Despite the recent string of intense weather in Victoria, ranging from heat waves, storms and heavy rain, the Volcom VQS Grubfish contest escaped it all on Saturday 13 February 2010 at Gunnammatta Beach on the Mornington Peninsular, with a comfortable 24 degree temperature, light on-shore breeze and 3-foot waves.
The keen competitors turned out early eager to get their names in the draw and all divisions filled up quickly with just over 100 competitors across the 4 divisions.
First to hit the water was the Groms division (14 & under). With a right rip bowl and the tide moving out, the conditions did prove tough for the groms, but with the 10 minute ‘best one wave scored’ heats, they only needed one. It was the top four finalists that were most deserving. The lead changed over 3 times through the final with Nick Alcock having an early jump on the final. It wasn’t long before Luke Dunlop took the lead with a larger wave, laying down a series of cutbacks. Then, out of nowhere, Walter Hiatt laid down a huge front side hack but unfortunately came unstuck and it was not enough. Taking out the junior division was Luke Dunlop, in 2nd place was Nick Alcock, in 3rd place was Walter Hiatt and finishing in 4th place was Tom Harrison.
Grom winner Luke Dunlop
We held one outright final heat for the girls. The girls were patient all day and got out there and slashed it up. Last year’s winner Matilda McLellaun again proved too strong for her competitors. The highlight of the final was young Piper Harrison beating her mum in the final. When the results were called out Piper was estatic yelling, “I beat my mum! I beat my mum!” Well done Piper. Meg Sweeny finished in 2nd place, Piper Harrison in 3rd place, Mellissa Harrison in 4th place and Cortney Dunlop in 5th place.
Matilda Mclellaun cutting back in the final
The Junior division was cut throat all day and it looked like Harry Mann was unstoppable winning all the heats to the final, but it was Shaymz Buttonshaw that had the answer to that with a strong finish in the final. Surfing down the beach it was Harry Mann and Hayden Forrest going head to head, both going for broke and both with good waves under their belt. Shaymz elected to stay on the right rip bowl which proved to be the difference in the end throwing a series of large hacks to take out the final just ahead of Hayden Forrest, Harry Mann and Travis Cininas respectively.
Hayden Forrest huge snap that could have put him in 1st place
Harry Man down the beach, was getting his fins out
Travis Cininas flaoting his way to 4th place
The Pro – Am division went wave for wave all day and that did not stop in the final - what an entertaining final this proved to be! With a series of rides under their belts, it could have been anyone in the lead half way through, but the next half of the final was another story with Finn Barry sticking a huge aerial reverse. Alex Vrana then responded with and epic combo of turns to take out the final and snatch the lead from Finn, in 3rd place was Liam Jolly and in 4th place was Charlie Nairn.
Finn Barry air reverse
All was not lost for Finn Barry he took home the Electric Move of the day for his huge front side air reverse in the final.
What a great day it was, seeing the kids and competitors travel from all over Victoria to compete. There was loads of giveaways all day, water slides, cream face painting, the BB Brocca challenge, lollies, hair dye and loads more. Thanks for a fun day Vicco. Look forward to seeing all the finalists in Sydney for the VQS Championships on the 16th and 17th April 2010.
A huge thank you to the Peninsular Boardriders for their support and to our supporting companies and friends:
http://www.electricvisual.com
http://www.vestalwatches.com
http://www.globe.tv
http://www.Aerial7.com
http://www.futuresfins.com
http://www.redbull.com.au
http://www.solrx.com.au
http://www.surfinglife.com.au
Grom Finalists
Girls Finalists
Junior Finalists
Pro - Am Finalists
