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Llangenith's James Jones pulls off a rare double
by George Mojo
10/09/2006:// Llangenith's James Jones pulled off a rare double by claiming both this years Open and Senior Welsh National Titles.
Jones held his nerve to bag an 8 point ride in the dying moments of the Open Final seeing off a strong challenge from Vale boy Isaac Kibblewhite. Conditions for the event couldn't have been anymore challenging with Saturdays heats run in near gale force winds, with waves around 4 to 5 foot and the sets breaking so far out the back it was almost impossible to get there.
The 10 minute paddle out time proved critical as many competitors were simply smashed back to the shore or swept hundreds of yards down the beach.
With Mother Nature showing no respect for reputations or expectations, Saturday's onslaught ended with several big names already on their way home.
Conditions improved slightly for Sunday's action, with 4ft waves, "slightly" less wind and at least no rain, competitors were able to demonstrate their skills on some chunky faces.
Making the finals was as much an endurance test as a surfing contest as our competitors paddling arms were given the ultimate of tests.
Jones had already bagged the Senior title after capitalising on his fellow competitors slow start.
Cleary buoyed by his Senior success Jones went into the Open final brimming with confidence, joining him were Harry Cromwell, Nick Reid and Isaac Kibblewhite.
The final turned into a 2 way battle between Jones and Kibblewhite as Cromwell and Reid who’d been solid all event struggled to find any workable walls to challenge the two powerful goofy foots.
As the entertaining final neared conclusion Kibblewhite held a commanding lead only for Jones to latch onto a long left which he set about destroying with some trademark gouges and hacks to snatch the Open Title.
A delighted Jones put his double victory down to years of paddling practice at Llangenith and his fitness through training for triathlons and was ecstatic with his win.
In other categories it was no surprise to see Sam Burkett and Rob Blyth battle it out for the Under 18 title as both featured strongly in the Open division, with Burkett proving too strong on this occasion.
Tom Bentley is our new Under 16 champion whilst Max Tucker was in a class of his own to take the Under 14's.
The under 12 surfers looked like miniature versions of Greg Noll as they braved the elements and overhead waves to put on an amazing show, in the end it was Dave Williams fearless approach that landed him the title.
The girls events have become as, if not more competitive than the men's of late, as the Welsh ladies continue to set the standards for the rest of the UK.
In the main event, Joanne Dennison took this years crown with a solid display in the tricky conditions, edging out Beth Mason, Kate Dendle and a frustrated Gwen Spurlock, who earlier piped Beth and the Dendle sisters Kate and Jemma to take the U18’s title.
Elliot Dudley was outstanding, taking down the Longboard title ahead of legend Guts Griffiths.
Griffiths, from Swansea, made amends by winning the Masters division.
[Carissa Moore (in yellow) receiving the winner's prize]
[The number of high-rated Australian surf competitions are set to increase]
[Pablo Gutierrez winner of the Superbock Pro]
Hawaiian Carissa Moore won the Roxy Pro Junior surfing in her first ever contest in France
ASP International has announce the inception of their fourth regional branch, ASP Australasia
Twenty-six-year-old Pablo Guitierrez took top honours in the Superbock Pro in Portugal after defeating fellow Portugeuse surfer Eduardo Fernandes in the final
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