2011 New Zealand
Wavesailing Nationals taranaki
Report, Clip & Pics by Thomas Davies
Held over the Easter holidays, and generously sponsored by Carbon Art Boards and Jim Rodgers Dental Studio, the weekend provided us with some of the best wave contest conditions seen in recent years
Epic starboard tack conditions allowed us to complete a full double elimination format. Some of the sets coming through during the event were up to mast and 1/2 high, with most sailors on 5.3 or 4.5's over the 2-days. Competitors from all over New Zealand, along with a selection of entrants from around the world, tried to claim the title. The judging panel consisted of Carbon Art Board designer James Dinnis and Spanish Wave ripper Ferran Crespo.
The final came back down to two singlefin sailors, Chris La Franchie and Paul Barron, with Paul victorious after some impressive wave selection and perfect 3 or 4 turn rides. England's PWA Judge Paul Hunt was unlucky not to progress after a brutal wipeout claimed all his gear. There was plenty of action and carnage to be seen including a few trashed rigs and a board or two. We even saw another random rescue when an unlucky biker managed to veer off into the waves right in front of the crowd of windsurfing spectators.
1st Paul Barron (Taranaki)
2nd Chris La Franchie (Taranaki)
3rd Paul Hunt (Auckland/England)
4th Mike La Franchie (Taranaki)
