Neunuebel laps up Whalebone triumph

Denmark surfer Mike Neunuebel claimed an impressive victory against some of the best longboard competitors in Australia at the 20th annual Whalebone Longboard Classic at Isolators Reef, Cottesloe last weekend.

A regular at State longboard surf events, Neunuebel was part of a strong field of competitors that took part in the event, held in challenging winter conditions across the three days.

The experienced Denmark surfer made the final of both the over-40 men’s and over-50 loggers’ divisions while also contesting the over-55 men’s category in a busy schedule.

After winning his opening heat, Neunuebel progressed to the semifinals in the over-40s and finished third to secure a place in the four-man final.

In a hotly contested final, Neunuebel was able to clinch victory as he scored 10.37 points out of a possible 20 to defeat NSW competitor Dean Bevan (10.23 points) and WA duo Jarrah Calder (9.83) and Jason Weeks (9.03).

In the over-50s division, Neunuebel was third in his opening heat, then produced another dazzling display to win the semifinal and be one of four to progress to the final.

Neunuebel again made his presence felt in the water in the final on his way to a score of 9.26 points, which secured him third place behind Queenslander Hayden Swan (15.9) and Scarborough’s Glenn Solomon (10.23).

Continuing his strong weekend of results, Neunuebel won his first heat in the over-55s but was eliminated at the semifinal stage after placing third, failing to score better than Solomon and WA’s Rob Shaw.

Denmark products Lucy Small and Michaela Ross took part in the World Surf League LQS 1000 women’s event.

Ross was knocked out at the quarterfinals and Small was defeated by fellow Australian Kathryn Hughes in the semifinals.