Out the back

Surf Column

AS I was checking the surf at Wainui this week, I saw a lone surfer displace an astronomical amount of water with a huge forehand snap.

I thought to myself, “Who could that be?”

The waves looked a bit gutless and the surface a bit ruffled, but this guy was connecting some vigorous turns on sections I probably would have given up on.

Must be Ricardo Christie . . . I spent a decent amount of time watching and analysing his heats on the Championship Tour last year, so there was no mistaking his style.

I hung around and watched the remainder of his session, then approached him at the Chalet car park.

“Howzit bro’?” I asked.

He was open and affable, and I was stoked to finally meet him after writing numerous stories about his efforts on tour.

Despite being knocked off the CT, he seemed positive about the prospect of surfing on the Qualifying Series for another year.

In a few weeks, he will fly to Hawaii for the Volcom Pipe Pro at Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline. A fitting return to the break that saw him eliminated from the CT in December.

Another Gizzy surfer will be competing in a QS event this month — Jasmine Smith, 18, is entered in the Carve Pro in Maroubra, New South Wales, Australia, and is on the waiting list for a few others in the same state.

It will be her first QS event and she is a bit nervous, which is not surprising considering around 100 other competitors will be there with similar aspirations.

If anyone knows of someone who can give her a place to stay for the duration of the comp, let her know! The event is a long way from her new home in Burleigh Heads.

Maz Quinn and John Gisby will also have to cover some distance to compete at the National Surfing Championships in Dunedin next week.

The champs start on Monday and St Clair Beach is the likely venue.

Quinn is keen to claim his fifth title after coming second last year and Gisby . . . well, Gisby is going for title No.36. Good odds on that, I reckon.

The groms are staying home, presumably because it is a “heck of a trek”, to quote Gisborne Boardriders Club coach Andy McCulloch.

But the surf forecast here is looking decent, with a fresh pulse of swell early next week and offshore winds. So that should ease the FOMO (fear of missing out).

This weekend is looking decent as well, with waves in the two-foot range and offshore winds early on both days. Get on it first thing, though, as it will likely turn to a sea breeze around lunchtime on Saturday and southerlies are forecast for later on Sunday.

Wahine on Waves will host a coaching session for beginners (those not up and riding already) on Sunday from 8.30am to 10.30 at Northern Makorori. People can register for $10 at Blitz Surf Shop before 4pm on Saturday. Boards and wetsuits will be supplied. Anyone able to offer coaching support can text Gina Samson on 027 4676072.

If you have stories or ideas you would like to share, email Finn at finn.rainger@gisborneherald.co.nz