Day 1 at the Vissla Central Coast Pro and Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro, Men's and Women's QS3000 event enjoyed a rising swell and good conditions for early rounds of men's competition.
The event opened with the appearance of high profile elite surf coach Glenn ‘Micro' Hall who surfed his first WSL heat in over 5 years and the powerful goofy footer showed he has maintained the skills that saw him compete on the elite Championship Tour in 2015 and 2016. By day's end Hall had advanced through Rounds 1,2 and 3 and faces an intriguing matchup against his own team member Adrian Buchan in Round 4.
"It was fun to put the jersey back on and compete again - First time since Pipe Masters in 2015 I believe! Today's about getting out there and doing my best, it's not about winning and it's a good opportunity while here at my home beach - Don't worry, this is not a comeback" laughed Hall after his heat 3 win.
By day's end Hall had advanced through 3 Rounds and faces an intriguing matchup against his own team member Adrian Buchan in Round of 64.
"There'll be no favours going Adrian's way in that heat - Maybe he can give me a few."
Glen Hall back competing at Avoca - WSL / Ethan Smith
Nathan Hedge was the other high profile veteran former CT surfer to compete at Avoca today. Looking as fit as he was through his prime years on the elite tour over a decade ago, Hedge's competitive nouse and determination saw him advance on his final ride of his Round of 112 heat.
"I still love competing when the opportunities arise," said Hedge. "There's no pressure now and it's good to stay in touch and see all the emerging talent and with good waves likely all week this should be a great event - I will always give it 100%."
Nathan Hedge loving the waves at Avoca today - WSL / Ethan Smith
Shane Holmes revelled in the increasing surf today as the powerfully built Central Coast surfer won his way through Rounds 2 and 3 today with a style focused on big powerful moves.
"I have not competed since this event last year and it is so good to be back and doing what we all do best," said Holmes. "It's ideal to be surfing in my local region and with this swell on the increase I feel confident - I much prefer these types of waves to anything smaller so I'm feeling good."
Local standout Shane Holmes - WSL / Ethan Smith
One international advanced today and that was Sean Gunning from Spain who found an excellent 8 point last minute ride in his Round of 96 heat. The score elevated him from 4th to 2nd and through to Round of 64.
Tomorrow is forecast to be the peak of this swell and an excellent day is anticipated which should be ideal for the high seeds in the Women's Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro to begin their campaigns. The field is headed by Australian Olympic Team member Sally Fitzgibbons along with fellow Championship Tour surfers Keely Andrew, Macy Callaghan and Isabella Nichols.
Veteran Championship Tour Surfers Dominate on Day 1 At Avoca Beach
WSL
Day 1 at the Vissla Central Coast Pro and Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro, Men's and Women's QS3000 event enjoyed a rising swell and good conditions for early rounds of men's competition.
The event opened with the appearance of high profile elite surf coach Glenn ‘Micro' Hall who surfed his first WSL heat in over 5 years and the powerful goofy footer showed he has maintained the skills that saw him compete on the elite Championship Tour in 2015 and 2016. By day's end Hall had advanced through Rounds 1,2 and 3 and faces an intriguing matchup against his own team member Adrian Buchan in Round 4.
"It was fun to put the jersey back on and compete again - First time since Pipe Masters in 2015 I believe! Today's about getting out there and doing my best, it's not about winning and it's a good opportunity while here at my home beach - Don't worry, this is not a comeback" laughed Hall after his heat 3 win.
By day's end Hall had advanced through 3 Rounds and faces an intriguing matchup against his own team member Adrian Buchan in Round of 64.
"There'll be no favours going Adrian's way in that heat - Maybe he can give me a few."
Nathan Hedge was the other high profile veteran former CT surfer to compete at Avoca today. Looking as fit as he was through his prime years on the elite tour over a decade ago, Hedge's competitive nouse and determination saw him advance on his final ride of his Round of 112 heat.
"I still love competing when the opportunities arise," said Hedge. "There's no pressure now and it's good to stay in touch and see all the emerging talent and with good waves likely all week this should be a great event - I will always give it 100%."
Shane Holmes revelled in the increasing surf today as the powerfully built Central Coast surfer won his way through Rounds 2 and 3 today with a style focused on big powerful moves.
"I have not competed since this event last year and it is so good to be back and doing what we all do best," said Holmes. "It's ideal to be surfing in my local region and with this swell on the increase I feel confident - I much prefer these types of waves to anything smaller so I'm feeling good."
One international advanced today and that was Sean Gunning from Spain who found an excellent 8 point last minute ride in his Round of 96 heat. The score elevated him from 4th to 2nd and through to Round of 64.
Tomorrow is forecast to be the peak of this swell and an excellent day is anticipated which should be ideal for the high seeds in the Women's Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro to begin their campaigns. The field is headed by Australian Olympic Team member Sally Fitzgibbons along with fellow Championship Tour surfers Keely Andrew, Macy Callaghan and Isabella Nichols.