In testing 1 to 1.5m waves at Piha, Tim O'Connor (Mnt) methodically worked his way through a stella field to win the open mens final in an enduring 12 hour contest on Saturday (12th December). Organisers were keen to get the contest finished in one day and while the weather looked ominous to begin with, things improved and there were plenty of waves scored in the excellent range despite the ever changing tidal conditions.
Tim O'Connor saw off his opposing finalists with his clinical backhand snaps in the pocket followed up with some east coast reverse trickery on the inside. The judges were strict on ASP criteria and O'Connor took the title by being both radical and having variety in his moves.
Fellow Mount surfer, Alex Dive impressed all day with his speed and vertical attack everytime a critical section appeared. He claimed second in the Open after previously dispensing with all comers in the junior final. For Alex, it was hopefully a prequel for how he will want to perform at the 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championship that will also be held at Piha next month.
