As expected the big guns dominated the SheSurfs 2 Women's Surfing Contest at Ahipara on Sunday with Kelly Clarkson just edging out Mischa Davis to win the competition. But organisers were extremely pleased at the way the Northland competitors challenged the obvious talents and competitive ability of the two top seeds. YasueToyoda, Aleisha Gore, Olivia Arca, Kirstie Thomsen, Fiona Pinkernell and Raewyn Urlich all showed that they could compete with the best in the country. Also a group of young up-and-coming surfers, including Brodie Calquhoun, Samantha Sharp and Tessa Workman, displayed great potential at the event. Special mention must also be made of Crystal Hale, who at 10 years of age was the youngest contestant. Contest organiser Pinkernell said everyone rose to the occasion and put on solid performances, indicating a real depth among Northland woman surfers. The SheSurfs2 contest was held in fantastic conditions at Mukerau 2, Ahipara, under sunny skies, with offshore winds, and a clean two-metre swell wrapping around Tauroa Pt. "We had the break to ourselves, and the quality of the surf and the surfing had everyone buzzing," Pinkernell said. At the prize-giving Pinkernell made special mention of the officials and sponsors who supported the event and ensured it ran smoothly. "Events like this require input from the whole surfing community. It's great to share the spirit of surfing and we look forward to another awesome event next year," she said. Results: Kelly Clarkson 1, Mischa Davis 2, Yasue Toyoda 3, Aleisha Gore 4, Olivia Arca 5, Kirstie Thomsen 6, Raewyn Urlich 7, Fiona Pinkernell 8, Brydie Calquhoun, Renee Lee 10=, Tessa Workman, Louise Kelly 12=, Sophie Garland, Lisa Busby, Samantha Sharp 15=, Jacinda Murray, Sophie Nelley, Crystal Hale 18= .
