Burrow back for breaks

TAJ Burrow is vowing to return to tackle Burleigh’s biggest breaks after the former leading World Tour surfer claimed victory on subdued waves at the Single Fin Classic.

The world-renowned breaks for the Burleigh Boardriders competition did not eventuate and competitors had a tough time of it finding anything decent to build points.

However Burrow managed to crack the wave of the day, scoring a perfect 10 points from judges in what was generally barely surfable conditions in front of a crowd estimated at 6000 people.

There was not any prizemoney on offer but West Australian Burrow revelled in being back at one of surfing’s iconic point breaks.

“To win this event is unreal,” he said. “I had such a good time even if there were no waves – but it was great.

“I want to come back and surf it with real waves. Then it will be the best event I have ever surfed.

“I love coming to Burleigh Heads and catching up with all my mates.

“Burleigh is one of the best perches in the world. To sit up (on the hill) taking it in with my mates is the best thing ever.”

Burrow won the open men’s division from former another former World Tour surfer Mitch Crews with Sunshine Coaster Jack Lewis taking third.

It was Western Australian domination when renowned big wave surfer Felicity Palmenteer won the women’s section from fellow World Tour surfer Isobella Nichols.

Palmenteer recently relocated to the Gold Coast and is now a member of the Burleigh Boardriders, so she was understandably stoked to win at her new home.

The junior division was won by last year’s winner and Burleigh Boardrider Maddy Job.

The current Burleigh Boardriders Club champion gave a dominant display of single fin surfing over his rivals to win the title back-to-back.

Under competition rules, competitors had to dust off old boards and use designs manufactured before 1985 and obviously those with only single fins.