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19.12.03
Freewave Series 2003 final report (by James Court) After the Taranaki Wave Classic (round 6) the final of the Wellington Freewave Series 2003 threatened to be an anticlimax. However, the Wellington conditions finally turned it on for the best contest of the series. The Saturday for the contest was always going to be windy, but it was beyond windy in the city. As we drove out to Plimmerton the ditch was just downright scary with walls of airborne spray drifting down the bay like banks of fog. Thankfully, Plimmerton was more in control with about 3-4 foot wind swell and a northerly of 35 - 40 knots. Perfect! About 25 sailors lined up for the 45 minute expression session. What ensued next can only be described as a frenzy of jumping, wave riding and transitions. Unprepared for this onslaught, the judges (Chris (Woo) Norris and James Court) panicked, and had to enlist the help of a couple of extra spotters. There were loops: backwards; forwards; push loops; and their many variations on the way out, and on the way in. Sebastian Sabbe's wave riding was impressive, ripping every wave sent his way. Troy Purcell busted out his trade mark table tops and rocket airs, Clayton Dougan was impressive as ever, with some clean back loops and smart wave rides. 16 year old Tom Taylor punched well above his weight, impressing the gallery with some great spin loops off the back of incoming waves. Gareth Woods returned to form with the move of the day, a flawless back loop within ten metres of the beach and more importantly, right in front of the judges. After the expression session the judges selected ten exhausted finalists for a twenty five minute super session. For something different, the finalists lined up for a le mons start. On the sound of the hooter the finalists hit the water launching 3 simultaneous forward loops and a table top off the same wave! Yah, le mons starts! Despite the sometimes gusty conditions and exhausted sailors the finalists put on a good show for the sausage gobbling audience. Nick Hunn celebrated cracking the forward loop barrier by throwing a couple of beauties. Lawrence Young sailed with the usual expert timing and efficiency. Clayton again flexed his form with two stunning plane away forwards to take the round. Gareth Woods continued his run to secure second place, and Will Thorpes wild end overs and push loop attempts earned him third place. Later, after the judges had got some action on the water, it was time to distribute the large amount of very cool spot prizes from the series sponsors and announce the Freewave Series winner. In the mens open, Clayton Dougan's win in the final round firmly secured him the Wellington Freewave Series title and an awesome trophy expertly crafted by Chris (Woo) Norris. Will Thorpe's consistently radical and always improving sailing gave him second place and Gareth Woods stylish late run grabbed him the third place. Bronwyn Ward cleaned up the Womens open making the most of the last rounds double points on offer and the coinciding absence of other competitors. Full results from the series will be posted soon. Thanks to all the sailors who entered these events and made them so successful. Watch out for the Wellington Freewave 2004 Series next year. Special thanks to the series sponsors and supporters: Carbon Art; Boardriders; Wild Winds; Wind & Kite; H20 sports; Deepfried TV; Paul Treacy for the SMS messaging (the beers are on the way Paul); www.wellingtonwindsurfers.co.nz and last but not least the Wellington Windsurfing Association.
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