MARGARET RIVER BOARDRIDERS

“Surfing the South-West

Surf 

Margaret's boys do well

14 March 2007

In large conditions at Gas Bay on Saturday and testing onshore conditions Sunday, local surfers did very well in the first Open State Round.

Many local surfers entered the event and took out many divisions.

In the Open it was a two lions race between Brett Hardy and Dave Macaulay.

In an entertaining final Brett just pipped Macca to win in blustery 1/2m waves in Gas.

Both attacked the right-handers with big moves off the lip and some swooping cutbacks, with Brett getting the nod with one slightly better wave.

The other places were filled by Zac Ogram from Dunsborough and Jake Molloy of Geraldton.

In the Pro junior division Zac Ogram was too good for other competitors.

Despite a huge air Dan Waddell could not make ground on the polished surfer Ogram, who was riding a board he made for the contest himself.

Mark Clift took out the over 28s and 35s with no local surfers represented.

In the over 40s, in his maiden State Round, Brad Cowan took first place with some great waves.

He showed his local knowledge sitting in good position to take some good rights that other competitors couldn't find.

In the midlife crisis division (over 45s) Mike McAuliffe was in great form, he won from Mal Caithness (Margaret River), Mark Sutton (Perth) and Steve Williams (Perth).

Mike looked very polished and in good form, possibly gained from his lifeguarding at the River Mouth.

In the over 50s the perennial Frank Hayter used great patience and wave selection to beat all comers.

In the women's Jaala Baldock with Isabelle Woods represented the Margaret's area.

The event went off well and it is good to see a State round in a solid reef break rather than small beach breaks which has been characterised for most competitions.

Thanks to members of the Boardriders who helped set up and pack up the event as well as Annette Butcher who ran the makeshift kiosk for the two days of the event.

Club comp is on Sunday, March 18, 7.30am at the River Mouth.

There is some great surf coming over the next two months due to several competitions and hopefully great waves usually found this time of year.

So keep surfing.

Tagz