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The fifth event of IBA Australasia Rebel Sport Pro Tour begun today in Western Australia. The EBB Pro is the state’s biggest professional bodyboarding event, bringing together some of the countries best riders who are competing for the 4K prize money up for grabs.
Day one of competition completed at a spot know as ‘Mouse Traps’, a long and sectiony left hander that breaks over a shallow reef. Waves in 2-3 feet range (1.0m – 1.5m) gave competitors great opportunity to impress the judges with some deep barrells, and huge aireal manouvers highlighting the first round action.
After some initial delays in finding the best location, the EBB Pro began with a dominant perfromace from Jake Stone (QLD), who got straight down to business, setting the day’s highest combined heat score of 17.03 points. This consisted of an 8.83 and an 8.20, that was to be the benchmark for the remaining heats. Stone threaded some amazing tubes and huge rolls on the shallow end section, that had the crowd on the beach in histerics. Stone was matched by another Queenslander Joe Clarke, who scored a last minute 7.00 ride to eliminate WA favourite and event darkhouse Alex Halsey (Woodvale, WA) in a shock first heat upset. Lee Szczepanski (Margaret River, WA) was another that looked suited to the conditions early setting up one of the waves of the day. Szczepanski, has just returned from a two week stint in Bali and didn’t mind the cold waters of the South-West. The current Senior Men’s national title holder, showed that he’ll be one to watch for in the remaining heats. “Im just spewing to be back from Indo, the waves were fun this morning though. Hopefully the swell picks up for the rest of the weekend.” He Said.
Other WA riders to make an impact on day one were Ben Veitch (Margaret River), Trent Sanford (Scarborough), Ryan Hands (Mandurah), Tim Fowler (Padbury), and Aiden Stampalia (Joondalup) all moving comfortabley through to the next round comfortably.
Tom Rigby (QLD), Jones Russell (NSW), Corey McLean (QLD), Cade Sharp (QLD) and Mitch Woodland (NSW) were the best of the east coasters all throwing down solid performances.
With so many in form bodyboarders competing, the race for the 2009 EBB Pro title should be an interesting one.
The EBB Pro will look to bless competitors with the best conditions possible and with a large swell set to hit the South-West coast in the coming days, the action is set to be electrfying. Tommorrow action will switch back to the EBB State Series event, and finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday when a 4.0m swell should see Australia’s best bodyboarders shine.
For more info on the EBB Pro check out www.surfingwa.com.au or www. www.ibaaustralasia.com. Full results avaliable there.
SOURCE: IBA Australasia
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