| Over 160 surfers compete in the Australian Surfmasters Titles |
 |
 |
| Monday, 24 August 2009 21:42 |
|
As the mercury rose on day two of the Australian Surfmasters Titles so did the high scores and amazing performances as competitors blazed a trail at Lighthouse Beach. Seeing unseasonably hot weather throughout the mid-north coast, temperatures rose beyond 30 degrees, Lighthouse Beach was the perfect backdrop for the best surfers in Australia. With over 160 of the best amateur competitors from across the land the Open Men and Women opened up procedures with a dizzying array of surfing. Brittani Nichol (Cabarita, NSW) was by far the standout of the morning, revelling in the one-metre conditions. Having been in the USA for the past three weeks on the international competitive surfing merry-go-round, Nichol sent out a warning shot to her counterparts. “I’ve just arrived home after spending three weeks in California,” she said after racking up the highest total heat score of 16.50 (out of a possible 20). “I surfed Trestles heaps and had so much fun, but it’s time to refocus and do well here.” Negotiating the conditions better than any other competitor on day two, Nichol found solace in the southern bank – picking off the right-handers with ease. “I managed to pick the right waves in my heat, but it’s quite tough with the small swell,” Nichol said. “There are so many great competitors from around the country so to do well here would be awesome.” Paige Haggerston (Coal Point, NSW), Naomi Stevic (Sunrise Beach, QLD) and Dimity Stoyle (Buderim, QLD) were also in great form all qualifying through to the next round of competition with ease. Sam Lendrum (Nord’s Wharf, NSW) was another competitor in sparkling form, cruising through his opening heat this morning in the Open Men division. Heralding the intentions of the dynamic new-school, Lendrum outshone some of his more experienced rivals as he focuses on winning his maiden Australian Title. “It’d be awesome to win an Australian Title,” the young Novocastrian said. “It has always been a dream of mine to take home the title, but it is the goal of all Australian surfers so it’s going to be tough.” Also doing well today was the Hudson siblings, Grant and Wayne, who both relished the opportunity to surf in front of both friends and family, using their local knowledge to their advantage in the Over 28 division. Tomorrow will another massive day competition as 11 National Titles get set to be awarded through what will be an amazing week of surfing. The Country Energy Australian Surf Festival will take place from August 15 – 29 2009 at Port Macquarie.
|
