Surprise conditions for Malibu club

The first contest of the year for the Ocean Beach Malibu Club was held in "surprise" conditions with two to three foot swells at Umina.

"With flat conditions the day prior, almost everyone was expecting the opening contest for the year to be postponed but instead we were greeted with a lovely little two to three foot swell, along with two banks to keep both the 'goofys' and 'naturals' happy," club contest director Mr Craig Coulton said.

"Six new surfers have joined us for the year and we welcome the father and son team of John and Tom Payne, Bill Ballard, Brent Thoroughgood, Scott Arena and Cody Fleming.

"Twelve-year-old Cody Fleming was the surprise packet of the newbies, winning his first round heat and then coming a credible fourth against all of the round one winners.

"What a great boost to our junior division, along with 11-year-old Tom Payne who managed a third in his round one heat and followed that up with a second placing in the thirds' heat in round two.

"Bill Ballard was another newcomer to win his round one heat but found the second round a lot tougher in the battle of the firsts.

"Bill has been surfing Umina for many years so it's good to see him finally join us in competition."

Mr Coulton said Hayden Emery scored the maximum points for the day winning both of his heats.

"Angela Smith also deserves congratulations for her effort, placing second in both rounds against the men," Mr Coulton said.

"First round winners were Brent Olsson from Bill Burke and Nick Somogyi, Calyn Wilkinson from Craig Coulton and Tom Payne, Cody Fleming from John Payne and Paul Goder, Garry Halliday from Mitch Bolton and Cyndi Zoranovic, Bill Ballard from Angie Smith and Mark Williams and Hayden Emery from Brian Cook and Scott Arena.

"Round two winners were (firsts) Hayden Emery from Calyn Wilkinson and Garry Halliday, (seconds) Brian Cook from Angie Smith and John Payne, (thirds) Mark Williams from Tom Payne and Scott Arena, (fourths) Ron Stockings from Chris Irwin and Brent Thoroughgood, (fifths) Mark Rylands from Craig Palmer and Tony Irwin and in the final heat of the day (sixths) Mark Shaw was victorious over Glen Bible and Neville Gough."

The next Ocean Beach Malibu Club contest is scheduled for Sunday, March 14.

Report, 23 Feb 2010 Craig Coulton, Ocean Beach Malibu Club