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Jackson Close took the lead in the Opem Men's division on day 1.PIC: Surfing Australia.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
WATCH ALL THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY 1 . . . here.
Port Macqaurie welcomed Australia's best on a beautiful morning, as the banks at Bonny Hills proved a perfect break for day one of The Australian Surf Festival 2011.
Officially opened last night by Contest Director Glen Elliot of Surfing Australia, Longboard competitors opened up the two week event, which attracts over 370 competitors from across Australia, vying to become Australian Champions in a range of divisions and disciplines.
The prestigious two-week surfing festival was traditionally opened with a Mixing of the waters ceremony and welcome to country on the beach before competitors took to the waves.
The open men kicked off todays competition on the South East swell which wrapped around the headland at Bonny Hills. The 3 to 4 foot waves favoured the Eastern competitors with QLD and NSW taking 1st place in the Round 1 heats.
Securing the highest heat score of 13.5 in the open men' was Jared Neal (NSW) and Jackson Close (QLD), who moved through to round 2 after dominating and winning their heats avoiding the open men' re-qualifiers.
Close' heat was tight with Pat McCarthy (WA) leading off the back of two great waves, riding through to the beach. Goofy footer Jackson Winter (QLD) came out with a solid nose ride on his back hand with a combination wave threatening the lead, but Close managed an 8 point ride in the final minutes securing his win.
Queenslander Clinton Guest comfortably sat in the winning position throughout his heat surfing through to Round 2, with Mitch Surman and Nic Jones from QLD and Ian Bell, Jay Mulherin and Beau Nixon from NSW all winning their heats.
Lunch time brought the wind and in the Open Women it was Kirra Perry (NSW), Erin Dark (NSW), Michaela Ross (WA), Roisin Carolan (NSW) and Emma Webb (VIC) who came out on top in their heats moving through to round 2.
The Australian Longboard Titles comprises of 11 divisions including the open men and women, under 18 boys and girls, O/35 men and women, plus the O/40, O/45, O/50, O/55 and O/60 men.
MORE: www.australiansurffestival.com
The 2011 Australian Surf Festival is proudly presented by Surfing Australia and Surfing NSW and proudly supported by Events NSW, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park, Blue Water Bar and Restaurant, Glasshouse Regional Gallery, Suncorp, VB, Australian Sports Commission, Coastalwatch, NBN Television, Port Macquarie News, Star FM, 2MC FM, Surfing World Magazine and Pacific Longboarder Magazine.
The Australian Surf Festival Program
Australian Longboard Titles - 14-20 August, 2011
Australian Stand Up Paddleboard Titles - 21-24 August, 2011
Australian Surfmasters Titles - 21-27 August, 2011
Australian Alaia Titles - 24-27 August, 2011
Australian Single Fin Titles - 26-27 August, 2011
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