MEREWETHER BEACH, Newcastle, NSW/AUS (Wednesday, February 11, 2015)
The 2015 Wandiyali Indigenous Classic started on Merewether Beach, Newcastle, NSW this morning with the strongest field of Open men surfers ever to enter the event.
Surfers and spectators were very happy to see 1-1.5 metre offshore waves breaking along the Merewether Rocks. Competitors will surf two (2) rounds today with a third round to be surfed on the 12th followed by the Wandiyali Classic finals.
Russ Molony (Bateau Bay, NSW), a multiple winner of this event, opened his account with a round 1 win. A very relaxed Russ seemed unfazed by the high standard of competition. Russell arrived in Newcastle still feeling jubilant about leading his North Shelly Boardriders team to victory in the 2015 Orica Team Challenge on Stockton Beach last weekend.
Looking to challenge Russell for his Wandiyali title is the current Australian indigenous champion Otis Carey (Coffs Harbour, NSW). Otis has surfed in the Wandiyali Classic in the past. Otis will look to build momentum over the three rounds and into tomorrow’s final.
Joining Molony and Carey in the men’s contest is Jordie Campbell (Wilson’s Prom, VIC) Campbell surfed in the Wandiyali Classic in 2014 alongside a number of Victorian surfers who travelled to Newcastle for this event.
Surf conditions are expected to remain good for the duration of the event.
