Malibu juniors make their mark

Ocean Beach Malibu Club's junior surfers have continued to make their mark on the contest scene.

Kai Ellice-Flint continued on his winning way after a win in both the open 9ft and Under-18s events at the Magoo Charity Classic in May.

Kai travelled north a couple of weeks after the Magoo Charity Classic for the Crescent Head Classic, which was held from Thursday, May 24, to Saturday, May 26, again coming away with the open 9ft trophy.

Next on his agenda were the NSW Longboard State Titles.

Held at several beaches in the Port Macquarie region from June 18-23, Kai was again victorious, winning the Under-18s and placing sixth in the opens.

Kai qualified for the Australian Longboard Titles in both events.

The CJ Snowy McAlister was held at Manly over the long weekend from June 9 to 11, with two Ocean Beach members competing.

Hayden Emery, who surfed in the Opens event, was eliminated, but 14-year-old Tom Payne, in only his second invitational contest, excelled to reach the final of the Under-18s against some experienced surfers.

"Tom placed sixth in the final and has certainly done the club proud," said club president Mr Craig Coulton.

Meanwhile, at the Club's June contest, held at Umina on Sunday, June 10, cold and wet was the order of the day, with a solid swell again making conditions treacherous.

Garry "Hands" Halliday turned back the clock with a display of traditional surfing to win the day from Ben Scully-Hawkins, Mark Williams, Peter Wellington and Chris Irwin.

In round one, heat one of the contest, the competition left Mark Williams in first, followed by Grant Pride, Cyndi Zoranovic, Hayden Wellington and Liz Ambler.

In heat two Peter Wellington placed first, followed by Darrell Young, Dave Moulton, Rob McCaughan and Daryl Anderson.

In heat three, Garry Halliday came first, followed by Bryce Williams, Ben Scully-Hawkins, Richie McClelland and Craig Coulton.

Then, in heat four Chris Irwin got the top placing, followed by Craig Palmer, Maddie Cook, Brian Cook, Shane Muldowney, Kevin Dewar and Dave Wirth.

In round two, heat one Garry Halliday beat Ben Scully-Hawkins, Mark Williams, Peter Wellington and Chris Irwin.

In heat two, Bryce Williams beat Grant Pride, Darrell Young and Craig Palmer.

Heat three saw Maddie Cook come first, followed by Cyndi Zoranovic and Dave Moulton.

In heat four Richie McClellan placed first over Brian Cook, Rob McCaughan and Hayden Wellington.

Finally, in heat five, Craig Coulton beat Dave Wirth, Liz Ambler and Daryl Anderson.

Media Release, 27 Jun 2012

Craig Coulton, Ocean Beach Malibu Club

Photo: Tony Gilbert