THE forecast had indicated minimal prospects for the Mollymook Longboarders contest at HQ, and when the first few arrived to check out the waves there was an immediate decision to repair to Molly Reef where there were contestable, if less than inspiring, waves.
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On the bright side, the likelihood of having to contend with a horde of free surfers seemed minimal.
Weatherwise there could not have been more of a contrast with the 35 degree plus temperatures of Friday, with a forecast of mid-teens and the threat of rain.
The contest was the first for the 2015 contest year, and there was an excellent roll-up of 24 surfers, plus a number of apologies, indicating continuing good support for competitive longboarding in the area. Previous club champion Phil Schoer was welcomed back after an absence since 2011.
During the contest a memorial paddle-out was held for Greg Ansley, who left our earthly presence in October after a short battle with illness. Greg was the highly respected Canberra-based correspondent for the New Zealand Herald, and a pioneer surfer from the Christchurch region.
The ceremony was attended by a number of his family and friends.
Early heats were surfed in calm-ish conditions, however an onshore wind increased throughout the morning, mushing the mostly wind swell waves. There were the infrequent larger sets that generally gave those who lucked-in the distinct advantage of a longer ride and the possibility of a reform closer to the shore.
Throughout the contest most surfers found four or more waves in their heats, but there were few wave scores in the above average bracket.
The 24-surfer contest format comprised a four heat first round and two repechage rounds.
Ross Murphy got his year off to a good start with a clear win in the first heat of the day, with the other heat winners being Adam Maher, Rod Dale and Paul Hoyer, who all progressed direct to the semi-finals.
Steve Rutten and Neale Ashby were two regular finalists who were relegated to the cut-throat first repechage round, after less than glorious results in the first round heats, but both had clear wins to progress to the second rep round where further progression was a bit easier.
However, Neale lost a countback decision for fourth place in the next round and was eliminated, along with Greg Furmage, who missed the semis for the first time since February.
Rob Maher, Steve Rutten, and Ross Tomsen looked to have sussed out the waves with strong performances, and Richard Austen’s light-weight frame seemed to give him a distinct advantage paddling on to the waves.
Phil Schoer had a win over Paul Hoyer in the first semi, with Adam Maher in third place.
In the second semi Rod Dale surfed with a lot of style in the conditions for a clear win over Steve Rutten, with Richard Austen securing third place and a final berth for the first time.
These results meant that in a long time the final did not contain one or all of regular finalists and pointscore contenders from previous years: Ross Tomsen, Rob Maher and Ross Murphy.
Steve Rutten got off to a good start in the final with a mid-average first ride, but Adam Maher took the lead with his second ride, went further ahead with a third wave score in the high average bracket, and stayed well in front of the pack until the end.
Rod Dale again showing a bit of style in less than helpful conditions edged ahead of Steve Rutten mid heat to secure second place.
Phil Schoer was fourth, a great result, and he will no doubt be looking to regain the pointscore trophy in 2015.
Paul Hoyer was in contention early in the heat but he could not find the high-average score he needed to stay in touch.
Richard Austen seemed to be in the wrong place at the right time throughout the heat and missed out on any of the potentially higher scoring waves.
Results:
1. Adam Maher
2. Rod Dale
3. Steve Rutten
4. Phil Schoer
5. Paul Hoyer
6. Richard Austen
Next contest: The next contest is scheduled for Saturday, December 20. The 2014 presentation function will be held that evening at a venue yet to be decided.