Fox wins Open Men’s title at WorkSafe Tradies Challenge URBNSURF

JAN Juc surfer Cole Fox claimed top honours at the WorkSafe Tradies Challenge at URBNSURF over the weekend, showcasing a strong backhand attack to knock off his counterparts in the Open Men’s shortboard division.

URBNSURF didn’t disappoint on Sunday for the 46 tradies on Sunday, who put their best surfing on display to take the win across three separate divisions including open shortboard, masters and a bodyboard discipline.

Competition was tight all day in the Open Men’s shortboard division, with an adjusted leaderboard format forcing surfers to go large from the start of the day to try to guarantee themselves a shot at the title.

Adapting to the format with style and precision was Cole Fox (Jan Juc), who put on a masterclass of strong backhand surfing to deliver him a whopping 9.07 ride (out of a possible 10) and a 7.97 to take a commanding win.

For his efforts, Fox secured a new Milwaukee radio thanks to event sponsors Milwaukee Tools.

“I’m stoked to win the event but even more stoked to win the radio,” Fox said.

“It’s going come in handy on the worksite and at kick-ons.”

Finishing in second was Cape Woolamai surfer Codie Jeffery (16.70 points), third went to fellow Phillip Islander Harry de Roth (16.56 points) and fourth place was secured by Bittern surfer Pedro Lani (14.60).

In the newly introduced bodyboard division Chris Watson (Rosebud) flipped his way to victory, earning himself a 15.73 point total out of a possible 20 points.

Watson was able to use the whole wave on his two scoring rides, performing a roll to deep barrel before coming out into another roll.

“I really enjoyed competing in the Tradies Challenge with a great crew,” he said.

“I was absolutely stoked to take the win against some epic talent for the very first time that bodyboarding has been included.”

Finishing in second was Jacques Le Roux (Gladstone Park), third went to Ryan Jucker (Hampton East) and in fourth was Dean Allford (Rye).

On the Masters side of the draw Arthur McKenzie (Cowes) pulled out a few tricks to impress the judge, putting together multiple hammering turns and carves to earn himself a 9.33 point ride and the victory.

Callan Cross (Torquay) gallantly finished in second and earned himself an excellent ride of his own, while Blair O’Keefe (Torquay) and Brendon Davis (Hampton East) secured third and fourth places respectively.

Wave of the Day honours were given to Phillip Island surfer Harry De Roth who also took home a Milwaukee radio for his efforts.

Full results from the day can be found at surfingvic.com/live