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Posted on Friday May 22nd 2009 at 12:06 p.m.
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Arriving in Margarets (4 kangaroo dodging hours from Perth) I was lucky to be put up in the home of an excessively well-traveled bunch of friends from Muriwai. Surrounded by familiar faces and eating an array of exotic cuisine, it looked like the winds of Fortuna were turning my way.
Being so caught up with funds, travel plans, sponsorship, equipment and all the rest left me totally under prepared for the actual surfing in Tasmania, so this time preparation was priority, this means back on the program for me and Nick.
We figured being the first ones on the point each morning would earn us a result, so it was up at 4:30 the next morning to brave the ominous, shark infested paddle up the point. Heart pounding like a dying fish I felt for all the world like an easy meal as I stroked through the shadowy water, hugging the reef as I went. But you can imagine my surprise when I found the first hint of daylight reflecting off the yellow and red ‘Gaff' helmets of three old locals who, to the best of our knowledge, must sleep out the back. The Gaff helmet crew beat us to it every morning, but the intention was there and confidence was up.
It was a Tuesday when our turn came to do battle. I say battle because 6 foot heaving monster peaks now slammed the famous reef and to make matters worse, a stiff, mid morning cross-shore now chopped the once smooth faces into an abstract tapestry.
I wont dwell on the fact that Nick and I both lost our heats, we're big enough to look past results. What's important is that we gave it 100 percent, we got absolutely pounded! and I'm proud to report the fire was there for both of us.
Dan Ross winning the biggest event of his career, 2009 Drug Aware Pro champion. Photo Surfing Australia
After a good show in the trials Ricardo caught absolutely no waves in the Round of 96, giving him little option other than to lose. In the following round NZs other golden talent Bobby Hanson fell victim to the same epidemic, this rounding up NZs last hope of victory. Not taking anything away from a 48 finish, but when you're Bobby anything short of a quarter final will leave a lingering bad taste.
As an aspiring young grommet I dreamed of winning comps in tropical blue water, while amazing women would flock like ducks to bread as I made my way over golden sand. With the exception of one or two things, (I came 4th in the round of 128 and the water wasn't so tropical) Margaret river was living that dream. This fact washed away the bitter taste of an early loss.
Another couple of blogs coming shortly.
Cheers,
Rowan
The Drug Aware Pro is a 6 Star Prime Rated WQS Men's event conducted at Australia's premiere big wave break at Margaret River in the wild southwest of Western Australia.