Emery reclaims Malibu title
The final Ocean Beach Malibu Club contest for 2009 was held at Umina on December 6, with Hayden Emery reclaiming the title of Long John Memorial Old Mal champion.
"The three-foot closeouts took their toll on some of the more fancied surfers in the quarter finals with Craig Coulton knocking out last year's champion, Mick Day ending Richie McClelland's run and Mark Rylands knocking out Mitch Bolton as well as Mark and Bryce Williams," contest director Mr Craig Coulton said.
"With Brian Cook, Mick Day, Craig Coulton and Mark Rylands eliminated in the semi-finals, most interest in the final appeared to be the battle between father and son, Gary and Matt Sing, both very competitive surfers each of whom claims to be the better.
"The two had met earlier in round one with the old man getting the decision over Matt, so revenge was going to be sweet.
"Young gun Kai Ellice-Flint and Hayden Emery made up the final four.
The old original mals weigh a ton, are hard enough to carry to the water's edge, let alone turn in the surf, and one board in particular wanted to go where it decided.
"Gary Sing had the misfortune of drawing that one, which was disappointing from a spectator's point of view as Gary is one of the coast's best surfers.
"Unfortunately it took its toll and Gary finished in fourth position.
"Kai capped off a very successful year with third placing from Matt Sing, who can now proudly say he's a better old mal rider than his old man."
Fellow members Calyn Wilkinson and Madison Cook who received the club champion and ladies club champion awards at the club's presentation night held at Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club recently.
"The first Ocean Beach Malibu Club point score contest for this year is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, at Umina Beach from 7am," Mr Coulton said.
"New members are welcome."
Email, 28 Dec 2009
Craig Coulton, Ocean Beach Malibu Club