(Torquay, VIC – Saturday 8th October 2011): Steve Noble (Cape Patterson) has won his maiden Toll IPEC Victorian Open Title, by taking out the final round in inconsistent waves at Bells Beach.
The small swell pulsed during the morning heats, however dropped significantly during the day to leave competitors with tough conditions for the finals.
With Simon Collier (Ocean Grove) out of the competition due to prior commitments, the title was up for grabs for several competitors with Noble and Finn Barry (Apollo Bay) considered front-runners.
The final was a lackluster affair with no waves being surfed for the first 10 minutes. However it was Noble who found the only major scoring ride for the final, netting an 8-point ride.
“I was lucky to get that eight point ride, and then I was just looking for a small back up”
“This is the first one I have won, I’m pretty stoked. All the boys back home told me I cant come back unless I win it, so I’m glad I did!”
Noble took out the final over Josh Johnson-Baxter (Ocean Grove) and Caiden Fowler (Mornington Peninsula) who posted 6.07 and 6.03 total heat scores respectively.
Unortunantly due to the lack of surf, Lincoln Eather (Jan Juc) was unable to post a scoring ride.
In the open women’s, it was local girl Zoe Clarke (Jan Juc) who was able to find the best waves and take out the round.
13-year-old Clarke took down the extremely young field with Kelly Laity (Sandy Point), Matilda McLellan (Mornington Peninsula) and Tabby Vockler (Mornington Peninsula) placing third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Rivalries were also on the line with the coveted Toll IPEC Industry Challenge being run after the open finals. Local industry teams Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Strapper Surf battled it out for the famous trophy and bragging rights.
Rip Curl took out the tag team event in the dying minutes with Quiksilver unable to find a 4-point ride to take the win. Strapper finished third place.
The Toll IPEC Victorian Open Series is presented by Chiko and supported by VB.
source: Surfing Victoria Media Release
Links
- Surfing Victoria website: www.surfingaustralia.com/vic/
Photo Gallery
Photos: Liam Robertson
