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Kibblewhite in Final of Noosa Festival |
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Written by Denise Piper
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Friday, 18 March 2011 |
New Zealand longboarder Thomas Kibblewhite has made it through to the finals of the Noosa Festival of Surfing's premier division, the Golden Breed Pro LQS Mens.
The current New Zealand national champion is believed to be the first Kiwi to ever achieve such a feat in the festival's 20-year history.
With a lack of swell on Noosa's points the competition was moved further down the beach today, in conditions Kibblewhite describes as soft, two-foot slop.
In the quarter-final, Kibblewhite eliminated Australian champ Dane Pioli and Australian Luke Flanders by picking off two waves right at the start of the heat.
In the semi, Kibblewhite fought off tough competition from former world champion Harley Ingleby and USA surfer Tomas Mothershed with big re-entries and long nose rides in the small surf.
Kibblewhite now faces USA champ Taylor Jensen, plus Australians Josh Constable and Jared Neal.
Constable and Jensen are formidable opponents, having surfed most of New Zealand's longboard tour this year.
Kibblewhite says he is excited about the final, which will be held on Sunday.
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