Light’s a small wonder
COOLANGATTA’S Pacha Light has paid homage to the local indigenous community while surfing her way into Round 2 of the Burleigh Pro on Australia Day.
Light began her Burleigh Pro campaign in scintillating form, posting a two-wave total of 10.50, out of a possible 20, to beat Sage Goldsbury (9.45), Summa Longbottom (7.90) and Cassia Haegele (3.70) yesterday.
Light credited a summer of small waves for her ability to adjust to the conditions yesterday while labelling the competition at Burleigh Heads special because of its indigenous heritage.
“Apart from a couple of swells the waves have been like this for a while now so I’m feeling pretty comfortable,” Light said.
“I just tried to stay super light on my feet and went out there with a positive attitude and it seemed to work for me.
“This is such an important headland on the Gold Coast.
“It was the first indigenous reserve, so to surf here is really special.
“It’s a very powerful and magical part of the world. If we get the waves we are supposed to this weekend it will be an amazing event.”
Light will be part of an all-Australian heat in Round 2 with Kobie Enright, Abby Gain and Zoe Clarke.
Fellow Gold Coaster Eden Putland (9.35) also progressed after finishing second behind Japan’s Sara Wakita (17.75).
Queenslander Sasha Baker took out her Round 1 heat in one of the slower heats of the day to also secure passage to the second round.
“It was really slow out there,” Baker said. “Everyone is in the same boat so you can’t be to down about it.
“Along with points and prize money, making heats means getting closer to getting to surf a heat during this swell on the weekend, which would be awesome.”