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The
23rd Cutloose Quiksilver Yorkes Surfing Classic was held in world class waves
at Chinaman's in the Innes National Park on Southern Yorke
Peninsula last weekend. 
Officials
and competitors were impressed at what greeted them for day one of the contest
as powerful 1.5 - 2 metre waves detonated on the intimidating reef at Chinaman's.
The pinnacle of surfing in South Australia is the Yorke's Classic Trophy - the
'Keith Sugars' memorial cup - and the quality of surfing in the Rhino's Tavern
Open Mens reflected the competitor's desire to add this to their collection. 
In
what some described as some of the best contest conditions ever, it was Phillipe
Didelot (Middleton) who took home the trophy. The surfing was amazing as wave
after wave the competitors put their bodies and equipment on the line and displayed
what the Yorke's Classic is all about; the best surfers tackling the biggest and
best waves available. 
Narrowly
behind Didelot was another south coast local Luke Horlin-Smith who put on a powerful
display. Making up the final four was Francis Harsing (Seaford) and Kyle Gilbert
(Henley Beach). In his response to the title Didelot suggested "this is what
surfing is all about, pumping waves, a great vibe… a great comp all round". 
The
Marion Bay Seniors was taken by open runner up Luke Horlin-Smith ahead of Gary
Hayworth (Moana), best placed local Brian 'Squizzy' Taylor and Matt Shorten (Glenelg). The
Yorke's Surf Womens was a straight out final with all girls stepping up to tackle
the challenging waves and we saw a reversal of 2005 with Melanie Keelan (Encounter
Bay) taking the title from Hannah Juhrmann (Seaford), Esther Dudley (Moana), and
newcomer Gracie Byass from Kangaroo Island. 
The
Electric Visual Juniors saw the most testing conditions of the event with some
very solid waves hitting the beach at Ethels. These young guys did their best
to pick what was a very challenging beach break. In the end the title went to
Khai Adams (Victor Harbor) who showed the rest of the field a clean pair of heels.
Making up the final was Jay Thurgood (Moana South), Max Longhurst (Port Elliott),
Josh Berrett (Seaford) and BJ Allen (Port Noarlunga South). 
In
a special addition to the event this year there were 16 surfers who attacked the
Coopers 'Punt for Pale'. After a 20 minute free for all on finals day, it was
Teale Vanner (Kangaroo Island) who took out the best manoeuvre with a big forehand
air reverse over the shallow ledge and Matt Shorten who took out best overall
wave. Both received some of the sponsor's liquid gold for their efforts. 
Over
700 spectators on the beach and boardwalk through the weekend witnessed some of
the greatest surfing seen in our state in perfect Yorke's Classic conditions.
Over the weekend we saw a number of heavy wipeouts, a massive pod of dolphins
sharing the waves with competitors and the whole feel of the event was incredible. With
the surfing completed, presentations of trophies, cash and product in excess of
$7,000.00 was presented to the finalists. Into the night there were many classic
moments to wind down another classic Yorke's Classic. Special
thanks must go to our local supporters the District Council of Yorke Peninsula,
Innes National Park and the people of Stenhouse Bay and Marion Bay. Now is the
time to get into training for next years Yorke's Classic. RHINO'S
TAVERN OPEN MEN
1st Phillipe Didelot (17.83)
2nd Luke Horlin-Smith
(15.06)
3rd Francis Harsing (11.66)
4th Kyle Gilbert (9.16)
=5th Matt
Shorten, Simon Beed
=7th Jye Demmrich, Gary Hayworth, Todd Goudie
=10th
Christian Lock, Adam Stewart, Teale Vanner
=13th Mark Temple, Brian Taylor,
Jock Walker, Jason Keyser, Gene Sykes, Michael Newport,
=19th Tim Phillip,
Robbie Winter, Luke Shorten, Roger Matthews, James Cole
=24th Rhys Hillman,
Christophe Didelot, Eamon Hanna, Tom Cox YORKE'S SURF OPEN
WOMEN
1st Melanie Keelan
2nd Hannah Juhrmann
3rd Esther Dudley
4th
Gracie Byass
MARION BAY TAVERN SENIORS
1st Luke Horlin-Smith
(12.59)
2nd Gary Haworth (11.46)
3rd Brian Taylor (8.49)
4th Matt Shorten
(7.5)
=5th Christian Lock, Francis Harsing
=7th Mark Temple, Adam Stewart
=9th
Jason Keyser, James Wagner, Scott Mitchell, Simon Beed
=13th Mark Longhurst,
Craig Adams, Mark Harris | 
