WSL: Phillip Island Pro gets underway in perfect conditions

Great surf has greeted competitors on the opening day of the Philip Island Pro at Cape Woolamai, with Round 1 of both the Men’s and Women’s completed along with 5 heats of Men’s Round 2.

Cape Woolamai dished up 4ft surf and offshore winds for the opening day of the five day event that has seen an incredible lineup of international surfers attend the event.

One of the rising stars of Victorian surfing, 16-year old Xavier Huxtable (Jan Juc, VIC) put on a show in his Round 1 heat taking a win over Japanese surfer Kenta Ishikawa, Samson Coulter (Northern Beaches, NSW) and Frazer Martin (QLD).

“This is only my second Qualifying Series event this year” said Huxtable.

“It’s a really good opportunity for me to learn from some of the older guys who have so much experience.

“I try to not think about surfing against them and just do my own thing but at the same time, you want to see what they do to prepare and how they surf in heats. The forecast is looking fun for the other side of the Island over the coming days so I hope we get some good waves.”

Women’s Round 1 was also completed with every Victorian progressing through to Round Two along with Lauren Poor (WA). Round Two of the Women’s division will see the Top Seeds enter including former Junior World Champion Isabella Nichols.

Other surfers who impressed throughout the day included Thomas Cervi (Noosa, QLD), Zoe Clarke (Jan Juc, VIC), Elliot Paerata-Reid (NZ), Maddy Job (Burleigh Heads, QLD) and Morgan Cibilic (Newcastle, NSW).

With a projected increase in swell, it is anticipated that the event will shift to the protected corner of Penguin Parade.

The Phillip Island Pro will run from November 2 – 6 on Phillip Island. A call for competition will be made on each day at 7:15 am at Cape Woolamai. For more information, images, highlights and results head to www.worldsurfleague.com or check out the free WSL App.

The Phillip Island Pro is presented by the Bass Coast Shire and Victorian Government and supported by Western Port Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Ramada Resort Phillip Island, Air Asia, City to Surf Mobile Café, Kings Cars Mitsubishi, Coastal Watch Plus and Surfing Victoria.