Media release: Surfing NZ. Written by Ben Kennings. Monday, 14 January 2013
Eighteen year old Ella Williams (WGM) returned to the Open Women’s Division and dominated the days surfing on day two of the 2013 Hyundai National Surfing Championships held at Piha Beach, Auckland today (14th January).
Williams was joined by defending champion Thandi Durham – Tipene (Tara) who won her matchup thanks to one sharply surfed lefthander scoring 6.17. Grace Spiers (WGM) won her heat along with the youngest surfer remaining in the division, 15-year-old Dayna Story (Gis), who completed the winners circle progressing alongside Alexis Poulter (Rag).
Williams spent the first day of the event competing against the best surfers in the country in the Open and Under 18 Men’s Divisions making it through to the Under 18 Boys Quarterfinals.
Today, in less than desirable 1.0m waves with onshore northwest winds, Williams breezed through her heat scoring 11.0 points out of a possible 20 – the highest of the first round.
“It was really hard out there today” commented Williams of the day two conditions.
“There was lots of water moving and the waves went fat real quick. It was the same old though, keep busy and pick off the right wave and you could get a good one and that is what I managed in my heat.”
After surfing with the guys on day one Williams enjoyed surfing back in the Open Women’s Division but noted the extra competition is good for her overall performances. “Everyone needs more competition” she exclaimed.
Tomorrow Williams is likely to be back in the water contesting one of the three divisions she remains alive in with the swell size expected to build. “You have to be prepared for all conditions, you never know what the conditions are like until the day you compete, so be prepared for whatever comes” said Williams.
Story was also in action in the Under 16 Girls Division securing her second win of the day to move through to the semifinals. Story was joined by fellow New Zealand Development Squad surfers Abby Falwasser – Logan (Gis) and Claudia Fraser (Piha) who both won their heats.
The youngest of the men’s divisions were contested this afternoon. Australian based Korbin Hutchings, formerly of Gisborne, continues to impress with his performances, today, posting a 15.2 point heat total in a well-rounded performance.
“I was just trying to get a feel for everything out there today as I was a bit ‘iffy’ on my boards and what one to use – my fish or my normal board but the board I ended up riding went real good, I found some good runners so I am happy” said Hutchings.
Hutchings was scheduled to surf in the Under 18 Boys Division at the end of the day before conditions deteriorated to a point that officials called the event off for the day. The decision was not to Hutchings liking. “I was a bit bummed when they canned the comp this afternoon. I was confident and ready for my heat.”
Hutchings time in Australia has clearly benefited his surfing and he will continue in both the Under 16 Boys and Under 18 Boys Divisions in the coming days. “I really want to take out my first national title this week” ended Hutchings.
Christchurch surfer Harrison Whiteside surfed a strong heat to move through to the semifinals. The New Zealand representative won his heat to progress to the semifinals alongside Riccardo Lucibella (Tara) who placed second. Other heat winners included Kehu Butler (Mnt) and Isaac Kettle (Tara).
In the youngest division at the event, the Under 14 Boys, Kehu Butler (Mnt), Daniel Farr (Tara), Taine Craig – Ranga (Waihi Beach) and Tane Bowden (WGM) all secured heat wins to move through to the semifinals.
The surf is expected to increase for day three (Tuesday 15th January). Winds will swing back to the west and then southwest late in the day. Competition will commence at 8:00am on Tuesday 15th January.
See below for results from day two of the Hyundai National Surfing Championships held at Piha Beach, Auckland today (Monday 14th January).
Open Women’s Division Round 1
Heat 1
Dayna Story (Gis), 7.37, 1, Alexis Poulter (Rag), 7.2, 2, Rachel von Zalinski (Auck), 2.07, 3, Marguerite Vujich (Napier), 1.77, 4
Heat 2
Ella Williams (Whmata), 11.1, 1, Mischa Davis (Auck), 9, 2, Jasmine Smith (Gis), 7.83, 3, Jessica Santorik (Rag), 6.97, 4
Heat 3
Thandi Tipene (Tara), 9.27, 1, Gabriella Sansom (Auck), 7.67, 2, Nicola Colson-Koster (Auck), 5.23, 3, Abby Falwasser-Logan, 3.93, 4
Heat 4
Grace Spiers (Whmata), 9.73, 1, Bianca Sansom (Auck), 7.73, 2, Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Gis), 2.7, 3, Nam Northcott, 2.53, 4
Under 16 Boys Round 1
Heat 1
Riccardo Lucibella (Tara), 6.5, 1, Adam Clegg (Tara), 6.2, 2, Taine Ranga (Waihi Beach), 5.77, 3,
Heat 2
Korbin Hutchings (Gis), 10.5, 1, Campbell Ivory (Tairua), 4.93, 2, Harry Macintosh (ChCh), 4.87, 3, Max Dicken (Auck), 4.73, 4
Heat 3
Kehu Butler (Arataki), 13.57, 1, Tane Bowden (Whmata), 10.6, 2, Samuel Sands (ChCh), 5.13, 3
Heat 4
Jack Wilson (ChCh), 7.13, 1, Max Marshall (Chch), 6.43, 2, Ben McCulloch (Gis), 3.1, 3, Joel Clegg (Tara), 2.8, 4
Under 14 Boys Round 1
Heat 1
Kehu Butler (Arataki), 15.7, 1, Jonas Tawharu (Mnt), 9.27, 2, Henry Copley (Auck), 4.7, 3, Ollie Meadows (Waiheke), 2.27, 4
Heat 2
Daniel Farr (Tara), 10.7, 1, Samuel Sands, 7.8, 2, Jared Gebert (Ohope), 6.57, 3
Heat 3
Taine Craig Ranga (Waihi Bch), 9.93, 1, Thomas Dixon-Smith (Gis), 4.1, 2, Jai Wallis (Auck), 0.27, 3
Heat 4
Tane Bowden (Whmata), 13.1, 1, Joel Clegg (Tara), 5.6, 2, Sam Copley (Auck), 1.2, 3
Under 16 Girls Round 1
Heat 1
Dayna Story (Gis), 9.4, 1, Kea Smith (Mnt), 4.53, 2, Indica Ratima (Rag), 3.77, 3, Raiha Ensor (Mnt), 3.43, 4
Heat 2
Abby Falwasser – Logan (Gis), 7.07, 1, Britt Kindred (Muri), 5.03, 2, Jasmine Smith (Gis), 3.5, 3
Heat 3
Claudia Fraser (Auck), 6.73, 1, Jennifer Rockwell (Auck), 4.23, 2, Elin Tawharu (Mnt), 3.9, 3
A complete lists of all National Champions are located on the Surfing New Zealand website under History.
Further Information
For further information on the 2013 Hyundai National Championships please contact Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.