Special conditions called for a different format, so one-hour heats were run to give surfers enough time and opportunities.
On Day 1 the surf was massive, and took its toll on surfers and equipment. Spectators witnessed jaw-dropping barrels, broken boards and 30-minute paddle-outs from even the toughest surfers.
Three rounds of surfing were completed on the first day of competition before southerly winds put the contest on hold until the next day.
The best two male surfers of each heat made it into finals day and were able to take their highest single wave-score with them.
A total of $2000 in prize money and a custom-made surfboard drew in surfers who hadn’t put on a competition jersey in years.
Johnny Hicks was the standout surfer on Day 1 and carried a 10-point ride into the next day.
On Sunday, surf conditions were a touch smaller but cleaned up slightly.
People were out in the winter sun, watching from the beach and beachfront properties.
The women’s final started the day’s competition. Five of the region’s young female surfers showed their commitment in overhead surf, and it was impressive to see them taking care of each other in the conditions.
Saffi Vette won the final, ahead of Stella Smith, Abi Daunton, Daizee Rawls and Hannah King.
In the men’s competition, the second day’s performances confirmed Johnny Hicks as the outstanding surfer of the event, ahead of Bobby Hansen, Brett Summerlee, Simon Thomas, Adam Grimson and Mark Gardner.
Event winner Hicks said he was looking forward to next year . . . “bigger and better again”.
The club and sponsors are hoping to run the event again next year.
