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Goodbye to a long time friend. - Dave Kennedy passes on.
Tuesday, 5 July 2005
On behalf of WA's surfing community we wish to farewell a very much loved and respected member - Dave Kennedy
As one of Surfing WA's Life Members, Dave Kennedy was a big supporter and contributor to the development of surfing at all levels and disciplines in WA.
Right back to when he was surfing in the State Team as a youngster through to establishing one of Perth's largest surf shops – Star Surf, "DK", as he was affectionately known as, provided endless sponsorship of surfing events and development programs.
Dave lost his battle with Leukaemia last night and wanted WA's surfing community to know how much he appreciated their support and friendship over the years.
Dave's wife Jo extends a warm welcome to everyone in the surfing community who has been a part of Dave's life to attend his funeral to celebrate his life. (please check the West Australian)
Paddleout
A Paddleout for Dave Kennedy will take place this Sunday (10th July) at the southern end of the Whalebone Classic (Isolators, Cottesloe) at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
BREAKING SURF NEWS!XTREME SURF & SK8 STATE JUNIOR SERIES 2005 - Epic conditions test new talent at first round of junior state surfing championships in South West.
Thursday, 21 April 2005
SunSmart presents
XTREME SURF & SK8 STATE JUNIOR SERIES 2005
Supported by West Surfing Products, Hot Buttered, Odyssey 20/20
16/17 April 2005 – Gas Bay, Margaret River
Epic conditions test new talent at first round of junior state surfing championships in South West.
Competitors were greeted with what could only be described as epic conditions for the first round of the Xtreme Surf and SK8 junior series for 2005. They came from afar a field as Kalbarri in the North of our state through to Esperance in the South.
Offshore winds and a clean 2 metre swell put competitors through their paces during the final day with some amazing surfing unfolding in front of the judges and spectators alike.
Boards were broken as well as egos, as for some, the waves were more than intimidating. Dylan Bice (Trigg) was the first to fall victim to Gas Points power. As he pulled into one of the bigger sets of the day the wave just jacked and virtually sucked dry on the reef as Brice disappeared into the abyss only to be released from it with two pieces of his board. In what can only be described as true sportsmanship Micheal Short from Margaret River who was free surfing next to event offered Brice his board to use and this was accepted by Brice much to his amazement.
Cottesloes Dave Delroy –Carr was looking the crowd favourite during the semi finals of the under 18’s posting a total heat score of 18.67 pts out of a possible 20. The young natural footer pulled into two amazing tube rides which saw him average around 9 points for each, but was unable to replicate his performance in the finals.
Delroy-Carr opened the final with a 5.67 point ride which was quickly answered by Geraldtons Jake Molloy who posted a 7 point ride. The lead then changed constantly between all four finalists with Jake Perkins (Kalbarri) notching up an opening ride of 6.2 points and Triggs Jack Bestall throwing down the gauntlet with a 7.5 point opening wave. Throughout the final competitors went for broke to win the first round and not only gain a psychological advantage, but also much needed points.
As huge fans of spray were sent into the air from manoeuvres performed by the finalists Delroy-Carr snapped his board in two, as Gas Points infamous lip came crashing down on him with just 8 mins to go. A back up board was provided, but he never really found the form again as he adapted to the new board. During the board exchange Molloy posted a hefty 8.5 ride with a series of vertical back hand manoeuvres that saw him hold the lead and win the event from Delroy-Carr by 1.24 points.
“It was pretty amazing out there. Everyone was just pushing each other wave for wave. After yesterdays howling onshore conditions and rain I was pretty stoked to see it clean and offshore for today. I would just like to thank my sponsors and everyone involved with the event and I’m pretty happy with the win” said Molloy.
Mandurahs Tod Quartermaine paced himself through the event in the Under 16 final. The 14 year old showed gusto along with 15 year old Shaun Howe from Kalbarri who is more than familiar with powerful surf in his home region. While Howe posted the highest score in the final, 7.50 points he could not find a decent back up wave to make the cut to win and it was Quartermaine who took out the final by just 1.21 points ahead of Howe.
“I was looking for one of those ones that Delroy-Carr got in the semis” said Quartermain, “As the judges were awarding some high scores for tube rides. But none really opened up in our heat, but it seems like I did enough to win, I’m pretty stoked” added Quartermaine.
In the under 18 womens final it was Isobell Woods from Claremont who set the pace early. Woods opening ride was a massive 8.27 points for a long left hand wave that she performed a series of controlled cutback manoeuvres on to thrust her into the lead early, but unfortunately with only a backup wave of 3.67 points Woods could not keep it as Jamie Eidsvold (Palmyra) posted a 6.57 points during the last two minutes of the final to just sneak in front of Woods by just 0.01 of a point for a win.
Hillarys Felicity Palmateer did not disappoint in the Under 16 womens final. The petite 13 year old had a host of new girls challenging her at this event with new faces including daughters of former world professional surfer Dave Macaulay. Laura, Ellie and Bronte Macaulay all made their debut in their first competition with enthusiasm and fun along with new comer Jodie Barton Kalbarri. All the girls seemed to have fun during the final, but it was Palmateers past contest experience and surfing that shone through in the final to give her a win.
The under 14’s final saw Geraldtons Danny Williams again assert his dominance in the division. Williams who is surfing way beyond his divisions capability easily accounted for the other finalists with speculation by his father that he would be entering Danny in the under 16’s division in future events.
Margaret River local 11 year old Creed Mc Taggart could be seen as WA’s future hope on the World Professional circuit. Not since the days of when Taj Burrows and Jake Paterson used to compete in the state rounds has there ever been anyone more illuminating than McTaggart.
McTaggart was more than polished than other competitors in the Under 12’s final and should also look at competing in a higher age bracket, not only for the experience, but also because of his surfing prowess.
In a final display to top of a near on perfect day a pod of Dolphins was on hand to witness most of the finals.
The West Surfing products special award for the Best Manouvre performed by a male went to Dave Delroy-Carr, while the West Surfing products special award for the girls wave of the day award went to Isobella Woods. The Coca Cola Junior Surfer of the event award was received by Geraldtons Jake Molloy for his surfing throughout the entire event.
The event is proudly presented by SunSmart promoting common sense in the sun and XTREME SURF & SK8 surf and skate stores
Proudly supported by XTreme Surf & Sk8, West Surfing Products, Hot Buttered, Odyssey 20/20, SunSmart, Surfing WA, Coca Cola, Access 31 and 96fm
FINAL RESULTS
SunSmart presents
XTREME SURF & SK8 STATE JUNIOR SERIES 2005
Supported by West Surfing Products, Hot Buttered, Odyssey 20/20
16/17 April 2005 – Gas Bay, Margaret River
UNDER 18 Boys
Jake Molloy (Geraldton), 2. Dave Delroy-Carr (Cottesloe), 3. Jake Perkins (Kalbarri), 4. Jack Bestall (Trigg).
UNDER 16 Boys
Tod Quartermain (Mandurah), 2. Shaun Howe (Kalbarri), 3. Matt Baldock (Margaret River), 4. Thomas Parker (Bullcreek).
UNDER 18 Girls
1. Jamie Eidsvold (Palmyra), 2. Isobell Woods (Claremont), 3. Jaala Baldock (Kallaroo), 4. Sarah Refeld (Hillarys).
UNDER 16 Girls
Felicity Palmateer (Hillarys), 2. Bronte Macaulay (Gracetown), 3. Jody Barton (Kalbarri), 4. Laura Macaulay (Gracetown), 5. Ellie Macaulay (Gracetown).
UNDER 14 Boys
1. Danny Williams (Geraldton), 2. Tori Branton (Innaloo), 3. Louis Connell (City Beach), 4. Jake Fawcett (Geraldton).
UNDER 12 Boys
1. Creed McTaggart (Margaret River), 2. Jye Perkins (Kalbarri), 3. Jesse Carter (Kalbarri), 4. Matt Connell (City Beach).
JAIMEE WHEATLEY ACHIEVES BEST PRO RESULT SO FAR -
BILLABONG EASTER GIRLS SURF FEST 2005
14 year old Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa) etched her name in Australian surfing history today by becoming the youngest ever surfer, male or female to win an ASP rated Pro-Junior event, defeating the experienced Jaimee Wheatley (Geraldton, WA). Fitzgibbons surfed well beyond her years, using the man on man priority system to steal victory from Wheatley in the dying seconds of the 25 minute final.
With Wheatley holding the lead on two waves totaling 11.25, Fitzgibbons needed a strong ride with only seconds remaining. Holding priority, she out ranked Wheatley on a solid left hand ride, surfing on edge all the way to the shore to post a 7.00 ride and secure the win.
Pro Junior Results:
1st - Sally Fitzgibbons (NSW) 1500 points $1000
2nd- Jaimee Wheatley (WA) 1290 points $600
= 3rd - Stephanie Gilmore (NSW) Rebecca Oakley (QLD) 1095 points $350
RYE CRAIKE FIRING UP AT SALOMON MASTERS
March 17th - Ex GBR surfer Rye Craike has cruised into round at the masters - the contest has been postponed until Friday 18th March and Craikey's heat is first up -
His heat draw for Round 3 is:
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CJ Hobgood |
USA |
| White |
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Leigh Sedley |
AUS |
| Yellow |
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Shane Powell |
AUS |
| Blue |
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Ry Craike |
AUS |
RYE
TAJ WINS NOVA SCHIN IN BRAZIL!- Win dedicated to Twiggy....
Tuesday, November 9, 2004 (Imbituba, Santa Catarina, Brazil) West Australian Taj Burrow today won the Nova Schin Festival 2004. The Foster’s men’s ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) kicked off with quarterfinals this morning, running right through until the US$260,000 event climaxed.
Swell decreased overnight, but good 3ft (1m) peaks remained at Praia da Vila. Thousands again lined the beach to witness their favorite surfers in action.
The 35-minute final against fellow Australian Tom Whitaker began perfectly for Burrow, who picked off a long lefthander to post a daunting 8.5 first ride. The 26-year-old then fell attempting a frontside tail-sliding grab, but locked in another righthander moments later to land a huge aerial reverse maneuver for a near-perfect 9.33 score and the massive victory.
With two previous WCT wins already to his credit in Brazil (2002 & 1999), today’s marks his fourth overall and pushed him into 5th on the current ratings. He collected US$30,000 prizemoney and dedicated the outcome to his close friend ‘Twiggy’ who sadly passed away last month.
“I can’t believe it,” began Burrow, after being carried up the beach by his Aussie mates. “It’s the first time in awhile I’ve peaked at the right time, so I’m so stoked. It’s my third win over here, so it’s really weird I keep getting results in Brazil. I was just a magnet for waves out there, and they kept coming to me. I knew there were some little ramps on the righthanders due to the wind, so I hunted one down and pulled it off.
“I was really trying to win a contest to dedicate it to one of my best friends who passed away in October,” he continued. “I dedicate this to ‘Twiggy’! I know he’s watching.”
For Whitaker, today’s final showing marked his best result to date. The 25-year-old became the first surfer to beat freshly crowned three-time world champion Andy Irons (HAW) yesterday, but in his first WCT final, was unable to bridge the gap his opponent had created. Nonetheless, he jumped all the way from 26th into 13th position on the current ratings to solidify his position on next year’s elite tour.
“What can you do against ‘TB’ on those little rights,” acknowledged Whitaker. “He’s an aerial specialist, and a freak, but at least I had the best seat in the house to watch him out there (laughs).
“That’s hot,” he added, when hearing his ratings position. “Top 16 is a massive feat for anyone, so that’s pretty exciting. The crowd here in Brazil was crazy. I can’t wait to have a few beers and celebrate.”
GREAT BUDDY TWIGGY WILL BE SADLY MISSED AND LONG REMEMBERED
A West Australian surfing photographer found dead in France this week is believed to have died of a heart attack, it was learned.
Kevin Twiggy Sharland was last seen on Monday evening after leaving a nightclub near the town of Capbreton, according to French police.
He was found Tuesday in the water at Hossegor, the site of the French round of the world surfing championship that ended on Sunday in victory for Hawaiian world champion Andy Irons.
Fellow Australian photographer Paul Sargeant wrote in his column on the Association of Surfing Professionals' web site that the tight-knit pro surfing community was stunned by the death.
"We lost a brother. Our photographer mate from West Oz, the mighty Twiggy, was found dead in the water at Hossegor," Sargeant wrote from Mundaka in Spain, the site of this week's WCT event.
"The French Coroner's initial findings are heart attack.
"No words can explain to you the shadow of grief that has be-set us all here."
Sharland was the father of two children.
Organisers of Mundaka's Billabong Pro held a minute's silence for Sharland between the first and second rounds of competition on Wednesday.
SUNSMART PRESENTS
HOT BUTTERED WA BODYBOARD SERIES 2004
SUPPORTED BY EBB
EVENT 2> 12-13 JUNE> TRIGG BEACH
STATE RECORDS SET TO TUMBLE AT TRIGG
WA bodyboarding action is set to explode this weekend at Trigg Beach with record numbers of competitors vying for state selection in Round 2 of the Hot Buttered WA Bodyboard Series.
Contested over three events, surfers are rated on their best two results with all divisions in action this weekend. Starting from the U/14 Grommets through to the Grand Masters, the competition will be intense.
The open division is set for a record breaking state championship hat trick from Geraldton surfer Kris Nelson, following his Event 1 win at Gas Bay earlier in the year. However, standing in his way will be the young junior competitor from Bunbury, Adam Luehman, who displayed amazing skills in the first round making the semi finals. Luehman, who has no doubt learnt from the experience, is also set to claim the junior state title
Equally exciting, will be Mandurah's George Ramsdale in the U/14 grommets. Following his Round 1 win earlier in the year, he is set to claim his second state title at age thirteen. Out to challenge him will be Swanbourne's Henry Phillips who has improved with every outing.
With a large swell expected, all competitors will be tested ensuring a spectacular weekend of action. Competition will commence at 7.30 Saturday.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Paul Lofthouse
Event Manager
Surfing Western Australia
Tel: 9448 0004
Wildcards named
Salomon Masters and SunSmart Classic
Wednesday, 10 March 2004
Geraldton surfer Jamie Wheatley is one of the hottest female competitive surfers West Australia has seen in recent years. Fresh from a 4th placing at the Billabong Pro Teen Series event in Wollongong last week she will be in good form in the lead up to the SunSmart Classic.
Wheatley who has grown up surfing the powerful reef breaks of Geraldton and Kalbarri, is well suited to the big swells that Surfers Point Margaret River is renowned for.
“I am really stoked to get the wildcard this year, especially now that the SunSmart classic has been upgraded.”
“I haven’t done many WQS events before and all the girls are surfing so well at the moment but I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Ben McGay contender for 2003 Open State Title - click here to read the article!
SUNSMART PRESENTS
EBB WA BODYBOARD SERIES 2003
EVENT 2 - 5/6 JULY 2003 - TRIGG BEACH
Geraldton's Kris Nelson claimed the overall 2003 State Open Bodyboard Title at Trigg Beach on the weekend in what will be remembered as one of the best finals seen in WA.
In solid 1.5 metre wind swept waves, Nelson snatched victory in the dying moments of the final. Tim Fowler from Dalkeith opened his finals campaign with a solid 8.0 point ride and immediately backed that up with a 7.5 ride leaving Nelson with a seemingly impossible task.
With two minutes remaining Nelson pulled into the largest wave of the day bottom turning into the beast before sailing skyward off the wave,spinning in the air and then landing in a mountain of white wash. To the astonishment of the large crowd assembled on the beach, he reamerged while still riding the wave.
As the judges announced the score a perfect 10 point ride Fowlers heart sank as the impossible had been achieved and a chance at the state title had been lost for another year.
Tom Ayton from Albany was named the Coca Cola Junior Surfer of the Event displaying great skills and aggressive surfing throughout the event and will definitely be a rising star of the future.
RESULTS
Open Mens
1. K Nelson, 2. T Fowler, 3. T Sanford, 4. J Stephens
Senior Mens
1. D Tulloch, 2. L Ellis, 3. I Goldthorpe, 4. S Allan
Drop Knee
1. K Feast, 2. T Sanford, 3. M Dobson, 4. C Abbott
Juniors U/18
1. J Barnard, 2. R McCurdy, 3. J McKinley, 4. C Thomas
Cadets U/16
1. T Ayton, 2. N Thomson, 3. G Nunn, 4. J Neethling
Grommets U/14
1. G Ramsdale, 2. H Phillips, 3. R Hands, 4. J Casey
Open Women
1. T Butterley, 2. K Phillips, 3. K Charles, 4. B Iskov
2003-04 Oakley/ ASL Big Wave Awards
Australia and New Zealand waters
Prizemoney $20,000 1 June 03 - 31 January 2004
The Big Wave Awards are on again, meaning that the surfer who rides the biggest wave between 1st June 2003 - 31st January 2004 in Australasian waters will win.
This was won last year by Ross Clarke-Jones (an Aussie) for his tow-in ride in September 2002, at Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania. Runner up was N.Z.'s Doug Young, with a massive wave ridden off the South Island reefbreak, Papatowai.
Major challengers for this OAKLEY/ASL BIG WAVE AWARD include: Paul Paterson and Courtenay Gray (have already had some practice sessions south-west of West Australia), Cheyne Horan of the Gold Coast, Koby Abberton and Mark Mathews of Maroubra, and Doug Young and Miles Ratima of New Zealand.
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stole the show in the 16 and under boys division after pipping under 14 State Champion Todd Quartermaine in the dying seconds of todays final. The 15-year-old sprinted back into the line-up with only one minute remaining after Quartermaine had exited the water thinking he had sealed the final. Picking up a rougue set, Howe demolished the right hander with five huge backside turns to the beach and was rewarded with the score he required to take the win.
and Jake Fawcett excelled in the boys 14 and under division despite a low scoring final. Williams secured the win on two scoring rides of 6.83 and 5.93 to relegate his local mate to second. Third and fourth were Liam Van Den Ham and Conor McGahern respectively.