Coffs Report - Story John Clingan - Pictures John Cullen and Kas

Results all divisions - here

John Cullen Slide Show pictures. - here
Kas slide show pictures - here

The Hoey Moey north coast pro for 2008 was another success thanks to the efforts of all our competitors and their families who traveled far and wide to be part of the event, including a team from New Zealand, along with many local kneelo's.

Friday I managed to have a surf at the contest site with only a 2 foot swell pushing into Diggers Beach. A low pressure system was building off the coast promising a building swell for the weekend which I hoped would bring at least some increase in the waves. Be careful what you wish for!

Saturday and a beautiful day with migrating whales and dolphins greeted the competitors. The waves had increased to 4-6ft, with an express train rip making the paddle out the back easy enough. The early Open rounds saw some great surfing with Peter Simmons and Darren Gibbz from Newcastle, Glen Bitton from Yamba and Mark Jeffrey from Victoria all progressing to the quarter finals, challenging the top seeds for a place in the semi finals.

Sunday saw the swell increased again with giant 10 to 12 foot waves breaking out past the headland at Diggers. The Open semi finals saw Sydney's Matt Gallagher and current 2008 champion Kyle Bryant knocked out, along with Newcastle top seed Baden Smith and Darren Gibbz.
With restrictions on the location of the contest it was decided to remain at the southern end of Diggers Beach. The Women and Cadet competitors showed no fear and were eager to paddle out and experience very trying conditions. The crowd on the beach showed their support with cheers and applause as our Junior, Cadet and Women competitors showed great courage and skill in not only competing, but excelling in the large swell. It was great to see so many people taking photo's along the beach witnessing some great rides by our future stars like Kiya Kelley from Canada in the Womens and Roydon Stewart from New Zealand in the Juniors, all earning the admiration of the judges and organisers.
At one stage, Wollongong’s Albert Munoz put his own welfare on the line as he paddled out around the headland to rescue a young women free surfer who got into trouble in the large sea's. Well done Albert!
The swell continued to increase throughout the day with local Police and Ambulance officers coming down to watch the event, along with tourists and locals including an elderly gentleman who expressed his admiration and excitement at seeing our finalists catch waves the size of 2 story buildings!
The Open final saw former world champion Simon Farrer, Byron Bay icon David Parkes, South Coast NSW Chayne Simpson and Wollongong local Albert Munoz paddle out into giant sets breaking out past the headland.
The 30 minute final was described as being the best anyone has seen in over a decade. The judges were impressed with the commitment and maneuvers with David Parked managing a score of 10 for his huge barrel. Chayne Simpson pulled off an incredible re-entry so high we though it would be a danger to aircraft. Simon Farrer showed his courage and commitment taking off on some massive waves with Albert Munoz taking on waves so large he broke his legrope and had to swim a long distance back to shore to collect his board.

In the end, each of the finalists displayed courage and commitment, putting on an incredible display which impressed everyone. So much, that the entire beach applauded their efforts as they walked up the beach.

The final result was, Albert Munoz 4th, Chayne Simpson 3rd, Simon farrer 2nd and David Parked champion for 2008.

Our major sponsors, the Hoey Moey Hotel, staff and owners, were impressed by the fantastic atmosphere we brought to the hotel and are very keen to see the event held there again in 2009.

Many thanks to Polly and all the crew at the Hoey Moey for their support and welcoming us so warmly. Also, a big thanks to Murray Weir and the incredible kiwi team who sang us a traditional Maori song and Haka at the presentation and provided a fun family atmosphere. Special mention to Murray who attempted to destroy David Parkes with some late night frivolities and Kiya Kelley, who both made the event such a joy.

The contest was a success thanks to the entrants and their family and friends, who take time out from work and school to support our circuit. Also, many thanks to our head judge Jay Stapleton who kept the contest moving along and managed a 99% strike rate in judging stats. Well done.

The top 16 plus reserve NSW place getters will be notified very soon for the NSW State Titles
being held in Port Macquarie on 4th to 6th July.

Our next contest is in November in Victoria's Philip Island. Many thanks to all of you for your assistance and support over the weekend. Next years Bendy and Coffs dates are being discussed and will be posted by end July.

John Clingan

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The Hoey Moey web site and contact details.
http://www.hoeymoey.com.au

Entry forms here - pdf version here if you have any trouble downlading a copy please contact me and I will send you off a jpeg.

Address:
Ocean Parade Road
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Australia

Phone: (02) 6652 3833
Fax: (02) 6651 4434
Freecall: 1800 683 322 (Bookings Only)

Email: hoey@hoeymoey.com.au

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