Waiting game for Quinn in quest for fifth crown

IN TOP FORM: Maz Quinn. File picture

GISBORNE surfer Maz Quinn will compete for a record-equalling fifth open men’s title at the national championships in Dunedin tomorrow.

The event was on hold this morning due to onshore winds producing a lack of swell. It is forecast to pick up tomorrow and Quinn is hoping for some more of the bombs he caught in the semifinals yesterday.

Quinn opened his heat in emphatic style, with a ride of 8.50 in the open two minutes followed by a 7.0 effort before any of the other three had caught a wave.

His total, however, was surpassed by defending champion Billy Stairmand, of Raglan, thanks to a wave he described as “crazy”.

Having lost to Quinn earlier in the champs, Stairmand came storming back with an 18.07 total including a near stand-up pit, which earned him 9.80.

World Surf League Qualifying Series competitor Stairmand, also chasing a fifth open crown, won the semi from Quinn, with Matt Hewitt (Mount Maunganui) third on 11.77 and Sean Kettle (Taranaki) fourth with 5.57.

The other semi was won by JC Susan (Dunedin) with 12.67. Luke Hughes (Raglan) placed second with 11.83 while Daniel Farr (Taranaki, 9.0) and Keone Campbell (Taranaki, 8.40) were eliminated.

The top two surfers from each semi advanced to the final. Only two surfers have won the open crown five times — the legendary Iain “Ratso” Buchanan and Wayne Parkes.

“Getting a fifth title is the goal but I have to catch the right waves in the final first,” Quinn said this morning.

Gisborne veterans John Gisby and Ross Moodie could surf today in the over-60 men’s division. Gisby is vying for his 36th national title.