Tricky four-foot wedges plagued the second day of the Wahu Australian Bodyboard Titles when the event resumed at Gallows Beach today.
Scott Arena (Ettalong, NSW) and Andrew Turnbridge (Surry Hills, NSW) were the standout performers in the second round of the Open Men. Both New South Welshmen posted heat totals in excess of 11 points (out of a possible 20 points) to book their spot into the Open Mens semi-finals to be surfed later in the event window.
West Australian bodyboarders Jake Metcalfe (City Beach, WA) and Ben Veitch (Margaret River, WA) were the other round two Open Mens heat winners and will also move into the semi-finals.
Despite finishing in second position in his round two Open Mens heat, Adam Keegan (Mt Coolum, Qld) proved he was a potential threat in the Senior Mens division (Over-23), posting a solid eight-point ride (out of a possible ten points). The Sunshine Coast bodyboarder consequently left heat runner-up Mathew Mytka (Kogarah, NSW) chasing a solid 6.51 wave score to knock him from the top spot.
Andrew Turnbridge and Ben Veitch were also victorious in the Seniors Men division. Due to taking out their heats, all bodyboarders bypass the Requalification rounds.
Gary Thatcher (Highworth, Qld) posted the highest heat total of the event so far in the Drop Knee division. The bodyboarder was able to lock in a 14.75 heat total to secure his position in the Drop Knee semi-finals.
Dion Myers (North Boambee Valley, NSW) and Rory Nelson (Cape Burney, WA) also claimed heat wins for solid performances in the same division.
2014 is the first year the Wahu Australian Bodyboard Titles have been part of the Australian Surf Festival.
2014 Australian Surf Festival Contest Director Glen Elliot said: “The best bodyboarders in Australia are competing for the right to represent Australia at the ISA World Titles and to be crowned Australian champion, this will ensure a high performance level from all competitors.”
The Australian Surf Festival at Coffs Harbour is set to attract more than 500 surfers from around the country, over the 18-day event period.
A hotline – 0458 247 212 – is operating for the festival which will feature a recorded message updated at 6:45am each morning with the confirmed daily schedule and contest venue.
Coffs Harbour is home to a number of great beach break options that work in a variety of wind and swell conditions. The main base for the event will be Park Beach which is located north east of the Coffs Harbour CBD. The event is fully mobile in the Coffs Harbour region with numerous beach break options which include Park Beach, Macauley’s Beach, Diggers Beach, Jetty Beach, Gallows, Arrawarra Beach, Mulloway Beach, Woolgoolga Beach, Emerald Beach and Sapphire Beach.
Live results and daily news will be updated at www.australiansurffestival.com
The 2014 Australian Surf Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is also proudly supported by Coffs Harbour City Council, Coffs Coast Tourism, Wahu, The Hoey Moey, Nikon, Toyota, Pacific Longboarder, FCS, Australian Institute of Sport, Surfing NSW and Surfing Australia.
2014 AUSTRALIAN SURF FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
1 August – Australian Surf Festival Opening Ceremony
2-6 August – Australian Surfmasters Titles
2-3 August – Australian Single Fin Titles
6-14 August – Australian Longboard Titles
7-10 August – Australian Logger Titles
14-18 August – Wahu Australian Bodyboard Titles
