Main Menu
Sub Main Menu
sunshine coast
national
extra
7:02AM Sunday 05 July, 2009

Carving up the surf

Published 17 June 2008 16:37
Updated 20 June 2008 11:15

The 16th annual All Girls Surf Showdown was held at Lennox Head over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

With nearly 200 female competitors participating, the All Girls is the largest women-only surfing competition in Australia where female surfers of all ages and abilities can come and measure themselves against their counterparts.

Lennox Head is a popular location for the event because of the various breaks available in the area which allow the contest to be mobile and utilise the best conditions available on the day.

This year there was some apprehension in the lead up to the event as the contest is sometimes held at Ballina where the recent fatal shark attack occurred. This year however, Lennox Head Beach was the pick of the spots for the three days of competition providing some solid three to four foot swell.

Sunshine Coast company Hive Swimwear co-sponsored the All Girls event for the second time this year and Hive-sponsored team riders, Talina Christensen, Beth Palmer, Aeran Tatton, Nikki Rose Quinlan and Marlaine Spoddig went to Lennox Head to compete with some outstanding results.

Twelve-year-old Caloundra surfer Beth Palmer had a very rewarding weekend, winning her first heat and advanced to the final to finish fourth in the 14 and under category.

Aeran Tatton and Nikki Rose Quinlan also made it through the Open B heats to advance to the quarter finals, only to go head to head in their quarter final with Aeran advancing onto the semis.

The All Girls is an important even on the Hive team riders’ calendar. The team travels with a photographer, physiotherapist and the business owner to the event. As a team not only do they get to spend time together surfing, they work on contest strategies and development.

“The All Girls is a fantastic event for the girls to experience contest atmosphere. It is also a great opportunity for Hive to showcase the latest range to surfer girls from all over the country,” Hive Swimwear owner Kat Hogg said.

North Narrabeen’s pocket rock Laura Enever defeated former world champion Pauline Mencer, Byron girl Laurina McGrath and Crystal Vail to win the All Girls Surf Showdown for 2008.

Laura Enever recently won the Junior World Title in France.

Have your say

We welcome comments on our stories and blogs - after all it's your site. Please note comments should be on-topic and not abusive. Comments are checked before publication.