O’Neill Cold Water Classic 2011 - New Zealand - Big Final in Gisborne

26-year old Australian Adam Melling wins the first and most southern tour stop of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011 in Gisborne, New Zealand! The Cold Water Classic Series is the most challenging and toughest series in professional surfing! It was a nail-biting quarter final between three Australian friends, three Brazilians and two Europeans. But the Australians and Brazilians proved to be stronger and progressed through to the semi finals, kicking Joan Duru (FRA) and Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) out of the competition. The big final was a showdown between Australia and Brazil, in which Adam Melling (AUS) prevailed ahead of Willian Cardoso (BRA) in 2nd place and his mates Tom Whitaker and titleholder Stuart Kennedy in 3rd place. Celebrating his 26th birthday on the same day sweetened Adam’s victory even more!
In good old Cold Water Classic-tradition the winner was awarded with the first of the highly treasured CWC-trophies. The CWC-trophies are the most exceptional trophies in professional surfing - all handmade and symbolically connected to the host country. In addition to the grand prize money, Melling therefore takes home a traditional and hand-carved Maori weapon, the Tewhatewha.
The hard-boiled surfers just have a short breather to warm up, because in 2 weeks the next tour stop - “the most northern” one follows in Thurso, Scotland from April 13 - 19 2011!!