Double victory for Lillis in Logger Heads

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Stylish Logger Trent Lillis surfed to a double victory on Saturday March 12 at the annual Logger Heads III event.

Lillis, who is no stranger to competition, stormed to victory in both the Old Mal and Open Logger Division.

The Open Logger saw a field of 28 from all over the country battle it out in a double round format where each surfer competes in two heats and accumulates points.

Included in the field was a strong team of Sumner loggers including Nic Todd, Cameron Haylock, and Bradley King. Also added to the mix was Solo Dunedin Logger affectionately known as "Homa". And of course there was a solid crew of local and Auckland surfers who made the annual pilgrimage to this Logger event.

With the emphasis on pure traditional logging, the high tide banks on offer at Waipu Cove provided a perfect platform for nose riding and fancy footwork.

Stand Out performances in the Open Logger included Matt Cockayne (Mangawhai), Paul Culpan (Auckland), Scotty Wilkinson (Auckland) , Roger Hall (Ruakaka), Phil Morris (Matakana), Branko Vela (Auckland), Nic Todd (Sumner), Glen Johnson (Managwhai) and eventual winner Trent Lillis (Auckland).

Also another division that had a lot of interest was the Old Mal with surfers riding some classic old "dungas". Surfers rode boards shaped in the 1960's with a few Atlas Woods, Dunlop, Del and Rodney Davidson logs in the mix.

As one of the contest rules was that surfers weren't allowed to wear leashes, there was plenty of people swimming in to retrieve their boards.

Matt Ferguson (Auckland) had an absolute blinder in the final as did Paul Culpan, but it was Trent Lillis who stole the show with a mix of fluid and fancy footwork and long Hang 10's.

This year the Logger Heads III event hosted a bevvy of up-and-coming groms.

Avid logger Josh Daniels (Orewa) enjoyed his first Log contest as did 8-year-old Taj Robinson (Mangawhai) and 9-year-old Luke Vercoe (Mangawhai Heads). Bassie Waldron (Mangawhai Heads) took out the division with his mixture of powerful bottom and drop knee turns and cross stepping.

The Lady Sliders Division was also a treat for spectators with Sasha Brownlie (Auckland), Robyn Cox (Auckland) and Lily from Sumner putting

on a great show. Eventual winner Louise Aitken (Auckland) styled her way through the challenging conditions to claim victory.

 

Results Open Logger Division: 1 Trent Lillis (Auck), 2 Thomas Kibblewhite (Red Beach), 3 Branko Vela (Auck), 4 Glen Johnson (Mang Heads), 5 Matt Cockayne (M’whai), 6 Paul Culpan (Auck). Old Mal Division: 1 Trent Lillis (Auck), 2 Matt Ferguson (Auck), 3 Paul Culpan (Auck), 4 Thomas Kibblewhite (Red Beach), 5 Branko Vela (Auck), 6 Roger Hall (Ruakaka). Junior Logger Division: 1 Bassie Waldron (M’whai Heads), 2 Natt Fitt (Auck), 3 Joshua Daniels (Orewa/Te Arai), 4 Joey Cox (Auck). Womens Logger Division: 1 Louise Aitken (N’land), 2 Sasha Brownlie (Auck), 3 Lily Lily (Sumner), 4 Robyn Cox (Auck).

DOUBLE: Fleet footed Trent Lillis cross-steps his way to two titles at the Loggerheads III competition. (PHOTO/Brian Came)

EXPERIENCE: Open Loggers pictured from left, Matt Cockayne, Moonbob, Trent Lillis, Branko V, Glen Johnson, TK. (PHOTO/Baker/Emery)

MIRACLE: Nic Todd looks like he’s walking on water. (PHOTO/Brian Came)

FUN: Organiser Tony Baker keeps things rolling on the microphone. (PHOTO/Michael Cunningham)