Port Macquarie, NSW — The Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles got underway in true style at Port Macquarie today as competitors revelled in excellent 1.5m conditions.
Opening the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival, day one of the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles saw the best longboarders in the country competing for prestigious national titles in picture perfect conditions.
Dane Jordan, Surfing Australia’s Operations Manager, was extremely impressed with what transpired on day one.
“The standard of surfing is world-class,” he said.
“You don’t have to look further than the number of former world and national champions involved in the event,” Jordan added.
“It’s outstanding.”
With 180 surfers from around Australia competing across the 11 divisions at the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles, day one was a cracker.
“We couldn’t ask for better conditions to start the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival and the competitors have definitely revelled in the perfect 1.5m conditions,” Jordan said.
Led by the Open Men competitors the action was electric.
Current world ratings leader Harley Ingelby (Emerald Beach, NSW) was an early morning standout, heralding his intentions with an awesome combination of futuristic and traditional manoeuvres.
Having returned home from overseas to compete in the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles, Ingelby will be looking at defending his prestigious Australian crown.
Former World and Australian champion Josh Constable (Noosa, QLD) was also impressive, accruing the highest single wave score of the day with a 8.50 (out of a possible 10) point ride.
Jason Russell (Noarlunga, SA), Dane Pioli (Eschol Park, NSW), Keenan Roxburgh (Byron Bay, NSW) and Oliver Shaw (Sunshine Coast, QLD) were also in sparkling form, cementing their places in the next round.
With the conditions set to continually improve throughout the week, the action is sure to be mind-blowing as competitors battle it out for prestigious Australian titles.
Be sure to log onto www.australiansurffestival.com for all information regarding the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival.
The website will feature a LIVE Event Broadcast with commentary and heat scores during the event as well as festival news, results, photo and video galleries.
Following the Oxbow Australian Longboard Titles will be the Na Papa Surfmasters Titles, running from Sunday August 24 until Saturday August 30 2008.
