Surfing South Australia

Open Shortboard State Titles Round Three Presented by Coopers

SURFING SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE TITLES ROUND THREE

Saturday, 29 May 2010

Version:1.0StartHTML:0000000149EndHTML:0000003826StartFragment:0000000199EndFragment:0000003792StartSelection:0000000199EndSelection:0000003792 Round Three  of the South Australian Shortboard State Titles presented by Coopers was held at the scenic Middleton Point on Saturday.

A cold and windy morning greeted spectators and competitors for day one with surf conditions revealing a small 1-2ft swell with moderate onshore winds from the SW.

With a rising swell and winds forecast to reach 35 knots throughout the day competitors took straight to the water to take advantage of the more favorable conditions.

The early rounds featured the the youth of the the South Australian surfing community with the U16 girls the first heat in the water.

As predicted the swell and wind grew rapidly and the juniors did not take a backwards step, putting on a great display of high performance surfing.

A standout in the junior rounds was U14s competitor Luke Sykora Luke having traveled three hours from his home on the Yorke Peninsula to compete displayed a style of surfing way beyond his years with a combination of critical turns and mature style.

By noon the swell had risen to 2-3 feet accompanied by a wind threatening to blow spectators and officials from the contest site.

With an increased swell size the call was made to put the premier division of the open men in the water.

With one of the most closely contested state titles of recent years anticipation was high. With a total of four surfers having the ability to take home the prized open men's state title these early heats were of great importance.

The four surfers vying for the title, Teale Vanner, Max Longhurst, Brett Edwards and Todd Goudie all drew different heats giving each the chance to progress further.

The four heats of the open men’s division showed why these competitors are regarded as some of the best in the state. The surfers were able to create speed and complete powerful turns in the otherwise weak a mushy wave conditions. The high standard meant it would be tough for the title contenders to make it to the next round.

The ratings leaders however showed their superiority and all surfed exceptionally well progressing though their individual heats.

Heat 4 saw the round 2 state titles winner Max Longhurst surf solidly to progress through but it was the explosive surfing of Tom Watson, the eventual heat winner that had everyone taking notice.

The heat of the day however belonged to Brett Edwards who blew his competitors away, selecting great waves and attacking them with a variety of high scoring maneuvers.
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When asked about his chances of winning the states title Brett expressed modestly, “at the moment I am just taking it each heat at a time trying not to get too ahead of things’.

Brett also commented on his state title competitors. “ everyone is in it to win it, but I think Tom Watson was really blowing up today”.

The South Australian Shortboard State Titles would like to thank Coopers Brewery, The Office of Recreation and Sport, Liive Sunglasses and Far King Wax for their ongoing support.
 
An announcement will be made daily at 7AM sharp for the location of the State Titles, which will be left on a recorded message on mobile number 0437 714 492.

With all title contenders progressing, excitement is high for tomorrows day of competition. With the swell set to increase further the signs look good for another fantastic day of competition.