Staples Takes the Crown – Godfrey Gets The Double
Dale Staples is the new Quiksilver King Of The Groms! A blistering performance over the three events, including a fine performance in this final event at Inner Pool in Mossel Bay saw Dale claim the crown as King Of The Groms for 2007 as early as the quarter finals. Needing to place fifth or higher in the event, Dale secured his title with a second place in the quarter-final, thus edging out last year’s King, Matthew Bromley.
Staples receives an all expenses paid trip and entry into the grand finals in France and an opportunity to become the international King of The Groms. The King will then be awarded a guaranteed trials slot into two of the world’s biggest WCT’s – the Quiksilver Pro France, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Staples could thus receive a rare chance to achieve a major result in a WCT event.
“I’m stoked to win the series, and I can’t wait for France,” said a jubilant Staples after his deciding quarter-final. “It’s been a great series and we have had some really good waves throughout.” Staples also pocketed R3,500 for his series win.
The U20 division series winner was also decided in the quarters, with Brandon Roberts securing his return ticket to Hawaii by eliminating Brandon Jackson from the event. Roberts has been on form throughout this series and won it by consistently posting high-scoring waves.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii,” said a beaming Roberts on his prize. “Every surfer has to go to Hawaii, so this is my chance. We’ve had some really good little waves here in Mossels, with a rippable end section, so it’s been a great event for me.” On top of his ticket, Roberts also received a cheque for R5,000 for his series victory.
Despite not winning any of the series prizes, Nicky Godfrey from Seal Point had a dream event, winning both divisions with a display of tight and fast surfing on the small but perfect waves of Inner Pool. Godfrey defeated Brandon Roberts in the U20 division with R5,000 for his efforts, and took out Matthew Bromley in the Premier U16 Grom division for a R3,500 pay cheque. Nicky, who surfed a massive 8 heats during the course of the day, was a happy victor.
“I’m pretty tired after surfing so many heats, but really stoked on my wins,” said Godfrey on the beach afterwards. “The waves were fun, and it’s been a good series.” The Mossel Bay spectators were cheering and whistling during the final for both surfers, and despite his fatigue Godfrey fought off the tenacious Bromley to take the double.
Final Results: Event three: Mossel Bay
Premier Grom Division
1st – Nicky Godfrey (Cstf)
2nd – Matthew Bromley (CT)
3rd – Shaun Joubert (MBay)
3rd – Dale Staples (Cstf)
U20 Division
1st – Nicky Godfrey (Cstf)
2nd – Brandon Roberts (CT)
3rd – Dale Staples (Cstf)
3rd – Shaun Joubert (MBay)
Final Results: Quiksilver King Of The Groms Series:
Premier Grom Division.
1st – Dale Staples (Cstf)
2nd – Nic Godfrey (Cstf)
3rd – Matthew Bromley (CT)
4th – Shaun Joubret (MBay)
5th – Dane Staples (Cstfr)
U20 Division
1st – Brandon Roberts (CT)
2nd – Brandon Jackson (Dbn)
3rd – Nic Godfrey (Cstf)
4th – Shawn Dennis (Dbn)
5th – Rudy Palmboom (Bluff)
Share