BPSA UK Tour to Commence the O’Neill Highland Open

The O’Neill Scottish Open was completed yesterday in epic 6ft conditions throughout the entire contest as well as a high scoring final at Scotland’s premier point break, Thurso East.

All of the BPSA contenders made the long trip to Thurso to take part in what always has the potential to be the event of the tour and this weekend did not disappoint!

Early standouts in the first few rounds included Toby Atkins, who was very unlucky to be knocked out of his quarter final heat after some decent barrels and Russ Mullins, who relishes the big stuff. However when it came down to the business end of the event it was all down to 4 men. Reubin Pearce surfed really well the whole way to the final as did newly sponsored Lew Whittaker and Spencer Hargraves had the heat of the contest in his semi final, racking up a combined total of over 18 points. The last finalist was Russell Winter, the UK’s most successful competition surfer and he showed exactly why and how he is the only Brit to make the World Championship Tour (WCT).

Russell completely dominated the 4 man final scoring two high 8 point rides including some long barrels and big powerful and explosive turns. Russ also picked up the Freerange Money Move and the £250 cash prize for best barrel in his second scoring wave of the final! Spencer took second with Reubin third and Lew forth.

A massive thanks goes to O’Neill for their support of British Surfing. Thanks also to tour sponsors Foster’s, who feed and water the event competitors and staff with their beer and barbie and Freerange Sports Optics (FSO) who provide £250 for the Freerange Money Moves throughout the tour.

Source: British Professional Surf Association

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