Kitesurfing Results from the Merimbula Classic
The offerings from Merimbula, not much, but it'll do!
Ben Wilson once again showed everyone that it takes a little more than just wiggling about on the famous Merimbula beach ripples, you need to drive somewhere else and find better conditions if Main beach isn't working. Around to the North, there's another beach called Short point - which picks up the northerly swell much better and actually has some decent waves on offer. Despite the stormy weather, Wilson and a select few kiters ventured out and scored some decent conditions, winning them the contest.
It's having that local knowledge that will make or break your performance in a competition like this, without the knowledge of that little beach, Wilson would have found it a lot more difficult to place against the hoards of talented riders doing their best at the main spot. It also helps when the judges have known you since you were a kid - but we're sure that's not why Wilson won it!
Speaking of those little rippers on the main beach, there was all sorts of wave slasher going on throughout the weekend. Some familiar faces like Keahi De Aboitiz, Scott Johnson and Carl Bevelaqua put on a great show for all the spectators up on the lookout. These fella's all placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.
Aside from the main comp, the presigous King Mambo award was given to Dave Sorensen (of Slingshot fame) for his outrageous kiting performance, and equally inspiring antics at the bowls club. Dave's a regular at the Merimbula classic, and can regularly be seen unhooking and throwing down right in the middle of the millions of kiters on main beach.
On the topic of millions of kiters - it wasn't actually a million, but the total list of entrants came to just over 260. That includes SUP, windsurfing and kitesurfing, but a gallant effort none-the-less. Next year, there's been talk of having a separate division for sponsored riders; could be a nice idea considering that the top competitors are always the sponsored riders. Of course that's probably the reason they're sponsored in the first place, but it will be nice to give the punters a bit of a run next year.
So that's it for another year, check out the seabreeze forums for a few pictures of the event. And remember that the last week of November every year should be marked off in the calendar for the Merimbula classic. Don't forget!
Pinnaroo Point, WA
