A large easterly swell and strong south west winds ensured that conditions across most of the local beaches looked more like Victory at Sea.

However these same conditions are exactly what ‘Big Dal’ needed to turn on for Sunday’s competition.

For the competitors who decided to take on the challenging conditions, it was a test of ability, nerves and skill. For the spectators who had taken up position on the grassy headland, it was the perfect location to enjoy the spectacle, especially when a large set would roll around the point and whistles would go out to the surfers in its oncoming path.

Stephen Waite was the standout surfer in the Open Men’s division, taking out his quarter-final and semi-final heats, then going on to win the final. As Waite’s fellow competitors snapped surfboards, bounced off the sandbank, or missed opportunities to put points on the board, Waite showed that time in the water is time well spent.

Waite won the final thanks to some critical turns on a large left-hander that earned him an 8.20 out of a possible 10, the biggest single wave score of the day.

Competitors in the Over 45 Men’s division used local knowledge to their advantage, with all six surfers paddling out to Dalmeny Point to enjoy the long right-handers breaking close to the rocks. Andrew Johnson continued his dominance of the division, winning the final with an excellent wave in the dying minutes of the final.

Mark Singleton came close to knocking Johnson from top position however, with a ‘Barrel of the Day’ winning wave that had Singleton taking off late over near-dry reef and swooping under the lip to cheers from the crowd.

The mood changed when the ladies paddled out for the semi-finals of the Open Women.

The aggressive, high energy surfing from the men was replaced by grace, style, and beautiful long rides as the Tasman Sea continued to deliver what seemed to be an endless amount of swell.

Alice Mood had no shame in claiming the ‘Wave of the Day’ award, taking time to acknowledge the applause from crowd after a stylish and well ridden right-hander that broke the length of the point. Megan Ridgway, Alice Mood, and Jodie Hoar had a three-way tie in their final of the Open Women.

 June Competition Full Results

MicroGroms: Asher Hoar.

Under 13 Boys: Kane Doull.

Under 18 Boys: Phillip Davies. 

Open Mens: Stephen Waite.

Over 45 Mens: Andrew Johnson.

Under 18 Girls: Jesse Doull.

Open Women: Tie between Megan Ridgway, Alice Mood, and Jodie Hoar.

Longboards: Justin Black.

Barrel of the Day: Mark Singleton.

Wipeout of the Day: Cameron Ryan.

Wave of the Day: Alice Mood.