In keeping with the hint, just enough of a northerly picked up to run the last round. The venue was Shark Bay and the format was freestyle. Now, I like freestyle and probably had as better chance of wining the round in these conditions than in the waves, but the condition were flukey bordering (13 - 20 knots) on being just sailable. Despite some grumblings in the ranks (mainly from the wave orientated sailors) and a vote to quell any disquiet, we pushed on.
I had a good heat managing to go through most of my limited freestyle routine in the ten minute heat without any hitchs and I was through to the final. The second heat was a little closer, with Clayton Dougan and Chris Norris (both title contenders) vying for the last finals slot. Instead of making a very hard call the judges decided a draw, putting seven into the final.
The final was held in a diminishing wind so most sailors had to frantically pump t get on the plane. Despite the conditions all manner of planing moves were thrown down flaka's, grubbys, spocks, vulcans, willy skippers and believe it or not forward loops in just planing conditions. There were some pretty motivated sailors out there. I had a frustrating final not quite getting enough board speed to land a spock or a forward.
In the end the judges had to make some hard calls, but I managed to snag third place. It wasn't pretty, but third place was all I needed to win the overall series.
Super stoked to finally win this event after seven long years of getting in the minor placings. Stoked also for young Tim Haxell who took out his first round win and great to see Tom Taylor back in the saddle after a long absence.
Check out Wildwinds gallery for more event photos taken by Dave McPhee
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