TWC 08

Being meaning to do a post on the recent Taranaki Wave Classic 2008 but either been recovering or been too busy. The contest this year was held over two days at two locations around the fantastic Taranaki coastline.

After winning the Wave Nationals this year and the last round of the Freewave my expectations were high of at least getting in the minor placings. However, a combination of running out of Gas in the finals and the local knowledge and experience of the local crew saw me relegated to a 5th placing in the mens open. Local Taranaki boy Chris la Frenchie won the contest with a polished performance and heaps of aerials.

Day 1 - Waitara
Day 1 was held at super crowded Waitara. Seemed to get my waves though, probably through good luck rather than good management. The best thing was the jumping! You could line up the ramps from about 100 metres out and just launch into the stratosphere. I reckon I did one of the biggest push loops of my life during the super session. Everything went quiet and it became difficult to breath without breathing apparatus. Got windier and windier and made the mistake like everyone else in the final of thinking I could handle a 4.5. Waves were a bit choppy, however there were some moments of joy.

The Fanatic Twinser just thumps the sections and feels super safe and controlled on even the latest lip smack.

Day 2 - Pungarehu
I love Pungarehu and I hate Pungarehu. Was super windy (could barely open my eyelids on the wave) but surprisingly smooth on the wave. Was nervous about sailing the twinser in such extreme conditions, but I didn't need to have been. Haven't found the limits of the board yet and am looking forward to pushing it some more. Looking at the photo's and video, I think my timing needs work and I probably need to get more vertical and deeper in the pocket. Had a huge swim from way out the back and did some good underwater exercises. Sailed till I failed. The rocks gave me a bit of loving too. Spent the next day nursing cut feet and hands, pulling sea urchin spines out of my feet, and explaining to my work collegues that the mark on my neck was not a hickey but a wetsuit rash.

The TWC and tangaroa delivers yet again.

video by Caroline Read