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Clean Conditions For Day One of Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour |
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Written by Ben Kennings
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Saturday, 06 February 2010 |
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Unknown in the morning light - Image PhotoCPL
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The first event of the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour kicked off in style yesterday (Friday 5th February) at the secluded paradise of Sandy Bay, on Northland’s Tutukaka coast. Semi-clean 1.0 – 1.5m waves rolled through and conditions were ideal for the start of the competitive season.
This year there are a large number of surfers from across New Zealand and a handful of Australian and American professionals here to fight for valuable Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour points.
With nearly 60 competitors in the Open Men’s Division from as far south as Dunedin, the 2010 Sandy Bay event is set to be one of the best yet. In fact 2010 has seen the largest field of surfers with 135 entries across 6 divisions.
2006 World Champion Josh Constable (Noosa, AUS) heads the star studded line up from overseas, and 2009 Australian Tour Champion and three times US Champion Taylor Jensen (Oceanside, CA) is also at Sandy Bay. Other international competitors include Nava Young (Angourie, AUS), Jackson Winter (Noosa, AUS), Claire Norman (Sydney, AUS) and Cristiana Pires (USA).
Day One of the event saw the preliminary rounds of the Open Division run in fun, clean waves. In heat one of Round One Jackson Winter (Noosa) won his heat convincingly. Isaac Johnston (Tomarata) posted the highest heat score in Heat four with a total of 12.33, moving comfortably into Round two.
Other surfers who progressed through Round one include; Sean Hovell (Gisborne), Ari Davis (Auckland) Bryan Young (Auckland), Troy Conole ( Gisborne) and Tony Baker (Mangawhai).
The second round of the Open Men’s Division hit the water with many of last years competitors being seeded through to this round. Winter (Noosa) continued his good form winning in style. Baker (Mangawhai) also won his second heat with Steve Tyro (Christchurch) in second place.
Paul Culpan (Auckland) styled his way through his heat with Zane Baker (Mangawhai) getting a late cover up to sneak through in second place.
The big heat of Round Two saw Constable (Noosa) and Jensen (USA) seeded into the same heat. Jensen (USA) locked in two solid rides with a mix of high performance tail surfing and nose riding. Constable (AUS) also surfed the fun waves on offer and progressed with ease.
Other surfers who progressed through Round two included: Bryan Young (AKL) , Brendan Young (Hawkes Bay), Trent Dickey ( Auckland) Sam Johnson ( Gisborne) and Tom Owens (Christchurch).
Brendan Young (Hawkes Bay) continued his winning streak taking first place in Heat one of the opening round of the Over 40’s Men’s Division. Young, a veteran on the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour, showed why he is up there with the best in all divisions he contests. Gavin Neal (Christchurch) dominated Heat two with Rhys Powell (Omaha) moving through to the quarter finals as well. With the outgoing tide and consistent 1.0m - 1.5m waves, Round three hit the water. Many of the big names from last year’s Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour including 2009 winner Michael Burling (Hawkes Bay) and 2009 Sandy Bay event winner and 2009 National Champion Daniel Procter (Gisborne).
Sandy Bay’s consistent banks continued to deliver quality waves and as the sun shone down, spectators were treated to some hot surfing.
Heat one saw Dylan Barnfield (Ohope) dominate his opening appearance winning convincingly.
Pending heats for Round three include the following surfers; Michael Burling (Hawkes Bay), Daniel Procter (Gisborne), Owen Barnes (Mount Maunganui) , Thomas Kibblewhite (Orewa) and Leroy Rust (Dunedin).
Six divisions are contested on the tour – Open Men, Women, Junior Men (under 18), Over 40 and Over 50 and Stand Up Paddleboarding.
The remaining events for the 2010 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour follows:
Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event 3, Dunedin – 20th – 21st February
Hyundai National Longboard Championships, Whangamata – 6th – 7th March
Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour Event 5, Port Waikato – 26th – 27th March
Entry into remaining events can be completed at www.surfingnz.co.nz under events. Complete the entry process online or download entry forms and send them in. The 2010 tour is expected to receive high entry levels so entrants will need to be in well before the cut off dates to assure themselves a slice of the action.
Hyundai have been involved with Surfing New Zealand since 2004 and also sponsor the most prestigious event in New Zealand – The Hyundai National Championships.
High resolution action images of the surfing at all events on the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour will be available to media free of charge upon request.
For more information on the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz. Alternatively, please contact Hyundai Brand Manager, Devyn Cantley on 64 9 573 2050 or dcantley@hyundai.co.nz.
Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by:
Hyundai
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Ends
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