Round 1 exit by Christie at Aussie Open

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

GISBORNE-Mahia pro surfer Ricardo Christie has been knocked out in the first round of the Australian Open of Surfing.

Gold Coast-based Christie could only muster a two-wave total of 9.40 (out of a possible 20) in wind-affected, waist-high waves at Manly Beach.

Mikey Wright (Australia) topped the heat with 14.97 and Cam Richards (United States) was second on 13.27. The top two progress.

The early exit at the World Surf League Qualifying Series 6000-point rated event makes for a tough start to Christie’s bid to requalify for the Championship Tour after a third round exit at Newcastle Surfest last week.

Fellow Kiwi surfer Billy Stairmand (Raglan) came second in his heat at the Aussie Open, progressing to round 2.