A new pro at Burleigh
ADOPTED Gold Coaster McKenzie Bowden has made himself right at home, proving a master of the local conditions to send an early shock through the Burleigh Pro.
On an opening day beset by poor swells, the New Zealand, who recently relocated to the Coast, made the most of small conditions at his new home break, progressing through the opening round.
He wasted no time in ensuring he makes the most of his growing local knowledge, posting a two-wave total of 8.25 thanks to scores of 5.00 and 3.25 to win his heat against Jed Fasso, Noah Munro and Jed Mattinson.
Bowden was among the last heats run yesterday before officials called it off as they await a sharp rise in swell over the weekend.
Bowden adapted best to the deterioating conditions to book his place in Round 2 of the Qualifying Series event.
“I knew it was going to be hard to find a couple of good waves out there so I focused on just getting one set wave,” Bowden said.
“Once I locked in a midrange score I knew I was in a good position to progress.
“I’m stoked to have made that heat an am pumped for the weekend, the forecast is looking great so the waves should become more and more fun over the coming days.”
Bowden was one of five internationals to win from 12 heats. Among the others was Japanese competitor Kaito Kurokawa who thrived in the tricky conditions.
Kurokawa produced big bottom turns and powerful manouvers at the top to post a two-wave total of 15.25, the highest of the event so far.
Among his waves was an 8.00 point ride, from a possible 10, and a 7.25.
“It is actually a lot more fun out there than it looks,” Kurokawa said.
“I managed to find a few fun waves which was nice. I guess everyone is talking about the forecast ahead and it sounds like it could be really good. I’d be happy in any conditions as today worked me.”
QS debutant Dakoda Walters, a 16-year-old who hails from the northern NSW town of Angourie, went in to the event with low expectations but produced a total score of 11.10 to win his heat and progress to Round 2.
“That was so much fun – even though the waves are tough it was really fun to surf my first QS heat and to win it is even better,” Walters said.
“I knew there was going to be a swell for this event so thought it would be a good one to come and try and get some barrels.”