Mixed start for Gisborne surfers

HOW WAS THAT: Gisborne surfer Buck Woods posted the highest two-wave score on day one of the surfing national championships in Dunedin, but was eliminated in the next round. Picture by Mark Stevenson

IT was tough going for Gisborne surfers on day one of the 53rd national surfing championships in Dunedin yesterday.

Competitors were greeted by a solid four-foot south swell and light winds at St Clair’s Beach.

They were warned not to use the beach access steps at the middle of the Esplanade as a combination of large swell and a lack of sand made it too difficult to access.

Instead, they were told to paddle to the stretch of sand past the boat ramp to get out of the water.

Gisborne’s four-time open champion Maz Quinn progressed to the quarterfinals after placing second in his round of 32 heat.

Quinn posted 11.40 out of 20 for his two best waves — less than a point off the heat winner Sean Kettle (Taranaki) who scored 12.17.

Quarterfinal today or tomorrowHe will surf in a quarterfinal today or tomorrow which will feature defending champion Billy Stairmand (Raglan), who is going for a third open title on the trot.

Buck Woods, from Gisborne but living in Mount Maunganui, posted the highest heat total of the day — 16.93 in the open men’s round of 36 but was knocked out in the round of 32.

He was third in that heat with 9.03.

Gisborne’s Jacob Kohn was also eliminated in the round of 32. He was third with 6.37 in a heat featuring World Surf League Qualifying Series pro Stairmand, who won with 15.50 from Northlander Manu Scott Arrieta on 7.67.

Gisborne’s youngest competitor at the nationals, Abby Falwasser-Logan, struggled in her open women’s round of 18 heat. She was eliminated with a score of 3.6, just 0.27 points off second-placed Raiha Ensor (Mt Maunganui). Auckland’s Gabriella Sansom won with 9.0.

Veteran John Gisby, who is gunning for his 36th national title, will compete today in his age group division alongside fellow Gisborne surfer Ross Moodie.

Falwasser-Logan will also surf today in the under 18 girls’ division.

Light winds and a swell of around 1.5 metres were forecast.