Weare in testing win Sunday 8 July Cave Rock, Durban
David Weare clinched first place in the Rip Curl Tuberiders, held this year in memory of Greg Noome who was killed here two months ago. Weare defeated last years' winner Simon Nicholson and walked away with R10 000 as well as an invitation into the trials of the prestigious Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT) Rip Curl Bells Beach event in Australia next year.
"The two most powerful surfers throughout the event were David Weare and Brad Bricknell, without taking anything away from the finalists who performed admirably in very windy conditions today at Cave Rock. The outgoing tide created shallow conditions exposing the reef further challenging the surfers," commented head of Rip Curl South Africa Mike Larmont. The finalists battled it out in windy side shore 3-4 ft waves with Weare displaying his tube-riding prowess from the outset with three high scoring rides. Nicholson was a more than able challenger and clearly demonstrated the skills that earned him last year's title. Bluff local Shane Warren had a phenomenal opening wave but failed to follow through and placed third.
Lyle Bottcher picked up smaller inside waves which faded out, despite a talented display of surfing he was placed fourth. In the first semifinal, David Weare dominated displaying his usual 'wave magnet' tendencies as well as scoring the highest tube ride of the day. Second position resulted in a tussle between Simon Nicholson and Brad Weare. Weare looked set to advance until he took off late and stalled on a thick barrel and the lip clipped him on the shoulder sending him over the falls and snapping his surfboard.
Goofy footer Warwick Wright was out of rhythm as the Southerly swell direction benefited his natural footed opponents, he did not go down without a fight and impressed with some aerial maneuvers. In the second semifinal, Lyle Bottcher and Shane Warren matched one another wave for wave resulting in a tie first placing to secure their places in the final. Shaun Gossmann and Daniel Redman weren't as fortunate and were eliminated. The 2001 contest was held in memory of seasoned surfer Greg Noome whose death surfing Cave Rock two months ago deeply affected the surfing community. A minute's silence in remembrance was observed before the prize giving.
Results: (All surfers are from Durban) Men Semifinals Semifinal One: 1.David Weare 2.Simon Nicholson 3.Brad Weare 4.Warwick Wright Semifinal
Two: 1.Lyle Bottcher tied with Shane Warren 3.Shaun Gossmann 4.Daniel Redman
Men Final Final: 1.David Weare 2.Simon Nicholson 3.Shane Warren 4.Lyle Bottcher
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