Malibu contest draws 44 surfers

A total of 44 surfers braved the big waves on offer at the Ocean Beach Malibu Club's May contest held at Umina Beach on Sunday, May 1.

First round winners were Hayden Emery, Craig Coulton, John Payne, Marty Skewes, Matt Sing, Ben Orman and Mick Magurren.

Round two saw top points go to Hayden Emery from Marty Skewes and Craig Coulton.

Kai Ellice-Flint still holds a slender one-point lead over Marty Skewes in the club championship despite the controversial second placing in his round one heat.

"Fortunately no boards were snapped as the dropping tide made wave selection critical," said president Mr Craig Coulton.

"Some excellent surfing along with some massive wipe-outs kept the onlookers entertained," he said.

Two other major long board contests were conducted over the same weekend with Wayne Medcalf and Mark and Bryce Williams representing the Ocean Beach Malibu Club in the Magoo Charity Classic held at Lakes Beach while Hayden Emery and Kai Ellice-Flint contested the inaugural Curly Maljam at North Curl Curl.

The Maljam featured the current Australian long board champion as well as several ex-world and national champions from both Australia and overseas.

Hayden was eliminated in his first round heat but 15-year-old Kai beat several more experienced and much older competitors to place second in the final of the Under-21s.

In the Magoo, it was another of the Ocean Beach Malibu Club's youngsters to stand out, with 16-year-old Bryce Williams placing second in the Under-18s, along with his sixth placing in the final of the open 8ft division.

Mark Williams managed fifth in the final of the over-50s while Wayne Medcalf finished fourth in the over-55s final.

The next Ocean Beach Malibu Club contest is scheduled for Sunday, June 12, at Umina.

Media Release, 12 May 2011 Craig Coulton, OBMC