A stunning return for the NSR comp

The Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve (NSR) Surfing Teams Challenge returned on Sunday, April 26, after a three-year absence, blazing back into action at Surfies Point.

Nine teams, compromising of eight members, from Grommets to grandfathers, took to the waves and battled it out for the Dave Fincher Memorial Trophy.

The victory eventually went to Wave Pinchers, who delivered a stunning display to comprehensively win the trophy, with a 10-point lead over the second placed team Archy Surf.

The top two places were even more impressive because the Wave Pinchers and Archy Surf made it through to the final after taking out the top two spots in the Requalifying Heat.

This is the second time the Wave Pinchers, captained by Walter Hiatt, have taken out the trophy, last winning in 2016. A win at the Surfing Teams Challenge is always sweet for Walter, as he is the grandson of Dave Fincher who created the trophy now named in his honour.

Competition

It was a stunning autumn day for the competition, with the weather gods smiling, delivering a sunny 25-degree day, with the waves pumping.

For the first time in the competition's history, the event was held at Surfies Point, which now has a strong case to lobby for entry into the National Surfing Reserve!

The competition's unique tag team format was slightly rearranged this year, with categories for Open Men and Women, Super Grommets, Juniors, Malibu, Twin Fin and Over 35 and Over 50 short boards.

There were bonus points for teams that contain multiple family members, and for teams that had a woman surf in the male/female categories (Malibu, Twin Fin and Over 35 and Over 50 short boards).

Special mention must go to mum-to-be Lania Fostin, who was surfing for two, bringing new meaning to the term 'baby on board'.

Awards

The presentation was held directly after the event at Phillip Island Boardriders Club.

Best contributor awards - nominated by team captains went to: Tim Anagnostou (Archy Surf), Eddie Maier (Bog Rail Cutbacks), Lochie Eastwood (Hustlers), Paul Hayes (DSABC Shredders), Max Bolton (Islantis), Ravi Fostin (The Crushers), Angus Kennedy (Wave Pinchers), Harvey Strachan (Growers) and Manu Roberts (Yeah Boys TV).

Awards were presented to the best competitors in each category.
Grommet: Angus Kennedy; Junior: Eddie Maier; Malibu: Jess Laing; Twin Fin: Max Bolton; Over 50 Short Board: Vaughan Platt; Over 35 Short Board: Ash Easton; Open Female: Lania Fostin; Open Male: Walter Hiatt.

Wave Pinchers' Walter Hiatt also won the award for Most Radical Manoeuvre of the day, with Team Hustlers receiving the Bang Bang Team Spirit Award - for putting their team together at the last moment - registering at 10pm the night before!

The entire day reflected the community spirit that embodies the National Surfing Reserve, and highlighted its aim to preserve, respect and share our breaks. The nominated charity for this year's event was Lifeline Gippsland, who also attended on the day.

Results

1st prize - $1000: Wave Pinchers captained by Walter Hiatt (58 points).
2nd prize - $500: Archy Surf captained by Luke Archibald (47.9 points).
3rd prize - $250: The Hustler captained by Scarlett Rennie (47.2 points).

The top six places were rounded out by Yeah Boys TV (4th), The Crushers (5th) and Bog Rail Cutback (6th).

Once again, Phillip Island NSR presented this popular surfing comp with strong support from Panny's Chocolate Factory, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Phillip Island Boardriders Club, Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island RSL, Woolamai Beach SLSC and local businesses.