Ali Day writes his name into the record books claiming his second Shannon Eckstein Classic
Surfers Paradise’s Ali Day and Maroochydore’s Tiarnee Massie have claimed the day two Ironman and Ironwoman titles at the Shannon Eckstein Classic at BMD Northcliffe. See howthe two day event unfolded.
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Surfers Paradise’s Ali Day and Maroochydore’s Tiarnee Massie have claimed the Ironman and Ironwoman titles on day two at the Shannon Eckstein Classic at BMD Northcliffe.
The win launched Day to the overall Summer of Surf series lead to claim the only title missing off his incredible resume.
Lana Rogers claimed the overall win for the women’s Summer of Surf series to continue her spectacular run of form, having also claimed this season’s Coolangatta Gold and Nutri Grain series.
In Sunday’s action, Massie jumped off the board finish to claim victory with Rogers and Georgia Miller hot on her heels heading to the finish line.
“Oh my god, I am in shock,” Massie said.
“Since the Shannon Eckstein classic became an event, it was always a goal of mine to win it.
“I didn't think it would come this soon but I am so happy to win against such amazing women.”
Massie stuck with the leaders through the ski, swim and rode some great waves on the board to get herself in front towards final sprint.
All eyes were on Rogers and Miller who remained close from the get go, with both showing their skills through the three legs.
It came down to the final stretch in the water as Rogers, Massie and Miller were just centimetres apart.
As the three rode the final waves in off the board, Massie was the first to jump off with Rogers and Miller hot on her heels.
As they turned the final bend on the sand, Massie held onto win by millimetres to claim victory.
In the men’s marquee event, all eyes were on Surfers Paradise’s Ali Day and Northcliffe’s Joe Collins as the pair were the two stars who were in the chance of winning the overall season.
But it was Matt Bevilacqua who jumped out early on the ski and held the lead, catching the waves into shore for the first leg, closely followed by Day.
Collins closed the gap early in the swim but Bevilacqua found another gear, extending his lead further out before Ali Day used the waves to close the gap in the swim as they all headed into shore.
Surfers Paradise’s Finn Askew picked up a perfect wave at the back end of the swim and led the way to the board leg ahead of Day, Bevilacqua and Collins.
Day claimed back the lead and extended it as he smashed his way through the final turn and the final sprint to claim his second Shannon Eckstein Classic.
“How good is that?” Day asked.
“I won the first one, the initial one, sorry Shannon, that is his title.
“I haven’t won a surfing classic title in a long time, finished second yesterday and have had a few seconds lately.
“So it was really great to get the win today and claim that one.”
Kinsela, Woods: $10K waves to glory
Ky Kinsela and Emma Woods have body surfed their way to glory at the 2024 Shannon Eckstein Classic, taking home champion titles on day one of the double-header event.
Charging down the face of a five-foot wave, Kinsela secured his first win – and the $10,000 prize – by showcasing arguably the best body surfing skills seen in the sport.
The Tugun-based 23-year-old claimed victory ahead of Surfers Paradise Ironman Ali Day and Burleigh Heads/Mowbray Park’s Ben Carberry.
It was Alexandra Headlands star Emma Woods who caused a mega upset in the Ironwoman race, coming from behind to take her first win of the summer series with BMD Northcliffe’s Naomi Scott and Sunshine Beach’s Electra Outram rounding out the minor placings.
Jakye Rees handled the surf perfectly to take out the Open Men’s Ski ahead of Manly’s Oscar Jones and Newport clubmate, Mitchell Trim.
BMD Northcliffe’s Emily Doyle took out the women’s ski title, proving too strong for Newport duo Piper Harrison and Jemma Smith.
Doyle relished in the home-soil victory.
In the Men’s Board event, Corey Fletcher of Burleigh Head’s/ Mowbray Park stormed home ahead of an eight-man pack and securing a back-to-back win.
In the women’s event, Wood’s continued to prove her form following a year of injuries.
The board event was added to her win tally, finishing ahead of Outram and Maroochydore favourite Tiarnee Massie.
Returning to the surf, BMD Northcliffe’s Nick Sloman took home his first win of the season at what was also his first 2023/24 summer series competition appearance.
The Olympic open-water swim star was too quick for club mate Bailey Armstrong and Wanda’s Nicholas Middleton.
It was young gun Jasmine Rayward of Burleigh Heads/ Mowbray Park who flew home to secure the women’s swim.
In the final event of the day, BMD Northcliffe proved an ultimate powerhouse of the six-person Mixed Taplin event.
The club claimed both gold and silver while leaving bronze to Burleigh Head’s/ Mowbray Park.
Attracting even more excitement to the Gold Coast, the Shaw and Partners Financial Services Summer of Surf Shannon Eckstein Double Header Classic continues with Super Sunday on February 25.
Originally published as Ali Day writes his name into the record books claiming his second Shannon Eckstein Classic
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