Surfing Western Australia

Surfing WA State Open Series Pres. By SunSmart Round # 2

Surfing WA State Open Series blessed with great conditions in Geraldton

Monday, 17 May 2010

The second event of the 2010 WA Open Surfing Series was completed in Geraldton over the weekend. Perfect autumn conditions prevailed as WA's best open aged surfers were rewarded with fun and ripable waves in the 2-3 feet range at the ever reliable ‘Flat Rocks' just south of Geraldton. In what has developed into one of the best semi-professional surf series' on offer in the country, competitors were treated to long running left hander's which suited the goofy footers, who used their forehand attack to precision. The event was highlighted by the performances of an emerging group of new talent, which went head to head with some stalwarts of WA surfing with years of competition experience behind them.

Travelling to some of the best surf locations in the state including Margaret River, Geraldton and Rottnest, the State Open Surfing Series has played an integral part in the development of surfing in Western Australia over many years. With the Australian Surfmasters Titles scheduled to begin in New South Wales in mid August, the second round of competition saw the intensity levels increase as surfers were keen to stake a claim at state representation.

With the chance to represent WA on offer, surfers were looking to consolidate on results from the first event in Margaret River, or to use the opportunity to make a name for themselves at state level. A great surf forecast delivered over 70 competitors with high performance waves which although slow at times made for some entertaining heats.

The Open Men's division set the pace from the start with some impressive performances from Ryan Wordsworth (Dunsborough), Jesse Carter (Kalbarri), Jarrad Davies (Margaret River), Drew Everest (Scarborough) and Max Marsden (Geraldton) who all displayed great surfing in their opening heats.

But it was a mix of old and new that really had the beach talking, with former professional surfer and defending State Open Champion Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), who was simply electrifying in his defence of his title in Geraldton. The stylish and casual approach of Macaulay was rewarded by the judges with some of the weekend's biggest scores. Not to be overwhelmed by Macaulay's performance, Yallingup duo of Sam Tucker and Brody Maclean who were also unstoppable in their heats and would provide for some entertaining finals action.

The Open Men's final culminated with the form surfers of the weekend meeting in an unforgettable final, where the lead changed often between all four surfers. Despite the efforts of his younger competitors Dave Macaulay saved some of his vintage best until the last heat of the day where his experience shone through. A 7.50 ride and a back up 6.83, was to post a total of 14.33 from a possible twenty and claim the victory ahead of Ryan Wordsworth in second, Brody Maclean in third and Sam Tucker in fourth.

"I have a pretty similar left hand wave that I get to surf quite a bit back home, so I certainly felt comfortable out there." Said Macaulay after the final.

"I knew it was going to be hard with all the younger guys surfing so well over the weekend, I knew I'd have to be on the top of my game." He continued.

After an impressive outing in the Open Men's division arguably the surfer of the weekend, Brody Maclean brought his momentum into the Under 21 Pro Junior final to claim a great win. With two wins from as many starts in the division Maclean was a deserving winner of the 2010 Pro Junior State Title. The youngster used a progressive and smooth style throughout the weekend to win the event ahead of Sam Tucker in second, Shay Morgan (Yallingup) in third and Geraldton local Max Marsden rounded out the top four.

When asked why he was in such good touch at the event Mclean replied.

"Flatrocks is such a fun little left that it wasn't hard to have a good time out there. Im lucky to surf with all my mates here and I look forward to the next event over in Rottnest."

Maclean's efforts over the weekend highlight the growing talent pool events such as this are discovering right across WA, especially the South-West area.

In one of the best heats of the day Luke Hayter (Scarborough) kept his State Title defence on track with a hard fought win in the Senior Men's division. In an action packed 25 minutes Flat Rocks turned on wave after wave and allowed for a tug of war battle between four quality surfers. Simon Hughes (Trigg) finished a well deserved second ahead of Cayden Catto (Geraldton) and Ryan Wordsworth had to settle for fourth.

In other results from the weekend, Margaret River's Brad Cowan won the O35 Masters division. Geraldton's Ross Fleming used his local knowledge to easily take out the O40 Senior Masters. Dave Macaulay was too strong in the O45 Grand Masters division claiming back to back wins, and back to back State Titles. Geraldton's Leon Norris was another to shine at Flat Rocks winning the O50's Legends division.

In the Women's divisions, it was a weekend out for Dimitra Carter (Geraldton) who won both the Open Women's & Senior Women's division in emphatic style.

The next event of the 2010 WA State Open Series travels to Rottnest Island on June 19th - 20th, where competition is set to heat up for the remaining State Titles up for grabs as well as the precious positions onto the WA State Surf Team.

The Surfing WA State Open Surf Series proudly presented by SunSmart and proudly supported by Surfing Western Australia and The Geraldton Boardriders.

Photos Available

Complimentary high resolution images are available through Surfing WA official event photographer Nick Woolacott. Images of other place getters are available for your specific region of circulation, contact: Nick Woolacott, nicwooly@hotmail.com ph: 0430 434 022 photo credit: Woolacott Images.

FINAL RESULTS

Open Men: 1. Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Ryan Wordsworth (Dunsborough), 3. Brody Maclean (Yallingup), 4. Sam Tucker (Yallingup).

Open Women: 1. Dimitra Carter (Geraldton), 2. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), 3. Erin Eames (Geraldton), 4. Ellie Macaulay (Gracetown).

Pro Junior U21: 1. Brody Maclean (Yallingup), 2. Sam Tucker (Yallingup), 3. Shay Morgan (Yallingup), 4. Max Marsden (Geradlton). State Champion: Brody Maclean

Senior Men O28: 1. Luke Hayter (Scarborough), 2. Simon Hughes (Trigg)), 3. Cayden Catto (Geraldton), 4. Ryan Wordsworth (Dunsborough).

Senior Women O28: 1.Dimitra Carter (Geraldton), 2. Erin Eames (Geraldton)

Masters Men O35: 1. Brad Cowan (Margaret River), 2. Craig Tuesley (Horrocks) , 3. Paul Anderson (Geraldton), 4. Terry O'Leary (Margaret River).

Senior Masters O40: 1. Ross Fleming (Geraldton), 2. Craig Tuesley (Horrocks), 3. Brad Cowan (Margaret River), 4. Tony Thomas (Margaret River).

Grand Masters O45: 1. Dave Macaulay (Gracetown), 2. Leon Norris (Geraldton), 3. Brad Cowan (Margaret River), 4. Tony Thomas (Margaret River).

Legends O50: 1. Leon Norris (Geraldton), 2. Frank Hayter (Margaret River), 3. Steve Williams (Karrinyup), 4. Brent Moss (Secret Harbour).

For more information contact:

Surfing Western Australia - Event Manager
Justin Majeks
T: +61 8 9448 0004
justin.majeks@surfingwa.com.au

Surfing Western Australia - Event Photographer
Nick Woolacott
T: +61430 434 022
nicwooly@hotmail.com

About Surfing WA: Surfing Western Australia was established in 1964 and is regarded by the Department of Sport and Recreation ass one of WA's major sporting organisation. For over 40 years Surfing WA has been the governing body for all forms of surfboard riding in Western Australia, including shortboards, longboards, bodyboards, and stand up paddle boards.