At last! The world’s best surfers finally got to go into battle on the infamous Shoes Reef.
After months and months of waiting for the swell to cooperate – and one week out from the annual Presentation Night – Open Division riders cut loose to earn points in only their third showdown this season.
And, as if to say “sorry” for such a season of dud weekends, the Reef and weather were just perfect.
With the Open Title and the following Top Five spots up for grabs, every rider made the most of the clean conditions. Doing better than everyone else was Matt Cook, who was on fire throughout the heats and semis to gain the top spot and valuable points.
Leader of the Pack all year, Rhys Moffat, was only a cigarette paper away in second spot, followed by a hard-hitting Nathan Hatheier and Tommy “The Gun” Mulder.
Club legend “Cabo” found every barrel, while the top contenders for the Masters (Over 40s) crown – including Pete Rackemann, Johnno Bortello, Mel Withers and Greg Ferrow all ripped.
The waves were so much fun that a Groms Showdown was also held – and not one of the youngster troupe held back. Championship frontrunners Dion Earle, Lachlan Hickey and Blake Sawtell took the swells apart with grinding turns, flashy cutbacks and rip roaring slashes.
Dion just pipped Blake, followed closely by Lachlan, Riley Lee, Sam Schriek, Henry Fuller, Casey Earle and Eathan Addison.
So now it’s on to the Night of Nights this Saturday (30 November) – the crowning of the Word Champions at South Cronulla Bowling Club from 6pm. All members, family and friends welcome.
And one to put in the calendar is the annual Ron Inman Memorial Showdown on Saturday 14 December.
Please thank and support our wonderful sponsors: Dr John Murray Dental Service, Only Organic Foods, Lipman Construction, Tengirri Surf Charters, WJ Partners, Puresea Surf Shop, STC, Cronulla Travel, PCC Surboards, Cronulla Surf Design, Hot Yogi Australia, Leo Payne the Sausage King.
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