when the waves suck...

waves

Waves have been pretty average lateley, hopefully some swell will come through for next weekend the 6th or 7th of June (best day) for MBC's second round. Keep your eyes on this blog throughout next week for updates on round two's whereabouts, time and other details.

MBC.

A couple of photos from recent times.. All Photos Jack Bunyan.

MBC AND REEFLEX KILLING STATES!

Here are the current top 6 state ratings after round two. It is sick to see numerous MBC members in the top 6. (MBC members and Reeflex team riders in bold.)

Keep it up guys!

MBC

CADET BOYS U16

1. Lewy Finnegan
2. George Humphries
3. Tom Purvis
4. Jake Metalcafe
5. Cameron Hutchins
6. Calvin Best

GROMMETS U14

1. Davis Blackwell
2. Connor Golder

OPEN MENS

1. Alex Halsey
2. Aiden Stampalia
3. Brendan Gable
4. Ryan Hands
5. Ben Veitch
6. Jono Russell

JUINOR MEN U18

1. Alex Halsey
2. Charlie Carter
3. Aiden Stampalia
4. Cameron Dicks
5. Sean Stoneman
6. Scott Henderson

SENIOR MEN

1. Lee Szcepanski
2. Tim Fowler
3. John Barker
4. Shem Mahoney
5. Chris White
6. Nathan Lotze
7. Steve Black

DROPKNEE

1. Chad Abbott
2. Mike Dobson
3. Mark Boehm
4. Steve Portilla
5. Matt Fergusson
6. Simon Coleman

OPEN WOMEN

1. Kirby Smith
2. Christina Orso
3. Lauren Williams
4. Rio Clarke

JUNIOR WOMEN U18

1. Kacey Lee Middelton

To see all the current ratings: http://www.surfingaustralia.com/docs/5419.pdf

EBB STATE SERIES ROUND 2, CITY BEACH/SCARBOROUGH

Chob making mandurah proud at Scarborough - day 2

Alex Whitehead gets a sick one at City Beach on Saturday

Halsey walking into a win

Alex and his roll bowls

BOLD: MBC RIDER/TEAM REEFLEX

The EBB State Bodyboard Series 2009 Presented by Unite Clothing,
Supported by SunSmart & Surfing Western Australia.

Alex Halsey proves he’s the real deal at Scarborough Beach.

(Monday 25th May 2009) Wet and wild weather didn’t affect the performances of WA’s best bodyboarders at the second round of the EBB State Bodyboard Series held over the weekend. After some pretty serious weather in the metro area leading into the event, conditions that greeted competitors on day one weren’t exactly pleasant. A solid swell and fresh southerly winds made the going tricky, with most Perth beaches maxing out or with huge rips running through them. Event officials were forced to move the event from Scarborough to City Beach, where the groynes provided some protection from the breeze as well as some great barrelling right and left hand bowls in the 3-4 foot range.

“We looked right along the coast this morning from as far south as Fremantle right to Scarborough to try and find the best location. Given the size of the swell and wind direction most spots were pretty crazy, we have to consider competitor safety as well as the weather forecast when choosing the best event site.” Said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks, who was suitably impressed with the waves that were on offer.

“There were some really good ones, nice barrel sections as well as plenty of ramps for boosting.”

After a record number of entries at the first event for 2009, the second round was no different with over 80 competitors looking qualify of the WA State Bodyboard Team. With the 2009 Bodyboard National Titles scheduled to be held at Duranbah in Queensland, there was a lot of motivation to do well.

The preliminary heats of the Open Men’s division were highlighted by the performances of Alex Whitehead (North Beach), Rob Fergusson (Woodlands), Brendan Gabel (Mandurah), Ben Veitch (Margaret River), and Johno Russell (Madora Bay). But it was the new up and comers that were turning heads as well. Alex Halsey (Woodvale), Lewy Finnegan (Ocean Reef) Aiden Stampalia (Joondalup) and Charlie Carter (Dianella) all surfed above their age divisions and put some of their older rivals on notice with some solid scoring waves. None more so than Halsey, who was by far the most consistent competitor of the weekend, and looked to be the man to beat in both the Open and Junior Men’s.

Other’s to impress on day one were Brydyn Vivian (Dunsborough), Pat Meyers (Kingsley), Cameron Dicks (Mandurah), Scott Henderson (Trigg), and Tom Morris (Duncraig) in the U18 Junior Men’s division. Tom Purvis (Margaret River), Cameron Hutchins (Ocean Reef), George Humphries (Mandurah) and Jake Metcalfe (Hillarys) were the stand outs for the U16 Cadets division.

With the swell moderating overnight, day two saw competition return to Scarborough Beach with clean offshore winds and sunny skies making a welcome appearance. Although the waves were smaller on Sunday, after the week of big swell and strong winds the banks were well groomed and provided some good shape for those that had made it into the finals.

The blue ribbon Open Men’s final saw the best surfers from the weekend all vying for the win. Alex Halsey led the charge with Rob Fergusson close on his heals. Halsey picked of the better waves and was rewarded with a heat winning 7.50pt ride for a waves on which he completed four massive rolls on. Fergusson had to settle for second, and after a while away from the competition arena it was a great result for him. Ryan Hands (Mandurah) finished third and Bryce Nettle (Scarborough) had to settle for fourth place.

Halsey now moves to the top of the Open Men’s ratings after his second place finish to Ryan Hardy at the Mandurah Wedge. Its been a big year for Halsey who has recently signed big deals with bodyboarding industry heavy weights Unite Clothing and Science bodyboards.

Halsey went on to take out the U18 Junior Men’s division as well and with that result secured the 2009 U18 State Title. Halsey defeated Charlie Carter, Scott Henderson and Aiden Stampalia, who finished second, third and fourth respectively.

“Im stoked with the result, this title means a lot to mean and to win the Open’s has made for an excellent weekend,” said Halsey who will look to defend his Open Men’s Title when the final round of the three event series heads to the South-West later in the year.

In other results from the weekend Tim Fowler (Padbury), won the Senior Men’s division ahead of John Barker (Mandurah) in second, Lee Szcepanski (Margaret River) third and Shem Mahoney (Mosman Park) fourth. Fowler threaded a deep tube to oust Barker from the lead in the dying minutes of the final.

The Drop Knee division was won by Chad Abbott (Singleton) who picked wrapped up the State Title with two wins from as many starts. Abbotts longevity continues to impress with his cool and collected approach. Abbott defeated Mike Dobson (Fremantle) for the win, with Mark Boehm (Scarborough) in third place, and Steve Portilla (Joondalup) finishing in fourth.

“Its just good to have some new faces to compete against and its always good to have a win”. Commented Abbott.

George Humphries (Mandurah) celebrated his fifteenth birthday in style winning the U16 Cadets division ahead of close friend Lewy Finnegan in second. Jake Metcalfe finished in third and Tom Purivs rounded out the top four.

Other winners from the weekend included Lauren Williams (Margaret River) in the Open Women’s division, Kacey Lee Middleton (Geraldton) won her first ever State Title after winning the the Junior Women’s division. Davis Blackwell (Mandurah) was another to secure a State Title after back to back wins in the U14 Grommets division. Steve Black (Thornlie) won the Masters division and also the State Title.

Once again the metro area provided great waves for the EBB State Bodyboard Series, all attention now turns to the final round of competition and the highly anticipated EBB Pro, which will be the biggest weekend of bodyboarding that WA has ever seen.

Words and images : Justin Majeks/Surfing WA, Nick Woolacott and Alex Halsey.

EBB STATE SERIES ROUND 1, MANDURAH WEDGE

Alex Halsey - Pic: Jack Bunyan

Chris White, Huge flip. Pic: Nick Woolacott

The first event for 2009 will be remembered for the great new event location, the star studded field which included the who’s who of WA bodyoarding, and the record number of entries that made this one of the biggest and most hotly contested bodyboarding events in years. With the new and old guard of bodyboarding competing alongside on another the level of competition was extremely high and provided nothing less than inspiring entertainment for those lining the rocks at Wedge.

Mandurah Bodyboard Club members, as well as Reeflex Wetsuits (Club Sponsor) team riders all surfed amazingly well on the day, as you will see in the results below - Good work guys.

All MBC/Reeflex team riders are in bold.

Regards, Mandurah Bodyboard Club.

Open Men:1. Ryan Hardy (Scarborough), 2. Alex Halsey (Woodvale), 3. Chad Jackson (Woodlands), 4. Aiden Stampalia (Joondalup).

Open Women:1. Kirby Smith (Lansdale), 2. Christina Orso (Mt Hawthorn).

Drop Knee:1. Chad Abbott (Singleton), 2. Mike Dobson (Scarborough), 3. Kim Feast (Margaret River), 4. Mark Boehm (Scarborough).

Under 18 Girls:1. Kacey Lee Middleton (Gerladton)

Under 18 Boys:1. Alex Halsey (Woodvale), 2. Aiden Stampalia (Joondalup), 3. Charlie Carter (Dianella), 4. Cameron Dicks (Falcon).

Under 16 Boys:1. Lewy Finnegan (Ocean Reef), 2. George Humphreys (Mandurah), 3. Tom Purvis (Margaret River), 4. Cameron Hutchins (Ocean Reef)).

Under 14 Boys:1. Davis Blackwell (Mandurah).

Senior Men:1. Lee Szcepanski (Margaret River), 2. John Barker (Mandurah), 3. Tim Fowler (Padbury), 4. Shem Mahoney (Mosman Park).

Masters:1. Steve Black (Thornlie)

Grand Masters:1. Steve Lukehurst (Cottelsoe).

ROUND 1 WRITEUP + PHOTOS

On Sunday the 3rd of May saw Mandurah Bodyboard Club host their first round for the 2009 season in great conditions at The Wedge. With light winds, a good swell and lots of sunshine it was a fun day had by all.

The committee was stoked to have the brand new tent up as many hours of fundraising has made it worthwhile and now we have a home that benefits us all. With Hotdogs flying out of the tent along with drinks and choccies your are sure to see more investments into the club in the future. A big thanks to all the Committee and helpers on the day.

RESULTS

DROPKNEE:

1st: Chad Abbott

2nd: John Barker

3rd: Declan Genge

4th: Jack Bunyan

A DIVISION

1st: Miller Best

2nd: Jayden Muir

3rd: Storm Spencer (YEAAAHH WEATHERMAN)

4th: Brendon Walley

AA DIVISION

1st: George Humphries

2nd: Davis Blackwell

3rd: Calvin Best

4th: Ben Hardman

AAA DIVISION

1st: John Barker

2nd: George Humphries

3rd: Davis Blackwell

4th: Cameron Dicks

A big thanks to EBB Scarborough for giving out vouchers for the finalists of A and AA Divisions. First place received $50, second $35, third $20 and fourth $10 vouchers for EBB branded product to spend in the store. Dropknee and AAA place getters received various prizes from the club stocking.

Thanks again for the strong turnout and those that helped with the judging, well done!.

Regards, Mandurah Bodyboard Club.

Chad Abbott on a tasty little wedge

Davis Blackwell, about to get a beating as usual

George Humphries getting lucky at second wedge!

2009

Mandurah Bodyboard Club has had a great start to 2009. With a huge success with the fundraising from the first state round and registration day this year (Thanks to Leigh Blackwell and everyone else that helped) , we have acquired a very good new tent, barbeque, a whole bunch of new members and now this blog. This Blog will over take last years (http://mandurahbodyboardclub.blogspot.com/) and will be frequently updated with news and pictures for all the members and the communities likings.

Stay Tuned,
MBC.