Weekend surf report
Surf conditions in the Lennox Head-Ballina and Evans Head region this weekend look set to follow the usual summer pattern — the swell is small and the forecast is for south-east to north-east winds right through until Monday.
There’s seems little hope of a major increase in the swell, so check the beach breaks early before the onshores kick in.
The big talking point through the week has been the water temperature. It’s warmed up now, but earlier in the week it was freezing, especially on the top of the tide (I tried to go for a snorkel in Shaws Bay, but didn’t last long in the icy water).
The culprit is those northerly winds. Even though they make it stinking hot out of the water, they can see the sea temperature drop to as low as 17 degrees.
Meanwhile, on the pro scene, Ballina’s Sarah Beardmore ran into a red-hot Sofia Mulanovich in round five of the WQS division of the Roxy Women’s Surfing Festival this week.
2004 world champion Mulanovich (Peru) proved her status as a legitimate world title contender has not wavered, with a super-solid 30 minute display in highly contestable 1.5 metre waves at Flynn’s Reef, Phillip Island, Victoria.
Mulanovich’s excellent opening ride of 8.83 put her in pole position from the outset against defending champion, Gold Coast-based favourite Stephanie Gilmore, Laurina McGrath (Byron Bay) and Beardmore.
The event continues. For updates, check out Surfing Australia’s website.
