Big Vlad will be missed

THERE was sad news this week, with the passing of Agnes Water surfing identity Vlad Golar.

Current World No.1 Mick Fanning in action at Trestles, where he hopes to cement his challenge for a third world crown next week. Picture: Contributed

THERE was sad news this week, with the passing of Agnes Water surfing identity Vlad Golar.

Vlad had an enduring love of surfing and was always promoting the sport and his favourite breaks on the Discovery Coast.

He owned and operated Kahunas Bar and Grill for years and would always put his hand up to host surfing functions and support the local boardriders Tide N Turn at Agnes Water.

Vlad was also a savvy businessman, building businesses here and overseas, but he would always come back for a surf and was a regular competitor and helper at local contests.

Tide N Turn president Paul White said Vlad was always willing to pitch in and would be sorely missed.

The club is naming next weekend's September Spring Classic in honour of big Vlad. For more information about the contest at Agnes Water on Saturday, September 22, call Whitey on 0403 423 829.

Vale the original big Kahuna, Vlad.

IT looks like Vlad's parting gift was at last a bit of swell during the week, with more to come.

A few small waves at the protected points and beachies during the week should increase over the weekend and into next week.

That change should push through fairly quickly and we'll be in for fresh to moderate south-easterlies and some wind swell initially which should develop into some nice waves.

Nothing big, but definitely surfable.

 

 THE pro show is in California all next week as the Hurley Pro surfs off at Trestles, with Mick Fanning leading the ratings and looking to stamp his authority on the world title race.

When Fanning won at Trestles in 2009 he went on to win his second world crown.

Trestles is a rippable performance wave, where the new-age crew are likely to be the threat.

But you can never count out 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, who is fourth in the ratings but a five-time winner at Trestles.

Third in the ratings is Hawaii's John John Florence, who has been looking the goods in all contests so far this year, but maybe lacks a bit of contest nous.

To me Coolum's Julian Wilson is perhaps the stand-out surfer of the 2012 ASP world tour, but just a bit too aggressive or impatient.

He will fly, literally, at Trestles.

"I love this event, as it really shows the different approaches everyone has," Fanning said.

Originally published as Big Vlad will be missed