Aussie reigns in Siargao surfing

MANILA, Philippines -  Australian Garrett Parkes flashed awesome form to win the 2009 Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Championship over Hawaiian Makua Rothman last Wednesday on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Both finalists mixed innovative, new-school manuevers with aerials, on-rail carves and barrel rides to form three-to four feet waves.

Parkes, who defeated Gold Coast’s Joel Nantes (Coolangatta) in the quarters before taking down local Carlito Nogalo in the semis, made the most of the smaller conditions to bag two mid-range scores – a 5.50 and a 4.67– in the extended 35 minute final.

 ”It wasn’t exactly the real cloud 9, not many barrels. But I made do with what I had. I managed to get through a few heats this morning and just keep it going through to the final. I’m stoked,” said Parkes, who earned $7,500 for the win.

Parkes, who was a standout throughout the entire event, said he wasn’t fazed entering the final after Rothman beat tournament favorite and former pipeline master Jamie O’Brien of Hawaii in the semifinal.

“I was trying not to think about it,” he said. “I just knew I had to get a few scores on the board. It got to the five or six minute mark and I got a little nervous. But he ended up coming in a minute early so I knew I had it.”

Rothman, who waited patiently for set waves, lacked rhythm in the high-stakes final, breaking two boards to finish with a 2.66 total to Parkes’ final winning tally of 10.17. 

Rothman pocketed $ 4,500.

In the semifinal round, Parkes scored 13.33 against top Filipino surfer Carlito Nogalo, who posted 10.77.

Rothman, on the other hand, bested compatriot O’ Brien in a tight-scoring match.

The tournament was supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc, Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster and Sagana Resort.