A right-hand closeout and a massive air reverse saw Jack Haslau surf his way to a win in the 2017 Makin Homes Peel Pro over the weekend.
Facing off against current state champion Jerome Forrest in the final, Haslau needed a score of 9.1 out of 10 with just five minutes remaining to steal a win.
Seizing his opportunity, he calmly took off and was able to carve out the event’s best performance with a perfect 10.
Forrest had one last push to score an 8.73 and three caution to the wind with a series of huge turns on a left hander.
But the current champ fell short of his goal, scoring just under the needed amount with 8.33.
The win secures Haslau his first Peel Pro championship and a cheque for $2000.
In the open women’s it was Mia McCarthy who put on a show.
Putting in one of the best performances women’s surfing has witnessed in Western Australia, McCarthy blasted the left-hand point break on her back hand to surf her way to the win.
The event also presented a unique opportunity for the Peel region’s local surfers to mix it with the state’s big names.
Ruby Allen (14) shone with a very respectable fourth place in the open women final, while Macklin Flynn (10) and Toby Jenkins (12) both competed in the under 18s pro junior division.
Local legend Ian Macpherson pulled the rash vest back on and challenged himself in three divisions of competition, finishing first in the over 40s, fifth in the open men and fifth in the over 35s in a marathon effort encompassing a total nine heats.
But it was Darren Waters finishing with the title of best performing Mandurah surfer after making two finals in both the over 35 and over 40 men’s divisions.
Other Mandurah Surfers placing in finals were Chris Fulston (third in the Over 50s), Doug Joyce (second in the Over 50s), Ross Vanzijl (first in the over 45s) and Storm Lewington (second in the over 35 men’s)
Mandurah Board Riders president Brian Williams labelled the event a massive success.
“Despite the really bad weather it was a terrific event, and to see our local guys mixing it with state champions is really great,” he said.
“Our volunteers and Surfing WA judges, we can’t thank them enough, and our sponsors. Makin Homes make this event the richest in WA outside of the Margaret River Pro, and it’s really gaining momentum.”
Mandurah Board Riders’ next events will be held in mid-August and September. For more information call Brian Williams on 0402 883 044.