The first half of the Melanesian Surfing Cup was held under clear skies at Cloudbreak, Tavarua. Fijian surfing champions, Aca Raculo and Isei Tokovou advanced into the semi-finals of the main short board event, as did Hannah Bennett, surfing in the women’s open short-board division. Scotty O’Conner from Namotu Island Resort, Fiji was also in strong form, winning both his first heat and semi final on the way the Mens Longboard final to be held Saturday.
Vitu Faa 39 years old of Samoa charges Cloudbreak
Fiji Surfing Association President, John Philp noted that, “The waves were consistent and had a lot of power, even though they were smaller than what most people expect from Cloudbreak.”
In the junior men’s division, Vanuatu dominated, advancing 7 surfers into the semi-finals.
Tom Morat – through to the finals of the boys under 14, under 18, and Open Mens Longboard final
Another stand out surfer from the first day of competition was New Caledonia’s 13 year old Tom Morat who won his heat in the under 14’s preventing Vanuatu from taking a clean sweep of men’s age divisions. Tom moves into the semi finals of both under 14 and under 18 men’s divisions as well as the Mens open longboard final.
Over December 6-8, 2013, the Fiji Surfing Association (FSA) is hosting the 4th Annual Melanesian Surf Cup at Cloudbreak, Tavarua. Forty seven competitors from Vanuatu and New Caledonia including their Polynesian cousins from Samoa and Guam will compete against 18 Fijian surfers for the coveted Melanesian Cup Trophy.
Team photo opening ceremony – Nabila Village
The Fiji Surfing Association is grateful to its cash sponsors Tourism Fiji, and the Fiji National Sports Commission; as well as Tavara Island Resort and Namotu Island Resort for both their funding and in-?kind support. Corona will be a first time sponsor of surfing in Fiji via provision of product & prizes.
The Fiji Surfing Association (FSA) is Fiji’s national governing body for surfing. The FSA is instrumental in ensuring the success of international surfing competitions, such as the Volcom Fiji Pro held at Fiji’s world famous Cloudbreak. The FSA complements its support for international competitions with regional and national-?based events such as The Fiji Games, Stand-?Up-?Paddle Board competitions, and The Melanesian Cup to build and enhance participation in surfing at the local level.
Womens Longboard heat 2 about to hit the water. Alison Bowman (Guam), Marnie Morat (New Cal), Hannah Bennet (Fiji), & Leilani Morat (New Cal) on far right
Team Samoa !
Team Vanuatu using their time between heats to cool off !
