Christie makes winning start

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

GISBORNE-Mahia surfer Ricardo Christie has made a winning start to his 2018 Qualifying Series campaign.

Christie is into round 3 of the Burton Automotive Pro in Newcastle, a 6000-point QS contest.

The 29-year-old was seeded straight to round 2 and advanced by winning his heat.

Christie scored 11.07 out a possible 20 for his two best waves, a 5.0 ride followed by 6.07.

Australian Stuart Kennedy was second on 10.0 and also moved into the next round.

Hawaiian Seth Moniz (8.20) and Tahitian Mihimana Braye (5.50) were eliminated.

Christie's round 3 heat pits him against teenager Barron Mamiya (Hawaii), Alex Ribeiro (Hawaii) and Adam Melling (Australia).

The Burton Pro is the biggest QS contest of the 2018 season so far. As well as those on the QS, it features a number of Championship Tour competitors.