QBC had a solid showing for the Grommet’s SURFTAG Presented by Surf Culture Bondi.
Originally scheduled to be held at our own Queenscliff Beach, Content Director and QBC legend Steve Harrison moved the contest to South Curl Curl where clean but tricky conditions grew throughout the day, with the rain bucketing down at times between sunshine and rainbows.
As an under-14 contest with 15 teams competing, our teams were pretty young – with some 11 year olds representing the club in their first inter-contest showing. QBC coach Gez McCallum managed our 3 teams of 5 surfers with strategy and conditions coaching through the day.
QBC B and C teams made solid efforts in their heats, but came up short on qualifying for the semi round, with wave selection being key.
Queenscliff A team of Sam Prelc, Jordy Bray, Eli Clarke and brothers Hunter and Barclay Sutcliffe, dominated their first round heat with over 60 points – the highest of the round – to advance to the semi’s.
QBC A had a well surfed 2nd place in the Semi with a strategic first finisher 4-point bonus cementing our advance to the final.
While slightly out rhythm with the sets in the Final, Sam Prelc made a solidly surfed start with 2 good waves. A strong and fast-paced time comeback by Jordi and Eli put us back in line with the other teams despite Eli copping a fair few on the head, and the Sutcliffe brothers finished us off at pace after doing long laps of the beach to the only paddle-out spot.
In the end, QBC came up with an EPIC 3rd place in the final – an outstanding result against a really strong competition.
Good job all the competitors – Gumby is proud of you./
RESULTS – Grommets SURFTAG Presented by Surf Culture Bondi
1st – North Shelly Boardriders
2nd – Long Reef Boardriders
3rd – Queenscliff Boardriders
4th – North Avalon Surfing Assoc.
5th – Maroubra United
5th – Scarborough Boardriders
7th – Bronte Boardriders
7th – Sandon Point Boardriders
9th – Bondi Boardriders
9th – Elouera Boardriders
11th – Avoca Boardriders
11th – Mona Vale Boardriders
13th – Dee Why Surfing Fraternity
13th – North Narrabeen Boardriders
13th – Queenscliff B Team
13th – Queenscliff C Team