DORRIES STATES HER CASE FOR NATIONAL TITLE
ELANORA competitor Ke’ale Dorries has earned a shot redemption at this year’s national stand-up paddle board titles after she and fellow Gold Coaster Dimity Faulkner emerged triumphant from yesterday’s state championships.
Competing in strong winds and shifting waves at the Sunshine Coast’s Moffat Beach, Dorries claimed the open women’s crown ahead of Brea Wright (Bargara) and Kate Baldry (Currumbin
Waters), while Currumbin Waters-based Faulkner won the over-40 and over-50 women’s events.
Dorries also won the 10ft open women’s division from Wright and Faulkner.
Winners across eight divisions were decided as part of the Queensland Surf Festival, with the national titles now awaiting them at a date and location to be confirmed.
“That was a tough couple of heats with those waves,”
Dorries said. “They were pretty full with the high tide, which made it a bit tougher.
“It feels good (to win). I got a second at Aussies last year so I’m pretty excited to head back and try to get a win.
“It’s always fun surfing with the other girls.”
Dorries held the lead for most of her open heat, scoring a 5.83 and 4.97 for a total heat score of 10.80 out of 20 to seal victory.
Faulkner said she was also looking forward to her national assignment.
“That was pretty exciting, but also exhausting,” she said. “It’s pretty messy out there but we’ve found a nice corner here and found great waves.
“I’m excited to be heading to Aussies again, it should be great.”
There were also wins for Wesley Fry (open men and 10ft open men), Steve Elliot (over-40 men) and Graham Moustaka (over-50 men).