Dane Mackie and Chelsea Roett took the major titles at the 2012 Barbados Surfing Association (BSA) Lazy Days National Surf Championships which were held recently at the Soup Bowl in Bathsheba.
Conditions were challenging as the waist-to-chest-high waves favoured the lighter junior surfers, but Mackie proved why he has been on top of the podium more than any other surfer this year.
He finished the year in fine form, with his radical, progressive manoeuvres, scoring 9.33 in the Men’s Open division. Second was Danny Edghill (8.5) who had a great day reaching four finals. Bruce Mackie (7.77) was third, showing his powerful fins-out manoeuvres, while Stephan Corbin was fourth with 5.67.
Roett was crowned the Open women’s national champion with a score of 6.67 using both her extensive competition experience and trademark power turns. Melanie Pitcher showed good form in the difficult conditions to just edge out a determined Maharaki Marie-Joseph 4.87 to 4.73.
Edghill showed why he was good for second overall, taking the national title in the Under-18 division with 11.83. It was his first win in the division for the year, and he will no doubt, be looking for more.
Mackie had to settle for second place with 10.27, seemingly fighting off the flu, but did well to reach three finals. Third was the consistent Ché Allan (8.53), while Caelum Blandford (6.0) was fourth with big powerful carves.
Edghill’s second title came in the Long Board Division as newcomer and crowd favourite Jayson Betham took second spot.
The Under-16 National champion was the youthful Allan (9.37). He used his speed and vertical manoeuvres to hold off Edghill (8.63) and Mackie (8.5) third, in the closest final of the day. Fourth was Jacob Burke (6.43), who was impressive all day causing some upsets to reach the final.
Winning by more than two full points, Zander Venezia took the Under-12 crown with 8.5 points. Jacob Burke (6.4) finished second, showing nice flow in his manoeuvres. Third was the rapidly progressing Liam Grant with 4.67, and Caleb Rapson, who hit some big lips in the final, was fourth.
The Independence Pro, which will be staged from November 30 to December 2 at the Soup Bowl, is the BSA’s final event on the calendar.
This event attracts regional and international surfers and several have already started booking their accommodation for the event. (PR/SAT)
