2010 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event 1 

Surfing New Zealand
Sandy Bay Tutukaka, New Zealand
5 - 7 February 2010

Internationals Dominate Proceedings At Sandy Bay

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 6 February, 2010 : - - Day Two of the first event of the 2010 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour kicked off in small 1.0m waves at Sandy Bay today. Conditions continued to hold out for the event.

The main round of the day was the Open Men’s Quarterfinals. In fun, semi-clean conditions the big crowd on the beach were treated to some great surfing action with every heat being stacked with the best longboarders in the country. In the first heat Dylan Barnfield (Ohope) and Winter (Noosa, AUS) both scored long, high scoring waves progressing to the semifinals.

2009 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour winner Michael Burling (Hawkes Bay) surfed the fun waves on offer with some powerful turns linking all the way through to the beach. Shane Baxter (Dunedin) also showed good form and the renowned big wave surfer from Otago proved he can mix it up on the longboard as well.

However it was Kirk Beyer (Wellington) that stole the show in the second half of heat two smashing his way into first place. Owen Barnes (Mount Maunganui) surfed a solid heat all the way through and managed to secure himself a spot in the semifinals.

Heat Three saw Josh Constable (Noosa, AUS) and Taylor Jensen (California, USA) absolutely demolish every wave that came their respective ways. Jensen (USA) got some long nose rides while Constable (AUS) rode his 9-footer like it was a shortboard with his fins-free attack. As the event moves into the business end the two internationals will be ones to watch.

Hone Douglas (Ohope) and Jackson Winter (Noosa, AUS) were the stand out surfers of the junior rounds. Douglas (Ohope) won his heat convincingly surfing with a mix of progressive and traditional style. The 14-year-old has emerged as a true contender in the junior ranks and will no doubt be a contender for the title in 2010.

Another highlight from the junior heats was the youngest surfer in the event Brie Ryan (Gisborne). The 8-year-old whose father, Kelly Ryan (Gisborne), is no stranger to the New Zealand longboard competitive scene, surfed some great waves. This was Ryan’s first outing at a Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour event and no doubt we will see his name in future years.

Next up was the women’s quarterfinals. A squall of atrocious weather briefly put a hold on surfing but once it had passed, the women’s action got underway. There were a number of familiar faces in the event including Olympic Gold Medallist windsurfer Barbara Kendall (Auckland).

Kendall (AKL) is surfing in the Sandy Bay event for the second time in 2010 and said she loves coming to the Northland event for the “good family atmosphere." Nava Young (Angourie, AUS) and Claire Norman (Sydney, AUS) were both standout surfers in their heats. Both women are seasoned competitors and their experience on the international stage was evident.

Other surfers who have progressed into the next round include: Belinda Goodwin (Mount Maunganui), Daisy Thomas (Christchurch), local surfer Kirstie Thomson (Whangarei), Mischa Davis (Oratia) and Heather Hamilton (Christchurch).

In the Over 40’s Division Lynden Kennings (Whangamata) dominated his first round heat winning with ease. The 2009 Over 40’s Champion started the 2010 year how he intends to continue. Brendan Young (Hawkes Bay) continues to be a stand out surfer at this event and surfed his way into the semi finals.

Other surfers who progressed through to the semi-finals of the Over 40’ s division include: Robert Hawkins (Raglan) , Rupert Newbold (Ocean Beach) , John Ayton (Whangarei) , Grant Cochrane (Christchurch) and Mark Calcutt (Christchurch).

The Stand Up Paddleboard division hit the water late in the afternoon. Conditions are forecast to remain much the same for the final day of the event. Sandy Bay continues to deliver on its outstanding reputation with its consistent waves and relaxed atmosphere. Day Three will no doubt be a must watch as the action heats up at event one of the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour.

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