Early exits for Kiwi hopefuls at New Zealand Pro surf champs in Raglan
Billy Stairmand of New Zealand in a practice session before the start of the New Zealand Pro in Raglan.
Photo: Rambo Estrada/WSL
All three local hopes have been knocked out of the New Zealand Pro surf championship at Raglan in the first round.
The World Surf League arrived at Manu Bay on Friday, marking the first time New Zealand has hosted a combined men’s and women’s Championship Tour event.
Thousands of spectators gathered along the shoreline to watch the world’s best surfers tackle one of the most famous left-hand breaks in the world.
Fifteen-year-old local wildcard Alani Morse was beaten in the first round by 13th seed Bettylou Sakura Johnson of Hawaii.
Morse, who took the day off school to compete against her heroes, told the World Surf League (WSL) it was an amazing experience.
“It was such an honour, to share the line-up with those girls … I can’t think of anything more special … I’m just super excited to be here and what an opportunity,” Morse said.
The teenager said it felt amazing to have the whole town behind her.
“I just can’t even explain how that support has been to me … it’s super cool to share the journey and experience with them.
“On the beach everyone’s cheering and I felt like they were out there with me and I think that’s the best thing in the world and probably one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.”
Alani Morse.
Photo: Rambo Estrada/WSL
Billy Stairmand, who also lives in Raglan, carried much of the home expectation as the country’s most experienced competitor, but was beaten by Morgan Cibilic of Australia.
Wildcard Tom Butland entered the Championship Tour with nothing to lose but was beaten by Luke Thompson of South Africa in his heat.
Those to progress so far on the first day of the New Zealand Pro WSL event include eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmour of Australia and five-time world champion Carissa Moore of Hawaii.
Moore, the first Olympic champion, surfed in New Zealand in her 2010 rookie season where she won the event in Taranaki. She told WSL that New Zealand had a special place in her heart.
“I was really struggling in my rookie year, I started off with two last places and then I came here and found a sense of community … and I got my first CT win and so it really feels so special to be back here,” Moore said.
Raglan will be centre stage of world surfing for the next 10 days.
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