Written by Ben Kennings, Surfing NZ, 07 March 2011
Rip Curl Pro – Raglan presented by Nature Valley is set to go off at Raglan’s infamous Manu Bay this weekend (11th – 13th March). Being one of only three 6-star events on the coveted SOL Surf Series, the Rip Curl Pro presented by Nature Valley attracts the largest field of competitors both male and female for the Series.
Not only does this year’s event boast a total prize pool of $12,500 but the winner of the Open Men’s Division will also receive return flights to Bali, and an invitation to compete in the Rip Curl Padang Cup Invitational event.
The Rip Curl Padang Cup is best described as a gathering of the best tube riders in the world at the best barrel in Bali. The Rip Curl Padang Cup is contested by some of the biggest names in international surfing including Jamie O’Brien, Bruce Irons, Luke Egan, Ry Craike, Bruno Santos, Laurie Towner, Dean Brady and Rizal Tanjung to name just a few.
Last year Gisborne’s Morehu Roberts was the first Kiwi to win an invitation to this prestigious invitation-only event however, for the first time in the history of the event, Mother Nature didn’t serve up enough swell and the event was eventually cancelled.
Roberts will receive another invitation to the 2011 Rip Curl Padang Cup meaning two New Zealand surfers will compete in this epic international event.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime” said Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings. “Padang Padang is an amazing wave and the Rip Curl Cup is jam packed with the best surfers in the world. To have not only one but two Kiwi’s in the event is simply epic” added Kennings.
2010 Rip Curl Pro – Raglan winner Morehu Roberts will be looking to retain his title this weekend. The talented young natural footer originally from Raglan, although now based in Gisborne, will no doubt be looking to back up his winning form from 2010.
Hot on the heels of Roberts will be New Zealand’s highest internationally ranked surfers and Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour campaigners Richard Christie (Mahia) and Billy Stairmand (Rag).
Red hot local surfer Luke Hughes will be looking for his maiden victory on this year’s SOL Series along with other top Raglan surfers Luke Cederman and Leon Santorik.
Current New Zealand ratings leader and Rip Curl team rider Ella Williams (WGM) will be looking for the win in the Women’s Division. However, local surfer and three time winner of the Rip Curl Pro Jessica Santorik will be hard to beat along with fellow Raglan local’s Alexis Poulter and Kelly Clarkson who are no strangers to the long lefthanders Manu Bay serves up on a daily basis.
Ratings leader JC Susan (Mnt) is the man to beat going into the Rip Curl Pro Junior division (Under 20). 2010’s winner Paco Divers will not be competing in this year’s event due to a knee injury. “I have been struggling with knee problems since late last year and the injury simply has not healed enough for me to make a good go at competing at a national level” claimed Paco.
Susan will be looking to cement his number one position this weekend. The goofy footer, originally from South Africa, will not only be looking to increase his lead on the ratings but will no doubt be hungry for his second win on the 2010/11 SOL Series.
The Kiwi Surf Boost for Cash Airshow is back for 2011 rewarding one lucky free surfer with a cheque for $500. Watch New Zealand’s top innovative surfers take to the skies as they all attempt to land the best single aerial manoeuvre to take home the $500 cash. 2010 saw Raglan surfer Billy Stairmand walk away with $500 for his trademark backhand air reverse.
The Rip Curl Pro is a six star rated event with $12,500 in prize money on offer.
See below for the top surfers on the Sol Series after two of five events. For full ratings go to the Surfing New Zealand website.
Open Men’s Division
1, Jay Quinn (Gis)
2, Maz Quinn (Gis)
3, Luke Hughes (Rag)
4, Blair Stewart (Gis)
5, Tim O’Connor (Mnt)
6, Richard Christie (Mahia)
7, Jarred Hancox (Tara)
8, Keone Campbell (Tara)
9, Tane Wallis (Piha)
10, Leon Santorik (Rag)
Open Women’s Division
1, Ella Williams (Whmata)
2, Jessica Santorik (Rag)
3, Grace Spiers (Whmata)
4, Alexis Poulter (Rag)
5, Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Gis)
Under 20 Men’s Division
1, JC Susan (Mnt)
2, Ryan Hawker (Piha)
3, Braedon Williams (Whmata)
4, Tane Wallis (Piha)
5, Todd Doyle (Mnt)