| Thurso East is pumping waves for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland |
| Saturday, 17 April 2010 08:24 |
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The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 6-Star men’s O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland commenced round two of competition with the event’s top seeded surfers until due to lack of waves it was eventually put on hold after the completion of heat nº 13. Following an afternoon assessment of conditions event officials decided to wait until tomorrow to resume competition. A bitterly cold, grey day greeted competitors early at the main event site of Thurso East. As the day progressed the swell increased to the 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m) range but unfortunately dropped off with the lowering tide as the on-shore winds strengthened making for yet another rugged day of endurance at the most northern, coldest event on the planet. The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 6-Star O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland offers surfers a chance to gain valuable ASP World Men’ Star points as well as points in the overall O’Neill CWC Series and for European competitors Scotland marks stop nº 1 of 12 of the ASP European Series which will eventually crown this year’s European champion. Nathaniel Curran (USA) sitting nº 85 on the ASP Men’s Star ratings was today in stunning form with a controlled demonstration of competitive surfing. Well drilled and planned to perfection his performance surprised despite not having tested today’s conditions. “I didn’t get a free surf this morning because I didn’t want to get too cold. The first couple of waves I just wanted to get into a rhythm and catch a lot of waves.” Starting off his 30-minute clash with two solid rides in the 6.5 range Curran then sat and chose only the quality waves coming in. Attempting airs and using the heat time to get accustomed to the freezing water temperatures eventually nailing a 7.33 to obtain the day’s highest two wave heat total of 14.16 out of a possible 20. “It is kind of tricky some are breaking out the back and the some waves beak out wide and you can get a score on the good ones but sometimes a bit hard to figure out what to do but it’s fun just a bit chilly though.” “I’ve been here once a two years ago and made a couple of heats so really stoked to get a result here. I don’t mind the rubber so I’m stoked:” Current ASP European champion Joan Duru (FRA) got off to an excellent start to his 2010 European campaign. Looking confident and surfing with power and control laying down some trademark high-speed back-hand turns, the 21- year-old from Ondres has sent out a clear message that in this 5th edition of the O’Neill CWC Scotland Duru wants to go higher than his 3rd place result last year. “I really like this wave and it is like 4ft and it has power so I love it. I came third and there were good waves but today it was a bit bad so hopefully tomorrow will be better.” Cory Lopez (USA) made his first appearance in Scottish waters with a polished display in deteriorating conditions. Sitting in 37th place at the moment on the ASP Men’s Star ratings Lopez used a different approach to his first heat of the CWC Scotland. “I saw everyone paddling out up the point but I wanted to stay away from them and do my own thing. I was getting a view of the wave from down there too because you can paddle out and see what the guys are doing and there were a couple of wide bowls and I lucked into a couple of those so happy to get through the heat.” Lopez found it tough out in the water having had little time to adjust to the hash climatic conditions and was pleased with his overall first up performance. “That was my first surf in Scotland so I didn’t have too much warm up time. The waves are real challenging at the moment. There are a few waves to be had but the chops pretty rough and it’s the coldest water I’ve ever surfed in and it was an experience and I am glad to get through the heat and looking forward to some bigger waves later in the week.” Marc Lacomare (FRA) 19, advanced along with Jeronimo Vargas (BRA) overcoming the Australian pair of Yadin Nicol and Jarrod Howse. Definitely a tough match-up Lacomare went from strength to strength as the heat progressed for what was a comfortable win. “I haven’t done a contest in a long time so I am happy to get into the following round. I am going step by step to do the best in the next heat.” Current ASP Europe Junior Champion, Lacomare knows that at this level of competition meeting more experienced opponents is all part of the learning curve. “I want to go as far as I can in the contest and for sure there are going to be some hard heats and I know this one was very hard to start with but I didn’t think about it just catch my waves and see how it goes” Tomorrow’s forecast for an increase in swell and wind makes for a challenging day ahead for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland when the first call will be at 7:00am (local Time). UPCOMING ROUND 2 HEATS OF O’NEILL CWC SCOTLAND Heat 14: Alain Riou (PYF), John John Florence (HAW), Frederic Robin (REU), Russell Malony (AUS). RESULTS ROUND 2 OF O’NEILL CWC SCOTLAND Heat 1: T.J Barron (HAW) 12.43, Blake Thorton (AUS) 10.77, Anthony Walsh (AUS) 10.50, Jarrad Sullivan (AUS) 7.87
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