Crystal Cylinders
Byron Bay’s Matt Wilkinson and Lennox Head’s Stu Kennedy are preparing to surf at the Billabong Pipe Masters, which is the final event for 2017 and features a four-way World Title Showdown.
Unfortunately neither of our local pro surfers is involved in the showdown that will feature John John Florence, Gabriel Medina, Jordy Smith and Julian Wilson.
Matt Wilkinson can improve his current sixth-place ranking and possibly finish in the top five if he can get past round three; after his win in Fiji he should carry confidence into his Pipe campaign.
For Kennedy this could be his last competition at the top level as only a win at Pipe could save him from relegation.
John John Florence remains the current Jeep Leader, giving him the edge over the others.
Florence and Median are the red hot favourites with Smith and Wilson outside chances.
The equation
If John John makes the final of the Billabong Pipe Masters he wins the 2017 World Title.
If Gabriel Medina wins the event, he’ll win the World Title if Florence finishes no better than third.
If Florence gets ninth, Medina can clinch the Title with a finals appearance.
Jordy Smith can do the same with a win.
If John John gets 13th or 25th, Medina just needs a fifth to clinch the Title, Smith a second, and Julian a win.
Longboarders
The Lennox Longboarders wrapped up another successful year with their Christmas Party and Club Presentation, club secretary Wayne Booth said.
‘Another great club night, great venue and of course a great Santa showup, Steve O’Neill, always a great Santa display, the bike riding around Williams Reserve a classic and music from Chris Ashdown, top DJing. Ta from everyone’.
Eleanor Robertson won the longboard from Amos Shapes, and was named ladies champion. Runner-up Terry Kay.
Club champion: Aaron Smith, Nathan Mckenzie second.
Mens encouragement, Will Petrie.
Ladies encouragement, Adele Purbrick.
Mens rookie, Bevan Armstrong.
Ladies rookie, Heather Reynolds.
Club Sponsor, Mobile Plumbing, Lennox Head.
Club person of 2017, Wayne Booth.
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