuesley, Des Wakeham, Justin Hagan, Leah Wright, Danny Williams and Kalbarri hot shot Shaun Howe all making it through to the final of the respective divisions. The blue ribbon Open Men’s division was a hotly contested final with the form surfers of the weekend making it through. Brett Hardy (Scarborough) stunned his fellow finalist early with a 6.00 point ride and never looked back, going on to post an 8.50 ride to secure the win in front of Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), Danny Williams (Geraldton) and Matt Delroy-Carr (Mosman Park). Hardy has now thrown his hat down as the favourite for the State Open Title with an impressive win to back up his second place finish in Margaret River earlier this year. Hardy cannot rest on his laurels though, with a number of competitors nipping at his heels. The Open Men’s division will come down to the final event of the year at Rottnest Island on the 7th and 8th of June.
“I’m really happy with the result, it was very hard work out there and even the locals boys were finding it hard out there. Just locked in that good one early and had kept looking for the sets. Everyone is just looking forward to the final event over at Rotto”, said Hardy.
Scores were settled in the Open Women’s final with Geraldton’s Leah Wright leaving all the other finalists requiring a near perfect score to take victory from her. Wrights closest rival who finished second was Dunsborough’s Belinda Anderton who surfed well but couldn’t match Wright’s local knowledge and devastating forehand attack, while Kallaroo’s Jaala Baldock finishing third and Geraldton’s Lisa Blackmore fourth.
With that win Wright has secured to the State Open Women’s title for 2008, after back to back wins in Margaret River and her local break Flat Rocks. “Pretty stoked with that. It’s great to win at your local breaks and while the going was tough there were some sections you could smash out there” said Wright who has gone from State U18 Junior champion in 2007, to State Open champion in 2008.
The smashing continued with Kalbarri’s Shaun Howe putting on a blistering display, destroying any wave that offered shape in the Pro Junior final. Howe, who recently returned from competing on the East Coast dominated the final with his characteristic driving top to bottom turns that he combined with speed and style locking in an 8.80 point ride to leave Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), Sam Tucker (Dunsborough) and Zak Ogram (Dunsborough) finishing second, third and fourth respectively.
Howe has also wrapped up the State Title for the Pro Juniors after securing two first place finishes in the opening two events of the series. “Pretty happy to have that one under my belt, especially with the SunSmart Pro Junior event in Perth coming up in a couple of weeks, hopefully I can bring some of this form into that event.”
In the Senior Men’s final (O28) Luke Hayter (Trigg) used his last two waves of the final to just sneak in front of local ripper Justin Hagan (Geraldton) by 2.45 points to secure the win, while Cottesloe’s Damian Lipscombe finished third ahead of another Geraldton local Des Wakeham. With a win in as many starts Luke Hayter has also tied up the State Title in this division.
The Masters (O35) final was a one horse race with Damian Lipscombe (Cottesloe) surfing an almost perfect heat from start to finish. Lipscombe surfed to the judging criteria precisely locking in an 8.50 point ride and 6.75 point ride to blow his opposition out of the water. Busselton’s peter Cannon finished in second, third went to Paul Anderson (Geraldton), and in fourth was Craig Tuesley (Geraldton).
Craig Tuesley (Geraldton) turned his luck around in the Senior Masters (O40) final securing a win ahead of Dunsborough’s Boyd Purdy, Margaret River’s Brad Cowan, and Hillary’s Glenn Williams.
Mike McAuliffe (Margaret River) also cemented his grasp on a State Title in the Grand Masters (O45) final. McAuliffe who holds 3 national titles looked right at home at Flat Rocks, using the walling left handers to secure an 8.00 point ride as his opening scoring wave and never locked in danger. Ian Darby (North Beach) was left chasing a major score to overtake McAuliffe and finished in second. Geraldton’s Leon Norris could not find the waves required and had to settle for third place ahead of another local Dave Williams in fourth.
In the Legends (O50) final a very close outcome was inevitable with all surfers trading waves early. Steve Williams (Karrinyup) secured the win with only minutes remaining. Williams who has a strong affiliation with the area showed his knack for the break and secured his first win in the 2008 series. Ian Darby (North Beach) was the bridesmaid once again missing out on the win by less than one point. Secret Harbour’s Brent Moss finished in third ahead of Leon Norris in fourth.
The race for the remaining state team positions will now have to wait to be decided at the final event scheduled to be held on the 7th and 8th of June at Strickland Bay Rottnest Island.
The 2008 State Surfing Titles are proudly supported by: Lizzard Surf Wear, Sunsmart, Coca Cola, GBR & Surfing WA.
SURFING WA
EVENT MANAGER
Justin Majeks
T: +61 8 9448 0004
justin.majeks @surfingwa.com.au
PHOTO CREDITS:
WOOLACOTT IMAGES
T: 0430 434022
Email nicwoola@yahoo.com.au
FINAL RESULTS
OPEN MEN
- Brett Hardy (Scarborough), 2. Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), 3. Danny Williams (Geraldton), 4. Matt Delroy-Carr (Mosman Park).
OPEN WOMEN
- Leah Wright (Geraldton), 2. Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough), 3. Jaala Baldock (Kallaroo), 4. Lisa Blackmore (Geraldton).
PRO JUNIOR
1. Shaun Howe (Kalbarri), 2. Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), 3. Sam Tucker (Dunsborough), 4. Zak Ogram (Dunsborough).
OVER 28 MEN
1. Luke Hayter (Trigg), 2. Justin Hagan (Geraldton), 3. Damian Lipscombe (Cottesloe), 4. Des Wakeham (Geraldton).
OVER 35 MEN
1. Damian Lipscombe (Cottesloe), 2. Peter Cannon (Busselton), 3. Paul Anderson (Geraldton), 4. Craig Tuesley (Geraldton).
OVER 40 MEN
- Craig Tuesley (Geraldton), 2. Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough), 3. Brad Cowan (Margaret River), 4. Glenn Williams (Hillarys), 5. Dave Williams (Geraldton).
OVER 45 MEN
- Mike McAuliffe (Margaret River), 2. Ian Darby (North Beach), 3. Leon Norris (Geraldton), 4. Dave Williams (Geraldton).
OVER 50 MEN
1. Steve Williams (Karrinyup), 2. Ian Darby (North Beach), 3.Brent Moss (Secret Harbour), 4. Leon Norris (Geraldton)
Lizzard Surf Wear Presents
The State Open Surfing Series 2008 - Event 1
Supported by SunSmart, Coca-Cola, 92.9, Surfing WA
Gas Bay, Margaret River
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February 2008
Shaun Howe
Click here for current State Open/Masters rankings after round 1
First State Open Series for 2008 bounces down in awesome conditions down south.
After what can only be described as a pretty flat summer of surf in the Metro region of Perth, competitors from across the state were blessed with near perfect 1 – 1.5m waves at Gas Bay (Margaret River) for the opening State Surfing Series event for 2008. Clean offshore winds for most of Saturday and early Sunday provided some of Western Australia’s best surfers the opportunity to cut loose in the clean high performance waves on offer over the weekend.
Surfers in the blue ribbon division of the event, the open men’s did not hold back as spectators and competitors alike awaited the match ups of some of the states most accomplished surfers. Locals Dave Delroy-Carr and Tom Clarke looked relentless in the pursuit of victory on home turf, as did North-West duo Shaun Howe and Jake Perkins who won the round one heats in style.
With the opportunity to represent Western Australia at the National Surfmasters later on this year in Port Macquarie NSW no one was holding back. A good start in this event could get the 2008 competitive season off to a flying start for all competitors.
With a huge weekend scheduled and approximately 100 competitors competing across several divisions, event organisers decided to run off a few divisions down the beach at Boodjidup in an attempt to shorten the first day’s proceedings. A consistent peak provided some quality right and left hand waves which were destroyed by some powerful displays of surfing. Day one of the event saw some great performances across a number of divisions including the open men’s, open women’s, pro junior’s, senior masters, grand masters and legends.
Some of the form surfers of the day were Zak Ogram (Dunsborough), Mick Manning (Scarborough), Laura Macaulay (Gracetown), Isabel Woods (Claremont), Leah Wright (Geraldton), Jerome Forrest (Mandurah), Mitch Taylor (Trigg), Matt Baldock (Margaret River), Darcy Maynard (Karrinyup), Jake Fawcett (Yallingup), Tod Quartermaine (Mandurah), Danny Williams (Geraldton), Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), Brad Cowan (Margaret River), and Mike McAuliffe (Margaret River) who all showed some great ability in picking off the set waves and displayed a great repertoire of manoeuvres that impressed the judges.
With an expected drop in the swell on Sunday event organisers decided to stay at Gas Bay and were rewarded with some clean conditions once again, and the swell remaining around 1 – 1.5 meters. Although the sea breeze kicked in earlier than expected, surfers handled the conditions well and showed their ability to handle what ever ‘Huey’ threw at them.
The opening final of the day, the legends over fifty division showed that age is no barrier when it comes to surfing. Brent Moss (Secret Harbour) led from start to finish locking in a 4.17 and an excellent 8.00 ride to give him a total of 12.17 out of a possible 20. Close behind was Steve Williams (Karrinyup) who surfed with a smooth and precise style that gave him a well deserved second place in front of Ian Darby (North Beach), and Leon Norris (Geraldton).
Not to be out done by the legends, the over forty five grand masters division highlighted the surfing talent of Margaret River locals. Mike McAuliffe (Margaret River) who is a multiple national champion showed his local knowledge with some of the best surfing of the day with a 6.70 and 8.50 rides to dominate the final. Second place went to Brent Moss who surfed two finals in a row, but couldn’t back up is first place result in the legends. Third went to Jeff Bremer (Bicton) ahead of Geraldton’s Dave Williams.
The locals once again dominated the senior masters over forty division, with former world number three Dave Macaualy dominating the heat ahead of Brad Cowan (Margaret River), Mike McMonigal (Karrinyup) and Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough).
The over thirty fives masters division was a one horse race with Peter Cannon (Busselton) destroying every wave that came his way. Cannon scored the highest combined heat total in all the finals with a 6.67 and 8.43 totaling 15.10 points out of a possible 20. Arriving late and surfing his final with only ten minutes remaining was Cottesloe’s Damian Lipscombe who stunned both Paul Anderson (Geraldton) who finished third and Craig Tuesley (Geraldton) fourth.
The senior men’s division was a close affair with very little separating all four finalists. Picking off the better waves was Trigg’s Luke Hayter, ahead of Dunsborough’s Steve Coleman in second, Jarrah Calder (Mosman Park) third and Geraldton’s Paul Anderson in fourth.
The most exciting final of the day was without a doubt the pro junior under twenty one division. All four finalists have recently returned from a number of ASP Australasia events on the East Coast which has given them experience against some of Australia’s best. In an extremely close heat Kalbarri’s Shaun Howe got the nod from judges for his powerful and innovative surfing, ahead of Margaret River’s Dave Delroy-Carr in second, Mitch Taylor (Trigg) surfed well to pick up third, with Mandurah’s Jerome Forrest finished fourth.
The open women’s division saw a seesawing final with all the ladies at one stage having lead the heat. In the end it was Geraldton’s Leah Wright with her powerful backhand attack that took out the first event in style. In second was Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough), closely behind was the form female surfer of the event Laura Macaulay (Gracetown) who surfed well all weekend and was truly out of her age division being only 16 years old. In fourth was a new resident to the area Yallingups’s Jazmine Fawcett.
The blue ribbon open men’s final was a great way to cap off an amazing weekend of surfing, with a mix of power, style, innovation, and commitment brought by all finalists. With two locals and a former local in the mix you knew the level of surfing was going to be through the roof. At final siren it was Dave Delroy-Carr going one better than his pro junior final taking out the opening state round of 2008. In a close second was Brett Hardy (Scarborough), third was Dunsborough’s Zak Orgam and Mandurah’s Jerome Forrest in fourth. After coming off a ninth place finish at a recent ASP Pro Junior event in North Stradbroke Island in Queensland Dave was looking hot all weekend and was a deserving winner.
The State Open Series now moves to Geraldton on the 3rd and 4th of May, with the final event of the series held at Rottnest Island during June.
Proudly supported by: Lizzard Surfwear, Sunsmart, Coca-Cola, 92.9, and Surfing WA.
FINAL RESULTS
Open Men : 1. Dave Delroy Carr (Margaret River), 2. Brett Hardy (Scarborough), 3. Zak Ogram (Dunsborough), 4. Jerome Forrest (Mandurah)
Open Women : 1. Leah Wright (Geraldton), 2. Belinda Anderton (Dunsborough), 3. Laura Macaulay (Gracetown), 4. Jazmine Fawcett (Yallingup)
Pro Junior : 1. Shaun Howe (Kalbarri), 2. Dave Delroy-Carr (Margaret River), 3. Mitch Taylor (Trigg), 4. Jerome Forrest (Mandurah)
Under 18 Boys : 1. Matt Baldock (Margaret River), 2. Darcy Maynard (Karrinyup), 3. Danny Williams (Geraldton), 4. Tod Quartermiane (Mandurah)
Under 18 Girls : 1. Laura Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys), 3. Mikalea Greene (Yallingup), 4. Carly Lynch (Dunsborough), 5. Ellie Macaulay (Gracetown)
Over 28 Men : 1. Luke Hayter (Trigg), 2. Steve Coleman (Dunsborough), 3. Jarrah Calder (Mosman Park), 4. Paul Anderson (Geradlton)
Over 35 Men : 1. Peter Cannon (Buesslton), 2. Damian Lipscombe (Cottesloe), 3. Paul Anderson (Geraldton), 4. Craig Tuesley (Geraldton)
Over 40 Men : 1. Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Brad Cowan (Margaret River), 3. Mike McMonigal (Karriyup), 4. Boyd Purdy (Dunsborough)
Over 45 Men : 1. Mike McAuliffe (Margaret River), 2. Brent Moss (Secret Harbour), 3. Jeff Bremer (Bicton), 4. Dave Williams (Geraldton)
Over 50 Men : 1. Brent Moss (Secret Harbour), 2. Steve Williams (Karrinyup), 3. Ian Darby (North Beach), 4. Leon Norris (Geradlton)
Dave Delroy-Carr
GBR surfers clean up at the Surfing Western Australia presentations:
Saturday November 10th was a great afternoon to be a GBR surfer when the annual awards went down at the OBH.
Top honours went to Leah Wright taking out the prestigous Murray Smith Junior Surfer of the Year award plus the State Junior Title and 3rd in the Open Womens Division. Leah was also nominated for the Jodie Cooper award along with Melanie Redman and Claire Bevelaqua with Mel Redman taking out that award with her performances on the WCT Women's International events.
Shaun Howe won the Junior U/18 title and Junior male surfer of the year.
Jake Fawcett won U/16s State Champion.
Other awards to GBR surfers went to:
Leon Norris (2nd place O/45s, 2nd place O/50's)
Jesse Molloy 2nd place Open Mens
Craig Tuesley: 2nd place O35s
James Fleming: 2nd place Micro Groms (U/12)
Jesse Carter 2nd place Grommets (U/14s)
Erica Trotter 3rd place Cadet Girls (U/16)
Damien Fleming was awarded a Hot Buttered surfboard for his performance as a first time State Round young surfer.
The Surfboard Room Surf league 2007
Presented by Rip Curl Oct 21st & 22nd
Trigg Point Boardriders just make it two in a row at the 2007 Surfboard Room Surf League presented by Rip Curl as the lads from the country give it a shake!
Jesse
Tag team surfing was back with Western Australia’s most prestigious teams surfing event held on the weekend at Scarborough beach.
The Surfboard Room Surf League has been running since 1986 and is to surfing, what the WAFL grand final is to football.
Seven of the best clubs in the state battled it out in blustery conditions at times, to determine which club would walk away with the coveted title. Teams included, Contacio Boardriders, Scarborough Surfriders, City Beach Boardriders, Trigg Point Boardriders, Cottesloe Boardriders, Geraldton Boardriders, and Margaret River Boardriders. A limit of twelve surfers in each team was required consisting of one senior, eight open and 3 junior surfers.
While the rivalry was expected to be between Trigg Point and Margaret River Boardriders, last years new kids on the block, Geraldton Boardriders had a dream team consisting of some of the best surfers in the State. Geraldton not only had the current under 16 state junior champion Jake Fawcett on their team, but also world renowned pro/free surfers Ry Craike, Kerby and Cortney Brown. Another set of brothers Jesse and Jake Molloy both amongst the top open surfers in the State, combined to be the standouts for their club taking them to within a few points of the win at one stage during the final. The Gero team was all class also including Ryan Wright, Justin Hagan, Shaun Howe, Ben McGay, Ben McDonald and Danny Williams. The team was managed by Leon ‘Lurka’ Norris and Ross ‘Bear’ Fleming with Riley Younger starring as the ‘ampman’.
Jake Fawcett
The unique Surf League format requires four surfers per set with each surfer allowed 15 minutes to catch three waves (if required) with one nominated power surfer made for non stop action in the water across the whole weekend. The tag team system saw some mad runs up the beach that would have put some Olympic sprinters to shame. Each surfer was required to tag a fellow team member with a clean slap of the hands in a special holding area on the beach before the next surfer is allowed to enter the water.
Saturday saw some great team spirit emerge, but come Sunday it was Cottesloe, Trigg Point, Margaret River and Geraldton left battling it out for the $3000 in prize money up for grabs. Some serious surfing and team tactics came into play to separate the teams. Trigg Point Boardriders answered the call with some heated wave exchanges between Geraldton becoming the norm during the final.
While Geraldton’s Fawcett, Craike and Molloy brothers put the pressure on Trigg it was not enough to hold back Mick Jardine-Hargraves, Mark Lee, Kerry Whitford, Wayne Jaggard and Damon Hayes who were just some of the standouts for the Trigg Point team.
CRAIKEY
The final was an extremely close affair with Trigg Point Boardriders once again stepping up to the challenge to take the win for the second year running. The Trigg team kept racking up the points during the final and continued to thrust their club further into the lead with every surfer that hit the water.
Geraldton Boardriders had to battle the handicap of a rather large night out for many of their stars and still manged to put the wind up the other teams, but to no avail as Trigg Point board riders consistency (and obviously in to bed by 9pm) was just too much for the Mid West team to match. With Margaret River & Cottesloe not far behind in one of the closest Surf League finals to dateTrigg Point Boardriders had a 342.0 point total, with Geraldton second on 317.0 points, Margaret River Boardriders third on 312.8 points and Cottesloe fourth on 262.9 points.
"We are all pretty stoked with the win. Taking out this event is the pinnacle for any club. Gero really put up a challenge and usually it’s the Margies lads we have to deal with, but this time round Gero stepped up to the plate. We came together as a team to produce this fantastic result” said Trigg Point team captain and club president Mick Jardine-Hargraves.
Geraldton team manager Leon Norris congratulated the Trigg surfers and thanked sponsors and contest organisers for a brilliant event. He made special mention of his partner in crime Ross Fleming for all his work in assisting with gathering an excellent team. ‘Thanks to all the crew representing GBR…we have a long history and it’s great to see our team covers a fine cross-section of old and new members who have all enjoyed a great weekend together’.
Geraldton’s Jake Molloy was awarded the Perry Hatchett medallist joining the list of distinguished previous winners, James Catto from Trigg Point Boardriders , Chris Ross and Tom Innes from Margaret River Boardriders. The award was conceived in 2003 and is given to the best surfer in the final. It is named after West Australian World ASP Head judge Perry Hatchett who is also a recipient of the Surfing WA's hall of fame award as a lifetime member.
A number of specialty awards were on offer thanks to event sponsors Rip Curl, FCS, Filtrate Eyewear, and Tooheys Extra Dry with Scarborough team member Kim Clift receiving the Rip Curl Best Tube award, Best Move went to Margaret Rivers Tom Innes , Rip Curl Best Air went to Mark Lee for an amazing air reverse, Filtrate Eyewear Best Wipeout went to Ian Darby, Highest Score award also went to Mark Lee, Mitch Taylor took out the Rip Curl Rising Star award for his performance in the final, the FCS Best Run For The Line went to Cortney Brown who ran so hard he almost lost the contents of his stomach (although Justin Hagan was the prime contender on day 1). The Best Supportive Club award went to Trigg Point for their non stop encouragement over the weekend; Best Emerging Club went to Contacio for their best Surf League result in the clubs history."We are always pleased to be a part of surfing at the true grass roots level. Club surfing is where it’s at", said Neil Atkinson from the Surfboard room in Scarborough. The 2007 Surf League is brought to you by the Surfboard Room Scarborough and presented by Ripcurl. Proudly supported by FCS, Tooheys Extra Dry, Filtrate Eyewear, The Indian Ocean Hotel and Surfing WA.
FINAL RESULTS
The Surfboard Room Surf league 2007
Presented by RipCurl
1st Trigg Point Boardriders – 342.0 Points 2nd Geraldton Boardriders – 317.3 Points 3rd Margaret River Boardriders – 312.8 Points 4th Cottesloe Boardriders – 262.9 Points 5th Contacio Boardriders, City Beach Boardriders7th Scarborough Surfriders Specialty Awards:Best Move – Tom Innes Backhand ReoRip Curl Best Air – Mark LeeHighest Score – Mark LeeRip Curl Best Tube – Kim CliftFiltrate Eyewear Best Wipeout – Ian DarbyRip Curl Rising Star – Mitch Taylor
Best Run For The Line – Cortney Brown
Perry Hatch Medal > Jake Molloy
Best Supportive Club > Trigg Point
Best Emerging Club > Contacio
Photo Credits
www.hughdavis.com.au
