Tapped Into The Waves By Terry “Tappa” Teece
Pic: Nick Vasicek in action in the Chiko QCC.
Tweed Heads surfer Nick Vasicek has taken out the third round of the Chiko QCC series, and now it looking down the barrel of winning the 2013 Chicko Queensland Championship Circuit.
In shifting 2m-2.5m waves at Coolum Beach, 25-year-old Vasicek tackled a rampaging Nathan “Hog” Hedge, former WCT surfer from Narrabeen, who now lives at Buderim. In a closely fought heat, it was Vasicek, Hedge, Hayden Cervi from Noosa, and Snapper Rocks’ Mitch Parkinson respectively after the final hooter.
Opting to surf right-handers on his backhand, Vasicek utilised a style that was honed at his local breaks to outpoint his opponents.
“I’ve grown up surfing point breaks like Snapper my whole life, so I think I favour my backhand. The other guys were going left down the beach, so I thought I’d paddle up further on my own and surf the rights,” said an elated Vasicek.
Vasicek and Parkinson now find themselves facing off for the overall series title with Coolangatta’s Mitch Crews announcing he won’t make the final event at Burleigh Heads in June. Hedge is currently undecided as to whether he will contest the final event, as he is chasing WQS events, and just made this event after rushing back from Brazil. Hodge will be still in contention to defend his 2012 QCC title.
For the win, Vasicek banks a $3000 winner’s cheque as well as crucial points leading into the final event of the series, The Chiko Burleigh Classic, scheduled for 15-16 June.
Volcom Pro in Fiji ready to roll
After last year’s Volcom Pro in Fiji, featuring some of the best waves seen all year, and including an insane tow-in session, the surfing world is well and truly psyched and ready to see what Cloudbreak will deliver this year.
It is getting serious in the title race, and the goofy footers are frothing and keen to get into the giant left-handers on their forehand. They also have the back-up wave of “Restaurants” should Cloudbreak be too big, but it is anticipated as one of the best events of the year again..
A huge swell that gave the Gold and Tweed coasts a touch up is on it’s way now to Fiji, but it looks like it may be a little quiet for the start of the waiting period. Parko and Mick, and do not forget the “White Fijian” Bede Durbidge will be primed for a big one. Log on to www.volcomfijipro.com to watch it live from this Sunday.
Indigenous titles at Bells
The National Indigenous Titles have started up at Bells Beach, and will wind up this weekend. Kirra Surfriders’ Dale Richards will be flying the flag for our area, and once again looks like a big threat to take the title, but there is plenty of talent on show, including Foster surfer Joe Haddon. Good luck Dale, rip it up.
Locals perform well at Far North Coast junior titles
Pumping solid waves at Cabarita Beach were on offer, with some great performances from Tweed Coast surfers.
Cabarita surfers Dale Pullinger and Jayke Mellows placed first and second respectively in the under-12 boys, Tweed surfer Kobie Enwright won the under-16 girls with Jacinta Greenup (Cabarita) second, and Kirra-Lee Connor (Kingscliff) third. Alyssa Lock is the Far North Coast champion in the under-14 girls, Joe Brooker (Pottsville) was second in the under-16 boys, with Nathan Still of Kingscliff equal fifth and qualifying for the NSW Junior Titles.
In the blue ribband under-18 divisions, Sheldon Simkus (Tweed Heads) and Ashlee Spence (Kingscliff) both were runners-up and will look to go one better in the state titles.
