Tough conditions greeted competitors in the 2016 Hurley Winter Classic, with a solid SSW swell running on the South Coast during Sunday on the long weekend. Contest organisers gave Parson’s Point the nod, with a bit of sand attempting to form a contestable bank in front of the judging tent.
Conditions were excellent all day with light offshore NNE winds and well defined lines thumping onto the fickle banks of Parson’s Beach. Rounds were wrapped up just after lunch, with the quarter finals selecting Teale Vanner, Max Longhurst, Khai Adams, and Richard Rickard.
The semis saw Khaiborg face off with Richard Rickard, who managed to find a few well shaped right handers breaking in toward the point. But it was Khai’s vertical backhand attack on the walling lefts that won him the heat, and a ticket to the final match up. Max Longhurst’s super critical re-entries and long floaters posed a major threat for Teale Vanner in the second semi, but a series of longer waves and an insane freight train of a right eventually sealed the deal for the KI born and bred charger.
The final showdown between Khai Adams and Teale Vanner seemed to coincide with a pulse in the swell, and at times both competitors were pounded by set waves trying to make it back out. They traded a combination of steep, walling lefts and shorter, bowly rights throughout the heat and both racked up good scoring waves. But it was Teale who had everyone perched on the headland holding their collective breath as he scraped into a beast with just 2 minutes left on the heat clock. Khaiborg took a peek over the ledge and watched Teale disappear under the heaving lip, probably knowing it was a game changer… but seconds later the cold jaws clamped shut and swallowed him. Knowing he could do no more, he returned to the beach, and as the final siren sounded, Khaiborg was awarded the win.
Well done to all competitors and contest organisers for putting on another great event!
Results Hurley Winter Classic, Jun 12 2016:
1st place Khai Adams
2nd place Teale Vanner
3rd place ( equal ) Max Longhurst, Richard Rickard