BIG WAVE ACE ON SONG AT TWEED COAST PRO
SHE’S used to tackling the biggest waves on the planet but Felicity Palmateer encountered some of the strongest currents of her career at Kingscliff yesterday in the Tweed Coast Pro.
The World Surf League Big Wave Tour competitor regularly takes off on waves most sane individuals avoid.
But the West Australianproduct, now based on the Gold Coast, had to deal with a whole new set of challenges yesterday as king tides caused massive currents at Kingscliff.
“That was definitely some of the most intense water movement I’ve ever experienced,” Palmateer said.
After posting a strong 7.5 points for a series of backhand wraps on her opening wave, Palmateer took the lead early in her Round 2 heat yesterday but was unable to find a decent back-up score, leading to some nervous moments.
“I was lucky enough to drift into the spot when a good wave came which didn’t happen again,” she said. “That wave felt really nice but I was so tired from all of the paddling that it was tough to get in a rhythm.
“I’m hoping to get a lower tide and less current for my next heat because I’m exhausted now.”
Kirra-Belle Olsson notched the first perfect 10 of the event, the NSW Central Coast surfer finding the longest wave of the event so far and ripping it to shreds.
“I saw that long one pop up and knew it was a great wave,” Olsson said.
Fresh off back-to-back World Surf League Qualifying Series victories, Coolangatta’s Kobie Enright remains the woman to beat this week after a solid Round 2 win.
“I knew the current would be intense out there so I was prepared for it,” said Enright.
The Tweed Coast Pro continues today, with finals on Sunday.