Event: Jesus H2 Series - Event 3
Date: 27th - 28th September 2003
Location: Port Waikato
Written By: Brendan Hull
TARANAKI SURFERS CLAIM TOP SPOTS
Taranaki's Simon Deken surfed his way to victory in the third and final contest of the Christian Surfers Jesus H2 Series at Port Waikato last weekend. Despite predictions for huge seas and onshore winds, prayers were answered and winds stayed light and seas calm enough through the day to successfully run the event.
Contestants and officials from as far as Taranaki to Whangarei converged on the sleepy Beach settlement early Saturday morning to be greeted with clean faced 3-4 foot waves in the reform at the southern end of the beach.
Wave selection was paramount during the H2 Format event as surfers did battle to stay in the top 50% of heat scores in each round. Justin Souter & Simon Deken's contest experience showed from the outset as they posted 18.7 and 17.4 points respectively - the two highest heat scores of the day. Souter's luck ran out in the final as the waves didn't come his way and he had to settle for third place.
It was Reuben Noble and Cale Tolley who secured their Championship Division finals spots along side Deken and Souter after several solid surfing exchanges between the seasoned competitors. Noble was placed second and Tolley fourth for their efforts.
From the qualifying round, the plate division offered an opportunity for a second tier of surfers to continue the challenge for an award. Richard Morse fought his way to win the Plate final just ahead of local Surfers Sean Dillon, Harvey Fowler and Marc Gracie.
Jacky & Rosie Stewart were in fine form and showed no fear as they tackled the punchy West Coast surf. Jacky took the award for Highest placed woman and Rosie, the second highest at the contest.
Backing up his win at the Wairarapa contest, Blanton Smith took the 2nd highest placed Junior award just behind fellow Taranaki surfer - Ben Connolly.
Overall series titles were awarded during prize giving and Blanton Smith walked away with a dual victory and shields for the overall series title and the Top Junior of the series. Jacky Stewart received a well deserved shield for the overall Top Woman for 2003.
Huge thanks goes out to our sponsors and to all the surfers who competed. Thanks to the crew from Taranaki, Raglan, West Auckland and Whangarei Christian Surfers groups for supporting this event. Special thanks to Fraser Hungerford and the Northshore Christian Surfers crew for all the ground work. Thanks also to SURF.co.nz, Sunset Beach Lifeguard Service, Marc Dyer and all those who have prayed for this event and series. Last but not least the biggest thank you Jesus Christ for making this all possible and offering us the one way to know God and have eternal life when we accept you as our Lord and Savior.
Port Waikato Results:
Championship Division
1st Simon Deken
2nd Reuben Noble
3rd Justin Souter
4th Cale Tolley
Plate Division
1st Richard Morse
2nd Sean Dillon
3rd Harvey Fowler
4th Marc Gracie
Juniors
Highest Placed - Ben Connolly
2nd Highest - Blanton Smith
3rd Highest - Simon Buswell
Women
Highest Placed - Jacky Stewart
2nd Highest - Rosie Stewart
Most Outstanding Grommet
Tom Grooten
