Lizzy Surf Series Round 1

Suring Queensland
Surfers Paradise Queensland
9 - 11 May 2008

Ellie-Jean Coffey wins Lizzy Surf Series on the Gold Coast

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 11 May, 2008 : - Crescent Head sensation Ellie-Jean Coffey (NSW) has stamped her mark as a future surfing star upstaging a class field of the nation’s best female surfers to win the open women’s division of the inaugural Lizzy Surf Series at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast today.

Stop no.1 of 3 on this year’s state series, the prestigious all-female tournament boasted a 70-strong field along with $2,000 in prize money. Cementing her reputation as leading the ‘new guard’ of surfing ‘grom-mettes’ coming out of Australia, the 13-year-old ace was in searing form in the wind-affected 0.5-1-metre beach break waves.

But it was no easy win for the exciting goofy foot that had to defy an all-out attack by Maroochydore’s Dimity Stoyle in the closing minutes of the 25-minute final to take victory. After sitting in fourth place for the majority of the final, Stoyle claimed the lead from Coffey with a heat high 9.23 to leave her opponent requiring a 5.6 for the win.

Ellie-Jean Coffey : photo Jake White

With seconds remaining Coffey locked in a 5.67 to jag the win along with $1,000. “I actually thought that Dimity (Stoyle) had won, so I’m stoked,” said Coffey. “I thought I scored a five on my last wave but when I reached the beach the commentators repeated the scores and I realised that I had won. I can't believe it.”

Coffey finishing with a final total of 13.34 to Stoyle’s 13.23 (out of a possible 20).  Sunrise Beach surfer Naomi Stevic and Coolangatta ripper Linda Fisher finished third and fourth respectively. Leaving Surfers Paradise, Coffey sits in the numero-uno position on 1000-points, ahead of Stoyle (860) in second with Stevic (730) in third.

Meanwhile, Cabarita’s Brittani Nicholl upstaged a talented field of surfers to win the under 21 girl’s division today. Surfing young gun Sarah Mason (Tugun) shredded her way to victory in the under 14 and under 16 divisions, while Stoyle (Maroochydore) won the under 18 division.

Alex Headlands surfer Sharon Jackson secured victory in the Masters (Over 35) division, while Bel Hardwick (NSW) upset the applecart defeating Jackson for victory in the senior’s (Over 28) division. But the all-female series isn’t all about fierce competition.

The Lizzy Surf Series is designed to be a really social affair and is a perfect event for women and girls to have their first crack at competition surfing. Acting as a fantastic introductory series, the open women’s division incorporated a social division for the opening event of the year. New Zealand ripper Wini Paul surfed away with the social division title, upstaging her Australian foes with a classy performance.

The Lizzy Surf Series finalised with the finals of the open women’s division as well as amateur divisions from the under 14’s through to masters (over 35). For all event updates please check out www.surfingqueensland.com.au or call the Surfing Queensland Office on (07) 5520 1165

www.lizzardsurf.net
www.surfingqueensland.com.au

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Jake White

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