G’DAY world.
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More fun than wrapping Christmas presents in old newspapers is the always giving weekly wash, proudly brought to you by AKWA Surf, keeping you informed with all the surf happenings locally and what has been happening on the pro tour.
Well merry Christmas to everyone out there in reader land and keep an eye out for that big bloke in the red suit who watches you while you are sleeping, sometimes tickling your foot, then goes to the fridge and annihilates all your beer, and helps himself to your secret stash of extra yummy cookies in a way that makes the cookie monster look like a polite eating guest.
But the big guy does leave some awesome presents for all the good boys and girls and lumps of coal for all who isn't.
Us surfers must been a little bit on the tad naughtier side of Santa this year as we have had a pretty lean week of waves with only a smattering of two-to-three foot north east swell.
But what was most unwelcome was the bitterly cold stream of water which was directed straight onto our coast and woke us up out of our summer daze and numbed many a uninformed surfer who stepped into the aqua with only a set of board shorts and a smile.
Early in the week there was a bit of action blowing up at sunbathers heaven, which is also known as North end Mollymook beach.
A rare treat to this area is a fist full of waves and it was definitely nice to paddle out at the picturesque location and enjoy the view on a surfboard instead of just lazily swimming in a pair of Speedos.
Leaving the budgie smugglers under his shorts was Wes Froud, who has jumped back into the water after a bit of a stint on the side lines.
Wes was so stoked after roughly five years out of the water, he jumped straight up on his first wave and smashed it all the way to the beach, giving the local surfer a grin for days. Good to see you back in the water Wes.
Carnaval and thousands of dancing, singing fans came to Pipeline as Gabriel Medina claimed Brazil’s first world surfing crown on the same day Aussie Julian Wilson confirmed himself as a champion of the future with his Billabong Pipe Masters win.
Despite breaking his board in the final, Wilson still managed to hold out 2014 world champion Medina for the biggest win of his career in Hawaii. “This is the best competitive day of my life,” said an emotional Wilson, who also won the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing thanks to his event win only secured in the dying minutes of the final.
“We got to duke it out. That is so cool.”
But on a day of upsets, a changing of the guard, history-making feats and the extraordinary performance of a young giant slayer it was Medina who was the star.
The 20-year-old won the world title midway through the day, got back in the water for just 10 minutes of his quarter-final and then ended up runner-up to Queenslander Wilson.
“It is my best day ever,” Medina said.
“Brazil they are partying I think right now. I am thankful to be part of this.”
Medina’s success came via some help from undaunted fellow South American Alejo Muniz, who took down both of Medina’s rivals for the world title - Australian defending world champion Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater.
The crowd chanted “Alejo, Alejo” in tribute to the 23-year-old as 20-year-old Medina was kissed, cuddled and embraced by friends, family and fans in mob scenes at Pipeline.
“I feel honored to be the one (the first Brazilian world champion),” he said.
The other hero of the day, Muniz, was just as happy.
“It is amazing. He is champion. His happiness, it means a lot to everyone,” he said.
“It is a special day for myself to surf against Kelly and Mick and make those heats. I just wanted to help Gabriel as much as I could.’’
Stay classy Milton Ulladulla and if anyone would like to add anything to this column either call into AKWA surf, buzz us on 4454 5222 or email mekurt@akwasurf.com.au.
Until next week, stay wet.