The stoked North Narrabeen team celebrate their win post final. Pic: Wes Lonergan
North Narrabeen brought home the gold with world number 10. Laura Enever in their ranks, at the Women’s Championship of the Jim Beam Surftag on the Northern Beaches of Sydney today.
Solid 5 foot swell hit Curl Curl today and North Narrabeen boardriders were eager to take the title back from Norah Head, who entered todays competition with multi Australian Champion Sandra English.
Getting the final off to a flying start was Elle Northey (North Narrabeen), scoring 21.17 on her opening two waves and setting a standard that was unmatched by North Narrabeens opponents.
Handling the solid swell with style – Laura attacked without hesitation. Pic: Wes Lonergan
Matching and improving on Elles outstanding opening ride was Laura Enever, who surfed for the first time with her local boardriders feeling the pressure as if she was on tour.
“Paddling out I was so nervous, it’s a team event and you want to make sure you surf your best for everyone. This is the first time I have surfed in a competition since my last event on the CT and the waves were super fun”.
“Elle went out and got a perfect couple of waves which boosted everyones confidence, it took me a while to get my second wave, but once I got the 9.5 all the girls were stoked, because it was my Power wave which doubled”, said Enever.
Enever scored a 26.67 out of a possible 30, her individual score was more than opposing finalists club scores combined, showing just what makes her number 10 on the womens world tour.
North Steyne’s Bonnie Hall powers through a nice cutback. Pic: Wes Lonergan
The big chunky lefts which rolled through daunted competitors, but the North Narrabeen girls took it in their stride with the solid left hander experience they and their fellow North Narrabeen boys are known for.
“We had an absolute great day, it’s so good to surf with the girls I grew up with and have surfed with my whole life and the boys (North Narrabeen Boardriders) had their first day of club comp today in pumping waves so we are getting together tonight for a celebration BBQ”, said Enever.
North Narrabeen winning team consisted of top surfers Elle Northey (21.17), Laura Enever (26.67), Belinda Hardwick (8.17), Tessa De Josselin (10.67) and Shelly Carrier (3.6).
With the Jetski in the channel ready to go the girls from North Steyne, Northern Beaches, Queenscliff and event winners North Narrabeen had their work cut out in the final.
North Steyne stand outs Sam Joy and Bonnie Hall netted solid power waves and Julie Waugh of Northern Beaches nailed an 8.17 – one of the highest wave scores of the day.
Great shot of Sam Joy also from North Steyne. Pic: Wes Lonergan
Sandra English (Norah Head) excelled with her defending champion club, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the title as the experienced North Narrabeen team who are used to big waves, were never in doubt of bringing the title back which they won in 2008 and 2009.
“The Narrabeen girls dominated the whole final, every surfer was great out there. Everyone that stepped up and surfed today deserves a congratulations it was big and treacherous in those tough conditions”, said event Director Steve Harrison.
The Jim Beam Black Power wave went to Laura Enever with a 9.5 ride – which was the highest individual power wave of the day – each surfer gets one power wave which is doubled and added to their score.
The National series is Australia’s largest team surfing competition featuring a combined prize pool of over $130,000. The Jim Beam Surftag Australian Series provides a national competition for over 80 boardriding clubs to determine Australia’s No.1 club
The 2012 Jim Beam Surftag Australian Series is supported by FCS, Tracks and www.theperfectwave.com.au
The 2012 Jim Beam Surftag Australian Series is a supporter of Surfaid International www.surfaidinternational.org
Results
2012 Women’s Jim Beam Surftag (held at South Curl Curl)
1st North Narrabeen 70.31 – $1500
2nd North Steyne 26.57 – $700
3rd Northern Beaches 23.32 – $600
4th Queenscliff 22.36 – $500
2012 Jim Beam Surftag Schedule:
October 21 – Surf Industry Challenge – Winners – O’Neill
October 22 – Trade Off – Winners – The Labourers
November 19 – WA Championships – Winners – Trigg Point
December 3 – VIC Championships at Gunnamatta – Winners – Phillip Island
January 7 – NSW North – Winners – Merewther at Newcastle
January 14 – QLD – Winners – Snapper Rocks at Duranbah
January 21/22 – NSW South – Winners – Bronte at Narrabeen
February 5 – Winners – North Narrabeen – Women’s Championships at Curl Curl
February 21 – Boardriders Cup at Ballina
February 22/23 – Australian Championships at Ballin
