Manoa Drollet scored a perfect 10 on this solid left-hander. Photo / ODT
Manoa Drollet scored a perfect 10 on this solid left-hander. Photo / ODT
A surfer will go anywhere to get a good wave. Even on a chilly Dunedin day.
And along with the surfers came three helicopters, jet skis, hi-tech cameras and a thick wetsuit.
The Pinnacle surf break off Potato Point at Purakaunui came alive yesterday just after the crack of dawn.
The Ultimate Waterman event, a contest which has eight surfers from around the world contesting six events around New Zealand in a week, is hunting for good surf. The Pinnacle break was the port of call yesterday morning and the eight surfers, along with about 40 helpers and a film crew, descended on the water.
The tide was at its best just before 8am and co-organiser Ben Kennings said the 2m swell was assisted by the remnants of Cyclone Pam.
''That break doesn't always work and you have to have the right conditions, but it was great yesterday,'' Mr Kennings said.
''Sure it was cold; freezing really, but no-one seemed to mind.''
The eight contestants competed in the stand-up paddleboard surfing division yesterday and although the surf eased somewhat as the final began to start, Raglan surfer Daniel Kereopa nailed a ride to pick up a perfect score of 10.