Close outclasses Qld rivals
JACKSON Close of Snapper Rocks dominated a world-class field on Sunday to claim the blue ribbon Open Men's Queensland Stand-Up Paddleboard Title, concluding the three-day Surfing Queensland SUP & Paddle Festival presented by Surftech.
Held in clean, 0.5m waves at Palm Beach, Close scored an unassailable total of 16.83 in the final, defeating top names Keahi de Aboitiz of Noosa (15.24), Justin Holland of Kingscliff (13.37) and Geoff Breen of Noosa (13.30) to claim the prestigious crown.
The stellar win has secured Close a spot at next month's national competition at Port McQuarie.
"It was a really exciting final to be out there with those guys, the level of competition gets higher each year," said Close.
"Hopefully we can go down to the Australian Titles now next month and bring home the title to Queensland."
Close will also compete in the Australian Longboard titles seeking to defend last year's win and the chance of bagging two national surfing titles in 2012.
Jackson was part of the victorious Australian Team to win the World ISA SUP teams title in Peru earlier this year, and has set his sights on snaring dual World titles in 2013.
Slater on Origin fence
11 times World Champion Kelly Slater doesn't stay dry for too long, after winning the Fijian Volcom Pro in June the King was back on his Cloudbreak throne savouring more Tavarua perfection with a handful of lucky chargers.
Based at Currumbin Slater was seen watching the State of Origin match decider and to be fair had his photo taken with both maroons and blues players, so what's that make Kelly, who is originally from Florida?
Freestone makes quarters
Bilinga's Jack Freestone reached the quarter finals of the Prime 6 star Mr Price at Ballito, South Africa taken out by veteran Glenn Hall of Ireland.
Jack will join former World Tour competitor Dean Morrison for the 6 star Billabong Pro at J-Bay from 10th - 15th July.
ASP World women's comp on fire
The ASP World women's title between the Tweeds Stephanie Gilmore and Gerroa's Sally Fitzgibbons heats up for the second last leg of the women's tour at Cote des Basques, Biarritz for the Roxy Pro from 10th - 14th July.
Westdrop adds new trophy to collection
Reigning Qld and Australian Open Women's SUP champion Shakira Westdrop of Tugun claimed another trophy for her mantle piece after taking out the Open Women's division.
Westdrop was just ahead of Currumbin's Jenny Ryan who came in second and Palm Beach pair Alison Fullagar and Angela Jackson who finished third and fourth respectively.
Smith takes out Richardson
In the o/40 men's, Cabarita's Anthony Smith caused an upset outpointing Steve Richardson of Currumbin in second, Robert Pirie of Sorento in third and Pete Dorries of Elanora in fourth.
