THE 28th Lakesea Classic held at South Durras served up an international flavour on the weekend.
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Waveski rider Pablo Arrouarys from France entered his first competition during his Australian travels and did something unique in the competition, held on the weekend of February 21 and 22.
He became the first international rider to the win the classic, at one of the world’s best secret spots, which is something Australian-born World Champions John Christensen or Rees Duncan have yet to do.
His name is now on the honour board at the Lakesea Park, South Durras.
The riders, which included people from New Zealand, South Africa, Queensland, Victoria, NSW and the ACT, gathered at “Heuy”.
The wave served up four to five foot waves for the 30-plus entrants and riders were assisted by slight winds.
The conditions were excellent for the competition and a sunshine-drenched beach served up a special weekend for the surfers and their supporters.
A good standard of waveski surfing was on display and the competitions were close in all divisions.
“Even the first round heats in the open competition were extreme,” competition facilitator Mark Buckley said.
Ben Buckley of Batemans Bay was second in the new age competition and tied for 10th in the open’s contest.
Gerry Buckley finished fourth in the seniors and Brandon Small was seventh in the masters’ competition.
Mark said the beach was a “sight to behold” as it was filled with many faces, some old, some new.
“Skis and gear were spread all over the sand with tents and multiple umbrellas set up amongst the crew,” he said.
“Locals from the park were joined by lots of people that travelled out from the Bay to watch the action, like they have for 28 years.
“Kids with their dads and mums were digging holes and covered in sand.
“Wives and babies were tucked under shades of all types.”
Mark praised the support of a local business which supplied the officiating tent and caravan park management.
“I’d like to thank Russell Hudson for carting gear down from Queensland and tabulating every heat, bar three, over the two days,” he said.
“Also, Scott Murnain and Wade Carberry for saving me when the battery played up.”
Mark said the winners received t-shirts and jackets and hoped he would see all entrants return next year.