Weather calms for Malibu contest

After almost a week of showers and a howling easterly wind, conditions for the Ocean Beach Malibu Club's March contest "weren't looking too promising", according to contest director Mr Craig Coulton.

"But again we were looked after, as the wind eased as daylight arrived, the sun shone brightly for the first time in several days and two sand banks provided us with some nicely shaped three to four foot wave faces," Mr Coulton said.

"Usually after such a prolonged onshore wind, bluebottles become something of a problem but luckily even they were scarce.

"Our junior ranks were given another boost with five new signings thanks to a recruitment drive by John and Tom Payne who spread the word about the club around the Killcare area and came along with four new members.

"The battle for the junior club championship looks like being a beauty with four of this season's new members having heat wins.

"This month's new members are Mitch Cassidy from Woy Woy and the Killcare connection, brothers Blake and Kayd Donkin, along with Sam and Ben Orman.

"All featured prominently in the round two heats, along with Jack Wildman.

"Maximum points for the day went to Mark (Jack) Williams who surfed brilliantly, even with injury time-out to defeat Hayden Emery with newcomer Scott Arena placing third.

"Cyndi Zoranovic was the surprise packet of the day, winning the battle of the fourths by a mere 0.1 of a point on a first wave count back over Richie McClelland while Angie Smith managed a third in her round one heat.

"The Ocean Beach Malibu Club is keen to increase the number of women participating in long boarding."

For further information, phone 4344 5842 or 0412 616 368.

Results:

Round one winners were: Calyn Wikinson from Glen Bible and Sam Orman, Mark Williams from John Payne and Tom Payne, Scott Arena from Cody Fleming and Angie Smith, Hayden Emery from Garry Halliday and Craig Coulton, Blake Donkin from Darrell Young and Brent Olsson, Ron Stockings from Mitch Bolton and Luke Cousins.

Round two results were: (firsts) Mark Williams from Hayden Emery and Scott Arena, (seconds) Garry Halliday from Mitch Bolton and Glen Bible, (thirds) Sam Orman from Luke Cousins and Craig Coulton, (fourths) Cyndi Zoranovic from Richie McClelland and Chris Irwin, (fifths) Jack Wildman from Ben Orman and Kayd Donkin and in the final heat of the day (sixths) in his very first contest Mitch Cassidy won from Mick Day and Andre Blunden.

Press release, 22 Mar 2010 Craig Coulton, Ocean Beach Malibu Club