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Completion of Day One
Day One finished early this arvo. A pretty
short day to tell the truth but we plugged through a few heats and the groms
did their best in what was on offer. From up on the cliff it looked pretty
fun with peaks all over the place. However you know that when the best
groms in NZ are struggling at times the surf is small and soft too!
The under 14s were last to surf but they were first in the water this
morning warming up and half of them didnt even get out of their wetsuits
during the day. They are often the most classic in the whole event. Their
emotions run like a rollercoaster. It isn't uncommon to see them jumping
around cracking up one minute then crying the next when the 'others' gang up
on them. Their faces when they get announced as winning or losing their
heats are priceless. They get so amped when they win, clenching their
fists, hugest smile on their faces and then comes the boasting, the
demanding of heat sheets to see what they scored and the analysis of who
they have next. It is good to end the day with the stoke of these guys -
groms that still surf purley for the fun and enjoyment that surfing brings.
Just before dark I whipped down to Oakura for a wash. It was barely more
than that too. But I went out with Felix Dickson and Chris Millett. We
were soon joined by the Dunno's boys - Luke Murphy, Lynden Hutton, Joe Kain
and the groms. It was hard to get going but good to wash off day one. It
is amazing the little amp that you get when a few of the boys get out there
in any conditions. Absolutely fiendly battles but without a crew out there
this afternoon i would have struggled to even get a wave let alone ride a
few rim runners along the beach.
If anyone can stop the Hawker trifecta then it could be this kid - Johnny Hicks.
Check out this cutty in the marginal conditions.
As we got out the heavens opened. Hopefully the campers survived. The rain
has certainly eased if not stopped now. The surf is looking grim for the
morning and it is likely we will be back at Back Beach. However we will
wait for our coastal contacts to let us know the best options and then let
the Contest Director make the official call in the morning. Time for some
rest, see you back here tomorrow.
