Christie out of Ballito Pro

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

GISBORNE-Mahia surfer Ricardo Christie has been eliminated early from the Ballito Pro Qualifing Series 10,000 contest in South Africa.

Gold Coast-based Christie finished third in his Round 2 four-man heat from which the top two advanced to Round 3.

Sitting 13th on the QS rankings heading into this contest, Christie recorded the heat’s highest individual wave score of 7.0 but could only back it up with a 2.07 ride for a 9.07 total.

The heat was won by Championship Tour contender Vasco Ribeiro of Portugal, with 11.83, from Australian Yadin Nicol (10.83) and Christie. Brazilian Ian Gouveia (8.77) was fourth.