The first day of the Australian Surfmasters Titles kicked off in tricky one-to-two foot waves as the tenth day of the Australian Surf Festival moved back to North Haven.
Former World Championship Tour surfer and Bonny Hills local Darren O’Rafferty came out with all guns blazing in the first heat of the day. The talented natural-footer put on an incredible display of backhand surfing to nab himself the biggest heat score of the morning, a 17.50.
“The waves out there were tricky, but if you got a good lefthander then you could do a few turns,” said Darren O’Rafferty. “The banks have been really good at North Haven, but we just need to get some swell to see them at their best. Hopefully we’ll see an increase over the next few days.”
Former Pipeline Master and World Championship Tour surfer Jake Paterson put on an excellent display of rail surfing to notch up a heat total of 12.10. Victorian Michael Barber put up a valiant effort against the West Australian, however in the end, Barber had to settle for second place.
“The waves were actually fun early this morning, but when the tide dropped out and the wind came up it began to get a little difficult,” said Paterson. “I’m not putting any pressure on myself in this event. I’m just happy to be here representing WA and to see how the week goes. I just want to enjoy competing again.”
Other heat winners included: Jesse Horner, Dane Atcheson, Dale Lovelock and Shane Campbell. All surfers will move straight into round two.
Lucy Callister and Holly Wawn fought a tight battle in the first heat of the Open Women, trading blows in the wind-blown peaks. Despite performing one of the biggest frontside snaps of the event, Holly had to settle for second place when Queensland’s Callister locked in a heat total of 13.50.
“This is definitely a hard event, so I’m trying not to get too far ahead of myself,” said Lucy. “This is my first Open Australian Titles, so I’m not feeling too pressured, but in saying that I’d still like to do well. All the girls are surfing really well so far in the opening round. I watched Zoe Clark and my sister Sophie in the heat after mine and they were surfing really well also. Grace and Audrey Styman-Lane will also be two to watch I think.”
Zoe Clarke, Audrey Styman-Lane and Paris Whittaker also took wins in their opening heats and booked their spot straight into the second round.
The swell is predicted to increase over the next few days with the likelihood of favourable winds.
Contest Director Glen Elliot stated: “The wind overnight has had an effect and decreased the small south-easterly groundswell. The chance of small increase over the next few days is good based on several lows moving quickly through the Tasman Sea.”
All heat results, event highlight clips, images and news is available at www.australiansurffestival.com
All competitors are advised to ring the event hotline (0458 247 212) by 6.45am on the days of competition to confirm location and running order.
The main base for the Australian Surf Festival will be Town Beach, which is located in the heart of Port Macquarie, however the event is mobile with numerous beach break options available between Port Macquarie and North Haven (20 minutes drive south of Port Macquarie CBD) including Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills and Grants Beach at North Haven.
This year’s event will feature a busy schedule out of the water with live music and surf education courses, including Surfing NSW’s free CPR and board rescue course, Surfers Rescue 24/7. Town Green Inn is the official headquarters for all functions and courses.
The Australian Surf Festival is a key regional event on the NSW Events Calendar, and is supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The Australian Surf Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government, Destination NSW, Port Macquarie Tourism, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Be the Influence, Harley-Davidson Australia, Town Green Inn, Nikon, Suncorp, Australian Sports Commission, Coastalwatch, NBN, Port Macquarie News, 2MC, Star FM, Surfing World Magazine and Pacific Longboarder Magazine.
2013 AUSTRALIAN SURF FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
10-18 August – Australian Longboard Titles
16-18 August – Australian Logger Titles
16-18 August – Australian Longboard Titles – Under 18 Boys and Girls
19-23 August – Australian Surfmasters Titles
21-23 August – Australian Single Fin Titles
