Some of SA’s top surfers battled it out this weekend in solid conditions at West Cape in the Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula. West Cape, known to be one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world, delivered some heavy hold downs and a few serious wipeouts challenging competitors which is exactly what is expected of a Yorkes Classic.
The Shaun Gray charger of the event award went to local ripper Corey Taylor who got a 9’8 for an insane tube ride and surfed consistently well throughout the event. Other standouts included Ellie Francis who has taken a break from competition for a few years, past champion Max Longhurst and local charger Luke Sykora.
The Open Men’s title eventually went to Brett Edwards followed by Luke Sykora on 2nd, Corey Taylor 3rd, and Max Longhurst 4th. Taking out the Women’s division was young Midcoast star Maia Taite with last year’s winner Skye Faddy in second followed by Ellie Francis 3rd and Stella Senior 4th. The Junior Title went to Leo Torok with Corey Taylor placing 2nd, Miles Blanchard 3rd, and Finn Blanchard 4th.
The Yorkes Classic is South Australia’s most prestigious and iconic surfing event. Originally started way back in 1983 by local surfers the event always delivers excellent surf in the spectacular surf region of lower Yorke Peninsula.
We would like to thank all the sponsors, spectators, the local community, Innes National Park and the Yorke Peninsula Council and Surfing South Australia for their support and look forward to seeing everyone next year when we will celebrate the 40th Yorkes Classic in style with a huge afterparty at the Stenhouse hall.
Results:
The Ding King Men:
1st Brett Edwards
2nd Luke Sykora
3rd Corey Taylor
4th Max Longhurst
Men’s State Title: Brett Edwards
Extreme Boardriders Women:
1st Maia Taite
2nd Skye Faddy
3rd Ellie Francis
4th Stella Senior
Women’s State Title: Maia Taite
Neptune’s Surf Coaching Juniors:
1st Leo Torok
2nd Corey Taylor
3rd Miles Blanchard
4th Finn Blanchard
Yorkes Community Special Awards:
Christine Cox Memorial: Craig Potgieter
Spirit of Yorkes Award: Jenelle Tooze
Shaun Gray Charge Award: Corey Taylor
All images: Andy Smyth
