GT wins The Human Cronulla Shark Island Challenge
Source: www.ibaworldtour.com
posted by Mark Fordham on 21st July 2003
The swell that was predicted to hit the NSW coast didn’t produce the waves that rendered conditions contestable for a start of a second round. With the weather pattern predicted to stay on shore for the remaining time of the waiting period, contest organisers have decided that the first round points will stand.
The presentation night was held at the Sting Bar, Cronulla. The top eight riders were called up; as the crowd cheered them down to 4th place the winners of the best move and best barrel were announced. Best move went to Guilherme Tamega for his ARS in the first heat; best barrel went to Cronulla local Ryan Mc Kinnon. John Pyne from Endless Clothing and accessories took the pleasure of awarding $1000 USD to each rider’s, as well both received an all expenses paid two week boat trip to the Mentawai Islands courtesy of long time sponsor the Surf Travel Co.
Before the remaining four placing’s were announced a special award was presented to the past Shark Island Challenge champions that were present. With the absence of past champion Mike Stewart (2000), previous winners Matt Percy (1997) Steve Mackenzie (1998), Christian Riguccini (1999), Damian King (2001) and Guilherme Tamega (2002) all took the stage to be present with a picture trophy, being a miniature version of the Shark Island Challenge perpetual trophy.
So it was back to business, fourth place went to Damian King, SIC champion in 2001 and the current Human Teahupoo Challenge Champion. Third place went to young Cronulla local Doug Showell. With Hawaiian Jeff Hubbard and the current World Champion and defending Human Shark Island Challenge champion Guilherme Tamega both staring into space, a huge winners cheque with the winners name was revealed by Cronulla Veteran Warren “Wazza” Feinbier.
The winner of the 2003 Human Cronulla Shark Island Challenge went to Guilherme Tamega. The Brazilian’s dominating surfing once again sealed his victory.
Best Barrell: Ryan McKinnon (Heat 3)
Best Move: Guilherme Tamega (ARS)
The mean (average) score of the first round was 29.6 points
On a final note, I would like to thank Human for their continuing support of Australia’s most prestigious bodyboarding event. Special thanks are also in order for the longest serving sponsor of this event, the Surf Travel Co. Thanks to STC for donating two trips to the Mentawai’s. Thanks to Endless clothing and accessories for putting up two x $1000 USD cash prizes for best move and best barrel. Thanks to Warren Feinbier, Gary and Scotty Yelland for the water patrol duties, as well to the Sutherland Shire Life guards. Thanks to Emerald Surf City for continual support. Thanks to JJJ Radio for their on going support and to the Sting Bar Cronulla for a great presentation night.
Most importantly I would like to thank all the competitors of the Human Cronulla Shark Island Challenge for the time, commitment and patience over this long 5 week window, as well to the judges and officials that helped in everyway to make this event possible.
Next stop on the IBA World Super Tour is the exotic Island of Siargao, situated in the Philippines. Cloud 9 put on a great display of action last year, will Western Australia’s Sean Virtue be able to fend of the hungry competition to defend his title. We will have to wait till October the 6th to find out. Till then thanks for following the IBA World Super Tour and stay tuned to www.ibatour.com for more information on future IBA news and events.
The Human Cronulla Shark Island Challenge is the second sponsored event by Human on the 2003 IBA World Super Tour. This event will take competitors to Australia’s most premier bodyboarding location, Shark Island, known for its big barrels and heavy wipe outs.
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