On a day when almost all surf beaches on the NSW mid north coast were closed and completely out of bounds, the ASP Billabong Pro Junior was all go in solid stormy 6 to 8ft surf at One Mile Point near Port Stephens.
Surfers had to call on all their ocean skills to deal with the surf but high scoring rides were very achievable with excellent 8 and 9 point rides posted by those who could deal with the treacherous conditions.
Heath Joske (Valla Beach/Nambucca Heads), known for his charging of larger surf reveled in these waves posting an excellent 8.6 ride on his way to an easy round two heat win.
“I loved it out there, seriously challenging but good when you found the right wave. It could be even bigger tomorrow and if it is I’ll be loving it, bring it on!” said an excited Joske after his heat.
Surfers known for coping in larger conditions excelled throughout the day. Solidly built and powerful sunshine coast surfer Jasper Endersby (Perigian Beach/Sunshine Coast) coped well to advance to round three while many other more fancied Sunshine Coasters were eliminated including Chris Friend along with girls Naomi Stevic, Lori Kelly and Brianna Lenton who were all eliminated yesterday.
Tye Watson, (Currarong/Sth Coast NSW) was the days standout easily defeating number high seed Owen Wright – 18 year old Watson has been building his reputation on the tour as a powerful and exciting surfer and he clearly was right at home in today’s surf.
After his heat Watson said “Stoked to win and especially to beat Owen, we’re great friends and surf together at home all the time. The waves are great for me, I much prefer this to small waves and I feel confident after that heat.”
Owen Wright on the other hand struggled today and was very lucky to advance in second place behind Watson.
With swells continuing to build and winds expected to finally moderate and turn offshore tomorrow there’s an excellent chance the weekends finals will be held in perfect large surf at One Mile Point.
-Billabong press release
