R&R Sport South Island International Longboard Pro-Am

Surfing New Zealand
Kaikoura New Zealand
17 - 19 March 2007

World Champion Proves Class at R&R Sport South Island International Longboard Pro-Am

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 March, 2007 : - -  Reigning world longboard champion Josh Constable of Australia retained his hold on the South Island Longboard ProAm title winning the R&R Sport Open Men’s Division in Kaikoura this weekend. Constable proved his versatility to progress through to the final despite conditions varying from large, gnarly waves on the first day to small half foot conditions for the final.

The open final saw Constable, New Zealand style master Darren McBride (Mnt), European amateur champion Elliot Dudley (Wales) and the Pacific Champion Micheal Burling (Gis) battle out small variable conditions in a chess like tactical battle.

Darren McBride was the stand out New Zealander of the event. Mcbride competed in three finals on the final day winning the Makita Old Mal and placing second in the R&R Sport Open Men’s and Signmark Nose Rider to world champion Josh Constable.

It was a true testament to McBride’s skill having to ride a different type of board in each final. McBride also picked up the Noosa Longboards cheque for the highest placed New Zealander in the Open Men’s, capping off a successful weekend for the Kiwi. Constable treated spectators on the second day of the event, during the changing of the tides, with a demonstration of stand up paddle board riding and expression session.

With Daniel Kereopa (Rag) exiting in the second round, the door was opened for Micheal Fitzharris (Gis) to take back the lead in the Hyundai Longboard Tour. Fitzy was looking good to make his second consecutive appearance in the Open Men’s final until an interference call did not go his way and he was eliminated in the semifinals.