In what can only be described as perfect 4'-6' J-Bay, Ryan Payne outpointed Warren Dean in a dramatic and incredibly close final of the inaugural Xcel Supertubes Showdown.
Joining Payne and runner-up Dean in the 4-man final were consummate barrel rider Deon Lategan and stylemaster Stan Badger. The long, smooth tuberiding style of Badger helped him advance into the final, but left him short in the last 45 minutes. Lategan started off strong and fast, with some big hooks and long barrels, but the last 20 minutes belonged to Payne and Dean going wave-for-wave.
Towards the end it seemed impossible to separate the two, but a perfect 10-point ride saw Payne edge out the experienced Dean, taking the Supertubes crown and the wildcard into the Von Zipper trials.
"It's the best contest I have ever competed in," said a stoked Payne. "To have Supers as good as it was with just your mates in the water - we were all winners! I just got lucky and ended up with the contest win as well."
"It was an amazing event," said Mike Ginsberg when the dust had settled after the final. "Warren Dean surfed well, but after Ryan's tube on his last wave he was the clear-cut winner."
