Rottnest Island

Free Wahoo Premium Ale at the event “meeting” held at the pub the previous night was definitely not the best preparation for the 700m walk required to get from the bus stop to the contest site. With the forecast looking average, we were pleasantly surprised to see 2-3ft peaks making their way across the reef at Strickland Bay.

The standard of surfing in WA was higher than I had remembered, with blistering performance being thrown down throughout the day. Day two saw a drop in wave heights and consistency, but with state titles on the line there was still plenty of quality surfing. Fresh from winning the Chill Pro Junior, Felicty Palmateer was unstoppable in the Open Womens division, taking down the ever smiling Ellie Macaulay in the process. The U/21’s final went down to the wire, with Jake Fawcett only needing to place 3rd or better to take the state title. With Fawcett starved of waves, it became a battle between Delroy and Jerome Forrest. Mitch Taylor’s fly boy antics kept him in striking distance, but Delroy was handed the win and the state title when Jerome faded him on a left hander in the dying stages of the final.

The Open Mens final was also an epic affair, with all four competitors finding scoring waves in the final minute. Everyone bailed to catch the bus and left it to the judges to sort out. Jake Malloy ended up taking victory, Delroy finished second, Dave Macaulay third and Jerome fourth. Macaulay’s third was just enough to secure the prestigious open state title, an incredible result when you consider the fact that Dave is almost as old as his fellow finalists combined. Not really, but he also took out the over 45’s division at this event which gives you an indication of his vintage.

The presentations went down smoother than a chilled beverage from the event sponsor, and everyone bailed back to the mainland to get back to their everyday lives.

Not everyone though, Dave and I had extended our accomodation in anticipation of a new swell forecast to hit the following day. That however, is a story for another day...