Winning return for Dupuy

A return to State-level surfing has paid dividends for Albany’s Paul Dupuy after he claimed an opening round win at the WA Surf Masters Titles in Margaret River at the weekend.

Dupuy hit the windswept waves of Gas Bay in both the over-40 and over-45 men’s division to signal his return to competitive surfing.

Having won two previous State titles, Dupuy carved his way into the over-40 senior masters final and won a thrilling four-man decider.

With his lethal backhand moves, Dupuy scored a combined two-wave total of 13.94 out of a possible 20 to narrowly defeat City Beach’s Paul Paterson (13.87) and take out round 1 honours.

He also reached the over-45 grand masters final and finished with a score of 7.37, ending up in fourth place behind Mark Clift (14.5), Tommy Trigwell (14.4) and Paterson (9.5).

Dupuy said it was really enjoy-able being back on the State circuit as he aimed to secure a place on the State team for this year’s national surf titles.

“Not for a few years have I done the State rounds,” Dupuy said.

“Because there was about a 30-knot southerly blowing I had no idea of the scores out in the water, so it was a total surprise for me (winning).

“It’s nice to get off on the right foot. The aim is to surf at the nationals on the Gold Coast in August. I won State titles in 2000 and maybe 2004 so it certainly been a long time between drinks.”

The second round of the WA Surf Masters Titles will be held in Geraldton in June.