Kneeboard Surfing World Titles in Opunake, New Zealand

Steeno · Post by **Steeno** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:33 pm

there is a big crew on the east coast today at whagamata, 3-4 foot super long left was the report I got this morning and offshore...

looks like a swell is hitting the west coast but has onshore winds to match

hoops?

Bintang Bob · Post by **Bintang Bob** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:52 pm

Hey Finger, we're meant to have 3'-5' northeast swell thursday/friday over here in Gizzy. It's most likely bigger up at the Coromandel (there's a squash zone aimed right at that area). It's starting to show here (in Gizzy) as of this morning with long lulls between sets. 6' to 8' faces at the stand out spots and off shore of course. Bob & Suz

finger · Post by **finger** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 12:21 am

Thanks Bob surfed Hot Water beach late this arvo clean 3 to 4!

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 6:43 am

What day does the Contest start?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:36 am

Found it...April 11.

Bintang Bob · Post by **Bintang Bob** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:04 am

surfed the Gizzy pipe with Kneelogrl yesterday AM....

well over head on the sets (8'-10' faces) glassy all morning....

it sounds even bigger this morning.....

Suz is checking it as I write this....

Bintang Bob · Post by **Bintang Bob** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:01 pm

it is bigger....

double over head plus....

and that's at the Gizzy Pipe, up at the northern beaches it'll be even bigger than that as there's some east in the swell (Gizzy Pipe picks up south swell only)....

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:37 pm

Just had the opening ceremonies, following our parade down Opunake main street (!!) around noon today. Incredible. Murray Weir has everything super organized.

Sorry it's been so hard to post anything. Internet access is rather limited in this area, and most of the places were all shut down for Good Friday.

I posted some pics, mostly about atmosphere in the area.

Everyone's having a great time thus far, although it's been a bit cold, windy, and with some small swell of late (but up through Thursday there was lots of good surf, and we had one all time session right off the plane as soon as we could drive down to this area.

Team USA had good seeds with about 6 of us not having to surf in the qualifying rounds (where you have to take first or second or you're flat out of the Open--no repercharge). The surfing starts tomorrow (Easter Sunday) with women's and cadet's divisions, as probably the team competition. Everyone's expecting the best surfing in any World Contest ever.

Will try to stay in touch on a daily basis. Otherwise, the official contest site will be updated every day in the evening, beginning tomorrow.

Smokin Rock · Post by **Smokin Rock** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:02 am

thanks for the update and pics Scott...keep up the good work!

randiego · Post by **randiego** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:25 am

Thanks for the update Scott - Looks like plenty of swell activity for you boys

Good luck in your heats, and say hello to all from all of us stuck back here

Bintang Bob wrote:it is bigger.... double over head plus.... and that's at the Gizzy Pipe, up at the northern beaches it'll be even bigger than that as there's some east in the swell (Gizzy Pipe picks up south swell only)....

sounds fun Bob

.

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 6:46 am

Sounds like fun. The posts are definitely appreciated.

wolruss · Post by **wolruss** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 10:10 pm

Great posts on this site re:World Titles experiences, well done Scott,

how about some from the point of view from where water gurgles down the sink in the opposite direction

Budgie,Feral,MJ (Fiona) & Justin, got your email thanks - would love to hear & see more - I returned your email but it has bounced back (those danged sheep keep playing with the reception)

how about posting something up here for all us here on the Western Isle ..ppttoooi...wash my mouth out...

Cheers Wolruss

feralmick · Post by **feralmick** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 8:48 pm

G`day folks, 3rd day in a row at Arrawata. Swell pumping-6ft offshore earlier.
Finished quarters in Open division.
From round 1 onwards, some spectacular surfing.
Swell & wind forecast not spectacular-wait & see what happens the next couple of days.
Great place to be, top event, great hospitality but bitterly cold on the clifftop.

scoop · Post by **scoop** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 2:52 am

Found this on the UK site just now ...
semi 1 Simon Aust Gavin Aust & Paul Herriot (I think)Aust
semi 2 Albert Aust/PR/US Baden Aust Barry US
thanx for your updates Scott (we might have to call you scoop too lol)
Tony

tws · Post by **tws** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:31 pm

http://www.pbase.com/naki_gaza/kneelo09

Great photos on this link