DESPITE A HORRID forecast the first event of the 2011 O’Neill Cold Water Classic (CWC) at Gisborne, New Zealand went off without a hitch.
Adam Melling (AUS) claimed victory in the final seconds of his heat with Brazilian Willian Cardoso to take home the $20,000 prize money.
Melling scored 15.20 out of 20 points to get the win, which was made even more special as the final was held on his 26th Birthday and moves up one place to 23rd on the ASP One World Rankings.
The CWC event launched in 2009 with the aim of discovering new host destinations for surfing tournaments. O’Neill promises that it will be “The most northern, the most southern, the coldest and the most classic contents on the planet.” The CWC Series has continue to push the boundaries of surfing by finding new remote waves around the world – and lets face it, we all know that warm water is for wimps! The next event will be held a little closer to home in Thurso, Scotland (April 13-19) before jetting off to California for the Santa Cruz CWC to be held between the 24-30 October.
Weather Overview
This weekend will be 4-6ft clean and offshore everywhere …. Yeah April fools and all that. The reality is that this weekend will see plenty of swell everywhere. However if you look at the weather chart you will see those tightly-packed isobars running south to north bringing with them plenty of wind, so expect choppy conditions and perhaps unsurfable conditions.
The north – With wind gusts up to 84kph over the next two days expect most places to be blown out. At last light tonight is your best chance for the highest swells with slightly backed off winds.
Co Donegal/Sligo – The swell is running at 2-3ft but is out of control at most beaches. Your best bet will be Rossnowalgh at low tide.
Co Clare – Same story here. Blown out everywhere.
Dingle Peninsula – While the swells will be at their biggest in the south-west (up to 5.6m) the winds will also be at their strongest. If you head out kite-surfing be careful you don’t end up in France.
Cork & the south – Some hope Sunday afternoon as we could be due some sun. But otherwise tie your boards down tight as the winds are gonna’ blow.
From www.fnmoc.navy.mil
Disclaimer – These weather reports are intended as a general overview of swell running in that area. These are predictions and actual wave size may vary. Do not enter the water alone or without adequate equipment and do not enter surf that is too large for your abilities. We cannot be held responsible for any decisions you make based on this information. For daily weather information follow @dinglesurf on Twitter.com.
- Ben Farr runs Finn McCool’s Surf Company in Dingle. Catch him on Twitter: @dinglesurf
