Vodaphone Surf Sessions 2006 - Wild West Coast Waves

The waves were as big as they get at Piha today for the Vodafone Surf Sessions with conditions that pushed the Kiwi and International surfers to their limits.

Jet skis were used to take the guys out the back of the near four metre waves during four heats of the contest. The tag team component of the competition was cancelled after surfers and organisers decided that getting back out into the surf on an outgoing tide would have proven too dangerous. Instead surfing fans were treated to an impromptu Vodafone Signing Session seeing their surfing heroes up close.

The World team beat the Kiwis 59 points to 28 in the relentless waves with all surfers proving their dedication by getting out there and treating the crowd to a big wave surfing showcase.

Greg Townsend, Executive Officer Surfing NZ, said that the surfers proved just how committed they are to this competition by surfing such tough conditions.

The weather appeared off-putting this morning but a capacity-crowd still made the journey out to Piha. Sue McGregor, Head of Sponsorship at Vodafone said that spectators were rewarded for their dedication with an off-the-cuff opportunity to get their surfing memorabilia autographed by the surfers.

Australian Joel Parkinson, currently fourth on the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Championship Tour, said "I would have 'drowned' if I went back out there today! The waves were physically challenging."

Replacement Kiwi surfer Richard Christie from Gisborne showed off his explosive style and led the first heat right up until the last minute, until Andy Irons snatched the lead on the last wave.

Kiwi team captain Maz Quinn "It was pretty hard out there today but we gave it our all against the world's best."

The day's surfing highlights included Australian Mick Fanning who showed that wave selection is crucial in scoring high points making multiple turns on one of the better waves of the day. Three time world champion Andy Irons also treated spectators to an inspiring barrel-ride seconds after the heat siren sounded.

The World team won a trophy board designed by DK's brother Aaron Kereopa. The trophy is carved from a surfboard blank and features a figure representing Tawhirimatea - Maori god of the elements, the winds, storms and tempest. Without Tawhirimatea manipulating the ocean, there would be no waves.

Vodafone ramped up the off-the-water entertainment this year with the Vodafone Surf Shack - an area where people relaxed, played hacky sack and tested their surfing skills on mechanical surfboards. Local surfer Sam Parsons was ecstatic to have won the privilege to present the surfers with their individual trophies through a competition run at the Vodafone Surf Shack.

Vodafone Surf Sessions 2006 Results:

Heat 1

Andy Irons, 1st
Richard Christie, 2nd
Bruce Irons, 3rd
Maz Quinn, 4th

Winner: Andy Irons

Heat 2

Joel Parkinson, 3rd
Mick Fanning, 1st
Bobby Hansen, 2nd
Daniel Kereopa, 4th

Heat 3

Andy Irons, 1st
Bruce Irons, 3rd
Bobby Hansen, 4th
Daniel Kereopa, 2nd

Heat 4

Joel Parkinson 1st
Mick Fanning, 2nd
Maz Quinn, 3rd
Richard Christie, 4th

Source: Surfing New Zealand

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