Ocean and Earth International Teenage Rampage

Surfing Australia
Curl  Curl Beach New South Wales
27 - 30 December 2008

Out of Towners dominate Day 2 of International Teenage Rampage |  Heat draw & Results

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 December, 2008 : - - Curl Curl, Sydney – A perfect summer's day matched inspired performances from Australia's top junior surfers on day two of the Ocean and Earth International Teenage Rampage, at Sydney's Curl Curl Beach this morning. Competition intensified in the U16 boys division as it reached it's third and final round with some 70 hopefuls competing for just eight converted spots into the Semifinals.

Saturday's standout 14-year-old Matt Banting (Port Macquarie) continued his flawless form posting a superb 14.00 heat score (out of 20.00) for his textbook manoeuvres, on the predominantly left-handers (left breaking waves). "I really enjoyed myself out there today," Banting said. "There were only two of us in the water due to some 'no-shows' so we were able to be more selective of our waves and it counted in my favour."

Banting, who will travel to Hawaii in one month's time to test his skills in the enormous waves of Oahu's North Shore, oozed with confidence in the one-meter surf at Curl Curl. "I have nothing to loose at this contest because I am surfing in an older age group," said Banting who is an U14 competitor.  "I'm really just taking in the experience and having fun out there."

Another top performer at Curl Curl today was Jack Freestone (Coolangatta, Gold Coast) who stamped his authority on his round 3 heat with a great 12.5 score. The young Gold Coast surfer, who hails from the same local break as former ASP World Champion Mick Fanning, was similarly enjoying himself in the punchy beach break conditions.

"These were some of the best waves we've had at this contest, I think there is more sand on the bank we were surfing further north," Freestone said. "I'm hoping we get more surf like we did out there today which will give me a chance to showcase my surfing and hopefully help me to earn a place in the final later this week."

Zac Scott (Cronulla) unleashed his powerful backhand attack to earn a solid 11.8 heat score while it was no surprises from Jordi Watson (Currarong) and Jesse Horner (Cronulla), both of whom snatched solid 10.5 scores.

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"I'm stoked with my win today but it's definitely going to be tough getting through to the Finals with this format," Watson said of the unique Ocean and Earth 'top-score' format." I think I am sitting at third at the moment but it will be touch and go for sure. I've had a great year and a win here would be the perfect way to finish it off."

Other impressive performances came from Cooper Chapman (North Narrabeen) who scored a 9.8, Connor O'Leary (Cronulla) 9.6 and Doug Chandler (Woolangong) 9.3.

The U16 girls division saw utter domination from Brodie Doyle (Coolangatta) and Philipa Anderson (Merewether), both girls schooling their competition with some of the highest heat scores of the day.

Doyle, who like Freestone hails from Australia's renowned Superbank on the Gold Coast, used her experience of surfing alongside some of the world's best including two times ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore at her home break, to post an excellent 15.5 score (out of 20.00) to lead the charge for a place in the Semifinals.

"This is my first event at Curl Curl and I really enjoyed the waves out there this morning, it is definitely better than it looks," Doyle said. "There is some stiff competition and all the girls are surfing well, we surf against each other a lot so it's just a matter of getting the right waves on the day."

Anderson's supremacy came in the form of two consecutive 15.00 scores which she earned in rounds 1 and 2, firing warning signals to her competitors that she will be the girl to beat at this event.

Japan's Nao Oumura looked similarly dangerous, her lightening snaps earning her a 12.5 score while Skye Burgess (Woolangong) captured a solid 11.5.

Rounds 1 and 2 of the U16 girls division were completed as well as the U16 boys round 3. The premiere U20 boys division was expected to commence later in the afternoon.

Advancing into the Semi-finals of the U13 boys division yesterday afternoon were, division leader Chris Robertson with 67.5 total, Isak Cliffird 63.3, Matt King 63.3, Eli Steele 61.5, O'Neil Massin 59.3, Bodi Smith 59.2, Jordan Lawler 58.3 and Michael Wright 58.2.

The Ocean and Earth International Teenage Rampage will continue tomorrow through Tuesday with more excellent international junior surfing expected throughout both days.

The Ocean and Earth International Teenage Rampage is the premier grommet event in Australia; past winners include ASP World Tour campaigners Jordy Smith (Zaf), Jeremy Flores (Fra) and Benn Dunn (Aus).

Check the Heat draw & Results

Previous reports:
# 1 : Aussies post strong show against int'l field in Sydney
# 2 : Coming soon
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon  

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Kirstin Scholtz

Groms - Surfersvillage