NOMAD Shark Island Challenge
In Association with Emerald Surf City

Shark Island, Cronulla, NSW
7 - 27 July 2009

Ewan Donnachie is the 2009 Nomad Shark Island Challenge Champion

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 3 August, 2009 : - - Ewan Donnachie from Sydneys Northern Beaches has won The 2009 Nomad Shark Island Challenge in clean 1.5m  conditions to claim first prize of $10,000 over an accumulated two round points system.

Since the completion of Round 1 back on the 12th of July, riders and officials have been on stand-by waiting in anticipation for the second round to commence. The weeks that followed saw small to flat condition as Sydney basked in a stable weather pattern. Towards the end of the 21 day waiting period riders voted unanimously to extend the period to accommodate a strong fetch of ground swell that was predicted to reel up the N.S.W coastal and its paid off.
 
Riders were greeted to a freshly groomed Southerly ground swell, a direct result of a powerful lower pressure system situated in the Tasman Sea. As dawn broke, long clean lines peeled around the infamous reef giving everyone an early viewing on what laid ahead.
 
Due to the southerly direction Contest Director Mark Fordham wasted no time on calling the event ON, taking full advantage of the perfect low to mid tide conditions. The heats were reversed (4, 3, 2, and 1) to ensure that all riders had their fair share of tidal conditions. Riders had 45 minutes to top up their round 1 scores. 

Overall each heat had their fair share of waves. Competitors basically lined up to enjoy the fun barrelling conditions. Standouts from Round 2 were Alex Leon, Ben Sawyer, Dave Ballard, Chris James, Nick Omerod, Ewan Donnachie, Christian Riguccini and Shaun Peterson.
 
Upon the completion all headed down to Bar 2230 for the presentation. The Best Off awards were presented and then the top eight place getters where called up for the final countdown. Riguccini and Donnachie were the last two standing. Both had shown great tube riding skills and wave knowledge through out the event. In the end, Riguccini, the 1999 SIC Champion was pipped by a mere 5.3 point leaving Donnachie to take to SIC 2009 title..
 
THE WINNERS LIST
 
First Prize                              - Ewan Donnachie                $10,000 winner takes all
Best Barrel                            - Dave Ballard                       2 weeks stay at The Secret Sumatra – Surf Camp
Best Move                             - Shaun Peterson                 2 week boat trip courtesy of The Surf Travel Company
Best Wipe Out                      - Glen Thurston                    $500 – courtesy of Bar 2230, Cronulla
Longest tube time                - Dave Ballard                       Buzzing over Sydney in the world renowned Red Bull Stunt Plane
 
In the end it came down to the most consistent rider and that rider was Ewan, explained Contest Director Mark Fordham. Even though he didn't win a Round he managed to secure two solid scoring waves from both days. For example, Dougy Showell was leading after the Round 1 and couldn't find his rhythm in Round 2.

Dave Ballard only scored 1 solid wave in Round 1, but managed to find his rhythm, especially in the barrel and took out Round 2 it was a tight event the luck could have swung in anyones favour, that's competition... I guess Round 2 was a savour for many. The waves were great for all heats so guess everyone is happy. It would have been great if it was a little bigger though as the old saying goes you take what youve been given.

After analysing the swell yesterday I thought that it was going to pump as the tide got higher, instead it just hovered at the 3-4ft range. Regardless, everyone on board is stoked, there was plenty of tubes and plenty of ramps to hit so all in all everyone had an equal chance to improve on their first round scores.

After the winners speech, Donnachie was quick to comment on the importance of the event, Overall its been a Challenge for everyone, physically and mentally, unlike any event in the world... I am stoked that everyone saw the bigger picture and decided to extend the waiting period. Having that flexibility is essential thats the beauty of the SIC- it gives us the chance to express our sport in the best possible way...”
 
Rider                                      Round 1                 Round 2                 Total                       Placing
Ewan Donnachie                  33.8                        42.1                        75.9                        1st
Christian Riguccini                24.5                        46.1                        70.6                        2nd
Alex Bunting                         34.3                        35.4                        69.7                        3rd
Jose Marquina                      23.8                        42.1                        65.9                        4th
Doug Showell                       37.3                        24.4                        61.7                        5th
Josh Pollard                          27.7                        34.0                        61.7                        5th
Brendan Ryan                      27.3                        33.9                        61.2                        7th
Shaun Peterson                   17.3                        43.8                        61.1                        8th
Dave Ballard                        13.7                        47.4                        61.1                        8th
Nick Omerod                         20.6                        37.8                        58.4                        10th
Adam Luehman                    25.3                        32.1                        57.4                        11th
Glen Thurston                       27.5                        28.2                        55.7                        12th
Ben Sawyer                         17.0                        38.4                        55.4                        13th
Alex Leon                             18.8                        34.7                        53.5                        14th
Glen Sullivan                         25.5                        26.8                        52.3                        15th
Jason Finlay           `             15.0                        30.3                        45.3                        16th
Jared Houston                      11.8                        32.0                        43.8                        17th
Chris James                           0                              42.0                        42.0                        18th
Kira Llewellyn                       13.5                        9.5                          23.0                        19th
Mike Murphy                          10.0                        0                              10.0                        20th
               
On a final note I would like to thank all the Sponsors of this year’s event for their continuous support especially in this economic climate, the riders for the total commitment and positive frame of mind and attitude during the entire competition period and, of coarse the officials and crew for their upmost professionalism. See you in 2010... 
 
SPONSORS FOR THE 2009 SHARK ISLAND CHALLENGE ARE
 
1. Nomad Bodyboards
2. Emerald Surf City
3. Riptide Bodyboard Magazine
4. Secret Sumatra
5. Surf Travel
6. Human
7. Limited Edition Fins
8. Red Bull Australia
9. Dunes Wetsuits
10. Bar 2230 - Cronulla

www.riptidemag.com.au
www.limited-edition.net.au
http://twitter.com/ltd_edition

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