DAY 2: AUSTRALIAN SURF FESTIVAL 2012 Monday, 13 August 2012
Intense conditions brought 8 foot swell to the local beaches and competitors were back to Diamond Head for Day two of the Australian Surf Festival presented by Essential Energy.
The elder-statesmen of the event opened up their campaign in the over 50, over 55, over 60 and over 65 divisions. Stretching up to the experienced age of 83, nothing was stopping these wave hungry salted men from taking on the wild weather.
Local identity Peter Hudson opened his round 1 heat with a pearler 6.00 ride, the nice big open face allowed him to drop a few nice maneuvers and secure a spot in round 2.
"It was a really good wave it just walled up and gave me a bit of potential to do a re entry and I was able to ride it right through to shore," said Hudson.
The wild conditions that have covered the coastline of NSW in the last few days have delivered waves up to 8 feet, forcing organisers to look for protected headlands to hold the event. It hasn't dampened the spirits of ‘Hudo' and his competitors who look forward to the welcoming atmosphere the event brings each year.
"Where else can you go out and have great fun, wander back and say g'day to everyone and in the middle of a National Park. I think it's fantastic, it's the friendships with all the guys we get to see once a year. I've know Marlin for about 40 years so its great to have a yarn and a surf with everyone," said Hudo.
Hudson and Mick Marlin competed against each other in the over 60's with Keith Drinkwater (Bargara, QLD) and Hank Renzenbrink (VIC). Renzenbrink nailed an 8.50 (out of a possible 10) one of the highest scoring waves of the day, winning and shooting straight to round 2.
Fellow Victorian John Ayton (Torquay, VIC) was chasing a big score after catching the reform in the pocket at Diamond Head, to hopefully take him into the lead. Just missing out on the big second score he placed 3rd and will go into the requal with Queenslander Sidney Super (Main Beach).
Danny Bond (Blue Bay, NSW) and Neville Smith (Coolangatta, QLD) won their round 1 heats in the over 65's. Demonstrating the passionate surfing that continues with age, both find themselves in the semi finals with Phil Nicol (North Curl Curl, NSW) and Roy Forbes (TAS).
The Australian Surf Festival event website is now LIVE at www.australiansurffestival.com and during the event will feature live scores, heat by heat results, photo gallery and event news.
The Australian Surf Festival is proudly supported by Essential Energy, NSW Government, Destination NSW, Port Macquarie Tourism, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Harley-Davidson Australia, Town Green Inn, Nikon, Suncorp, VB, Australian Sports Commission, Coastalwatch, NBN, Port Macquarie News, 2MC, Star FM, Surfing World Magazine, Pacific Longboarder Magazine.
