Michel Bourez

The Nixon Surf Challenge took place in San Sebastien on Saturday 30th September with Puerto Rican surfer Dylan Graves being crowned king of the Surf Challenge 2006, snatching the title from Tahiti’s Hira Teriinatoofa after landing an amazing air reverse in Playa La Zurriola. Hira was closely followed by the Euro contingent with Gony Zubizarreta coming in 3rd and Fredo Robin coming in 4th.

The swell was accurately forecast to pick up at lunch time, giving the surfers a relaxed start to the day. By late morning conditions were a contestable 3-4 foot with light off shore winds. So with the event called on, the first round hit the water and the riders took turns in judging the contest, which is one of the unique factors of the Nixon Surf Challenge.

In the first round new addition to the Nixon Team Reubyn Ash (UK) was the stand out sticking some sick aerials and progressive tail slides, earning him a spot in the quarter finals. Local boy Ethan Egiguren, a mere 12-years old, really impressed the international pro’s, but unfortunately didn’t make it through.

Dylan Graves landing a perfect air reverse

In the quarter-finals Jonathon Gonzales (CAN) stole the show with some incredibly powerful surfing mixed with new school aerials and Michel Bourez (TAH) proved to us why he is considered a world class surfer. Fabrice Gelez (FRA) pulled off some crazy turns but couldn’t make his waves connect in the tricky conditions at Playa La Zurriola.

The swell picked up for the finals, giving us some of the biggest waves of the day, however picking off a decent wave between the close out sets was difficult, but Gony Zubizarreta and Hira Teriinatoofa revelled in the challenging conditions pulling of committed moves in heavy sections, that gave them an early lead. As the final progressed competition was super tight so judges decided to add an additional 5 minutes.

Dylan Graves capitalised on the extra time, landing a perfect air reverse and gave the judges no option but to give him the title for the Nixon Surf Challenge 2006.

“It’s been a rough couple of days with all the parties that have been going on! I am super stoked to be a part of the Nixon Surf Challenge, San Sebastien is so much fun! Drinks are on me tonight!” said Graves after his victory.

RESULTS

• 1st Dylan Graves
• 2nd Hira Teriinatoofa
• 3rd Gony Zubizarreta
• 4th Fredo Robin