The 45 th Warren Taylor Homes Sunshine Surf Masters, in memory of local surfing legend Ian ‘Sam’ Salmond, was held at Flat Rocks Beach last weekend, with an impressive turnout of local and WA talent with some exciting surfing on display.
Day one of the competition saw surfers from across the State battling it out in super fun and consistent four-foot waves, with almost every division from Under 16’s to Over 60’s close to capacity.
Unfortunately, conditions deteriorated on day two of competition, with strong onshore winds and a drop in the swell, however this did not deter competitors who continued to impress with quality surfing on show on finals day.
To commemorate the memory of Sam Salmond following his passing 5 years ago, the Over 60’s Sam’s Division was once again a highlight of the event. Entry into this division is by invitation only, with a maximum of five surfers, allowing Sam’s mates the space to paddle out and go for broke while honouring their mate. After battling a short but fierce rainstorm Steve Williams emerged the winner with a heat total of 10.93 (out of 20).
The female surfers put on an impressive display over the whole weekend. The Jetty Surf Open Women’s final saw Dongara’s local Sophie Butcher, giving two of Margaret River’s finest, in Ruby Berry & Zali Hewson, a run for their money, with the three of them trading wave for wave.
It wasn’t until the final minute when Zali Hewson ripped apart her final wave, which scored a 9.17 (out of 10) that solidify her lead and take the win and securing a spot into the 2022 Margaret River Pro Trials event, with a heat total of 16.5 out of 20.
The Warren Taylor Homes Open Men’s division always attracts some the biggest names from across the State, who were also vying for the chance to get an entry to the Margaret River Pro Trials and a swag of prizes and money.
2021 year was no exception, with Cyrus Cox putting on a clinic in the finals to finish with a heat total of 15.93 (out of 20) and going on to take back-to-back Sunshine Surf Masters victories.
Brady Marsden, who surfed out of his skin all weekend and eventually won the Non-Comp’s (for surfers who have not surfed a competition in 2021) division and came fourth in the Open Men’s. Marsden’s efforts saw him take home the Channel Islands Charger Award for most impressive surfer of the entire event.
The Geraldton Hotel’s Expression Session saw a number of completed aerials, of which Perth’s Jesse Molly not only landed the most, but the biggest and best take home the cash prize pool.
Open Men’s
1 st. Cyrus Cox – 15.93 (8 + 7.93)
2nd. Sol Pogue-Englert – 12.33 (6.33 + 6)
Open Women’s
1 st. Zali Hewson – 16.5 (9.17 + 7.33)
2nd. Sophie Butcher – 12.96 (6.63 + 6.33)
Cadets (Under 17)
1st. Jake Hagan – 13.16 (7.83 + 5.33)
2nd. Jesse Siedmiorgrodzki – 11.34 (6.67 + 4.67)
Juniors (Under 19)
1st. Jesse Siedmiorgrodzki – 13.63 (7.23 + 6.4)
2nd. Sol Pogue-Englert – 13.57 (7 + 6.57)
Non-Comps
1st. Brady Marsden – 12.25 (6.83 + 5.67)
2nd. Ben McDonald – 11.4 (5.93 + 5.47)
Seniors (Over 30’s)
1st. Jessy Molly – 15.5 (8.67 + 6.83)
2nd. Luke Hayter – 11.3 (6.93 + 4.37)
Masters (Over 40’s)
1st. Deon Hagan – 10.67 (5.67 + 5)
2nd. Andrew Sheridan – 10.33 (6.83 + 3.5)
Grand Masters (Over 50’s)
1st. Oscar Pellizzon – 11.17 (6 + 5.17)
2nd. Steve Williams – 7 (4.17 + 2.83)
Sam’s Division (Over 60’s)
1st. Steve Williams – 10.93 (6.83 + 4.1)
2nd. Mick Molloy – 10.93 (5.5 + 5.43)
