Shepherd excels in top conditions

Denmark's Kirran Shepherd defeated close friend and defending champion Ben Rufus on his way to claiming an exciting open men's title at the 2015 Telstra Store Albany Open Wavefest on Sunday.

The major local surf competition was held in glorious conditions at Mutton Bird's Floodgates on both Saturday and Sunday, with the solid southerly swell providing quality waves through the heats and finals.

Shepherd, who was making a welcome return to competitive surfing, was able to edge out last year's winner Rufus, Adrian Shepherd and Dave Beeck in the four-man final on his way to a maiden Wavefest crown and $1000 first prize.

In the open women's division, Denmark star Emi Campbell clinched a fourth straight title with a powerful performance in the final.

The former under-16 girls shortboard national champion dazzled the judges with her skilful display as she defeated a trio of young up-and-coming local surfers to take home the $500 first prize.

The 17-year-old said it was always nice to compete in the Albany Boardriders event.

"That's four in a row now, so I'm pretty happy," she said.

"It's good to get home and it's always just a fun event.

"It was great to see all the local young girls got in the final."

Evie Dupuy finished second, Pemba Spargo was third and Lily Shepherd was fourth in a changing of the guard open women's final.

Darren Oostdam was able to hold off twin Jason Oostdam to win the men's over-35 final on Sunday, with Ian Minter third and Pete Campbell fourth.

Local Craig Breuker made it back-to-back wins in the men's over-45 division, carving out a nice score to beat Gary Connell, Luke McLean and Ian Minter.

Adrian Shepherd retained his men's over-50 title with his experience on show for all to see, downing Brad McLean, Connell and Jos Way in the final.

Albany Boardriders president Adrian Shepherd said it was again a fantastic event.

"We had about 40 competitors all up and it was very competitive in all divisions," he said.

"That was the best Wavefest in terms of waves we have had this decade, it was two days of really good swell and waves."