HEADLANDER’s first round of the year was held at Lighthouse Beach Ballina last Sunday 31st of January. Conditions were absolute crap, with the easterly swell and the easterly wind. As I stated last year about this time it was The Washing Machine Effect. All the guys could do was paddle out, get rinsed, then go through the fast wash, try their best in the rinse cycle and then come out of the surf for the tumble dry.

Anyway, it was great to kick off the year with a few more members. The weather conditions kept some away and a few guys in Hawaii also didn’t help. Great to see more guys from Yamba and a very dedicated young crew turn up as new members, (who know’s – we may have scored the next Australian Champion in Bodyboarding in this new group).

Results

Open

1. Dave Gallagher
2. Luke Ashton
3. Elliot Butler
4. Ben McDonald

Juniors

1. Elliot Butler
2. Jake Tuke
3. Anthony Gilbert
4. Bodie Carr

Groms/Cadets

1. Liam Gibney
2. Nat Russel
3. Daniel Pearson
4. Nial Gibney
5. Conner Gubney

Best Scores:- Dave Gallagher nailed an impressive barrel in his Semi and then followed it up with consisted effort in the Final to claim first place. Jake Tuke ( the new kid from Yamba) surfed well all day and was unlucky not to grab the Juniors Final due to Mister Consistancy Elliot Butler just mixing it up and proving very competitive once again.

Worst Scores:- Pretty much the rest of the Opens from 2nd place down, as they complained about the weather, the conditions, and spent the whole time speaking about last night and what they were doing next week party style.

Special Mention:- All the new Grom/Cadets who were eager and really had a big dig for their first event in such bad conditions. The big boys noted it and we hope with better conditions next time you young guys can watch the older ones and learn all about Bodyboarding contest style.

The Ultimate Mention:- Goes to Connor Gibney who is only 8 years old and turned up and had a go with the Groms/Cadets. Great stuff Connor and with an attitude like yours you’re only going to improve and have a good time like the rest of the Headlander’s do. Also thankyou to Andrew Bleakley for paddling out with the Groms and making sure they were O.K in the conditions!

Thank you Tori for judging all day again and also Andrew,Ben,Daniel and Codie for filling in as well. Thanx Inverted Byron Bay for sponsering HEADIES again.

The only small hick up with the judging was the Cadets/Groms Final when young Connor had to go early??????? Connor was set to wear orange but unfortunately could not be there. To Frank’s amazement he placed 4 out of 5 with not even stepping into the water. Tori and Codie obviously had had enough by then and Pink looked like Orange and Red looked like White and Green looked like something else ?? Anyway it was obvious who had won and the got the rest of the placings. Thanx guys/Girls – if no one judges we don’t have a comp.

See You All Next Time Next Comp – Sunday February 28th – meet @ Ballina @ 7am.

Thanx – Frank ( The Mayan ) “We Love Headies”