The final day of New Zealand’s richest surfing event, the Rip Curl Pro presented by Galbraiths, was played out in small waves of less than 1.0m and offshore winds at Manu Bay, the ocean providing just enough swell for the event to be completed.
Open Men’s winner Maz Quinn came up trumps in the final posting a 13.77 point total, the same as double-finalist Elliot Paerata – Reid (Piha). However, Quinn, by way of his highest scoring ride of a 6.93, took the win over Paerata – Reid.
The win extends Quinn’s considerable lead on the New Zealand Pro Series after placing third at the National Championships and second at the South Island Championships so far this year.
“They were not the ideal conditions for me today with waves being that small” said Quinn. “I was disheartened at the forecast but it goes to show that if you keep at your game, you can win anything” he added.
“It was Billy’s to win but any time you get to beat Billy on the Point is good, he was ripping hard all weekend but I got two mediocre scores and held on with the countback which is as close as it gets. I thought Elliot’s last one was going to be better or get him the win but yeah, I am happy to take it away.”
Double finalist Paerata – Reid had to settle for second in the final, a career best result in the Open Men’s Division. However, the young Piha surfer was clearly dejected with coming so close to claiming a double, a feat not achieved at the event since 2009 by fellow finalist Billy Stairmand (Rag).
Quinn thought the conditions had gifted Stairmand the win today but the ocean did not play its part for the local surfer. Stairmand got stuck with the highest scoring wave of the final and only a small back up ride to finish with a 12.83 point heat total and third place overall.
Placing fourth in the final was another Raglan surfer in Chris Malone who finished on 11.33 points.
SNZ
