The Roxy Wind Swell Pro

The first day of weekend action dropped at the Roxy Pro. But, you didn’t have to look at the calendar to know that, the mass of cars lining the pavement from Marine Parade to Coral Street and the hefty work-free crowd were telling enough.

The first elimination heat of the day went down between a currently steaming Nikki Van Dijk and equally firing Coco Ho in rough Snapper conditions. While the swell is filling in decently right now, the wind eviscerated all hopes of a clean face resulting in a turbulent affair.

Coco looked rattled at the start and took a few misread waves on the head. She came back strong, though, with a snap-laden 8.27. However, it wasn’t enough, as Nikki was rolling. Picking up two good scores with an 8.17 and 7.50, for a combined 15.67.

“I’m kinda use to raw waves and rough conditions, back at home in Victoria,” said Nikki after getting out of the water. “So, I was right at home out there, but I literally couldn’t hear a thing. The last five minutes were the only time I could hear my scores and the priority. We were just kind of out in the wilderness out there, but glad I got the scores and can keep going.”

Heavier waves started coming down the bank during Lakey Peterson and Tatiana Weston-Webb’s heat. While there was size, not much else was on offer at Snapper. The wind continuously kicked up and both Tatiana and Lakey struggled to maintain equilibrium through the speed bumps. Lakey ended up edging Tatiana’s 13.17 with a 13.43.

In the latter half of the day, Sally Fitzgibbons took down Bronte Macaulay, and Steph Gilmore downed Courtney Conlogue. Sally was persistent as usual, catching eight waves total and notching an 8.83 and 7.67 for a 16.50 total score. Steph continued her hometown dominance as well, slicing a bumpy hail-Mary for an 8.40 when she needed a .07

“I haven’t surfed Snapper this big in ages,” said Sally Fitzgibbons, referring to the growing but rough conditions today out at the bank. “I might have to make an equipment change tomorrow if it keeps up. It’s easy to underestimate how much power that inside bowl can spin.”

Round Four Results: 
Heat 1: Nikki van Dyke 15.67, Coco Ho 14.94
Heat 2: Lakey Peterson 13.43, Tatiana Weston-Webb 13.17
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons 16.50, Bronte Macaulay 11.83
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore 16.40, Courtney Conlogue 16.33

Quarterfinal Match-ups: 
Heat 1: J. Defay vs N. Van Dyke
Heat 2: T. Wright vs L. Peterson 
Heat 3: K. Andrew vs S. Fitzgibbons 
Heat 4: C. Moore vs S. Gilmore