The July world title contest was an absolute beauty. With solid swell, sunny blue skies and a big turn-out across all four divisions.
The level of surfing went up several notches, as members went to town on ideal but challenging overhead sets.
And to put sauce on the meat pie of an excellent contest, Junior ace Blake Sawtell bagged an histroic 10 out 10 points for a ride in his heat that saw him massacre a solid two metre wave – including a sweet five second tube!
The ride was the talk of the comp, notwithstanding the high level of surfing delivered from start to finish.
With the swell pumping, the race for the Open Title went up several notches, with Tom Mulder scoring a big scoring last ride to edge out Matty Cook, Jazmyn Turner and Tom Lotta.
The Junior Final was equally a master class in how to tear the stuffings out of every wave on offer, with Charlie Chegwidden gaining the No 1 slot from Luca Durante, Blake Sawtell and Luke Wedeswieler.
Guts and glory were also on big display in the battle of the Groms, with Fin Moore just getting the better of a barnstorming Ryder O’Donnell, Tom Callander and Harry Fisher.
And last but not least, the Over 40s showdown produced an amazing slab of hellish surfing from members who know only too well how to shred big waves.
Frontrunner in the division, Brett Daintry, was on fire to snag another victory to enhance his top of the table position – but with rivals Guy Turner (2nd), Johnno Bonello (3rd) Marty Shipley (4th) and Mark Campbell (5th).
All in all, one of the best tournaments seen at the Reef that Rules in many years.
A big thanks to Guy Turner and Reno Gillespie for putting on a terrific BBQ.
And so it’s onto the August World Title Showdown. Check the Sandshoes website for dates.
Stay ready and waxed up!
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