James Flemming takes out the open men’s finals in 47th Sunshine Surf Masters

Locals made big waves in the 47th annual Sunshine Surf Masters held at Flat Rocks in Geraldton. The annual event brought talent out to Flat Rocks, competing for $15,000 in cash and prize for one of the biggest surfing comps of the year, held from September 2-3. In a highly competitive open men’s division, Cryus Cox and young star Jake Hagan looked in a strong position after the first four heats in quarter finals. Shaun Howe top-scored with 14.75 in the semifinals, Hagan followed behind with 13, and James Fleming was close on their tail with a score of 12.75. During the final round, it was Flemming won with a score of 14.50, coming out one point higher than the second-placed Finn Cox. Lily Shepherd blew the competition out of the water in the open women’s final, winning with a score of 11.5, and finished a whole six points higher than the second-placed Indie Siedmiogrodzki, who finished with a 5.5 score. Due to conditions on the day, the ‘Sam’s’ Invitational, which honours local legend Ian “Sam” Salmond, and Old Lads (60 and over) divisions had to be merged, with the win taken out by Steve Williams. After falling short in the open men’s division, Hagan — who has been dominating all year including double gold in a Geraldton Board Riders comp earlier this year — found success in the junior men’s (19 and under) division, winning a very closely contested final by only 0.25 points over Jack Lacey. His father Deon Hagan also had success in the competition, winning the grand masters (50 and over) competition with a score of 13, 4.75 above second. FULL RESULTS Open men’s: James Flemming Open women’s: Lily Shepherd Cadets (16 and under): Leon Plummer Junior Men’s (19 and under): Jake Hagan Junior Women’s (19 and under): Indie Siedmiogrodzki Seniors (30 and over): Shaun Howe Masters (40 and over): Kit Rayner Grand Masters (50 and over): Deon Hagan Old Lads (60 and over): Steve Williams