In March, Jake and I were both pretty enamored with the O'Neill Coldwater Classic Tasmania. As we mentioned, this was part of O'Neill's new series of six-star events on the WQS that is pushing the boundaries — sacrificing water temps for great waves all over the globe.
Courtesy O'Neill
Not taking anything away from Trestles, but no one got a slot like this.
Well, for the past week, O'Neill has been running its CWC Scotland, the event formerly known as the Highland Open, moving back and forth from the Bowl at Brim's Ness to Brim's Point, and getting some stellar surf.
If you wanted to enjoy the California sun and watch the Hawaiians surf circles around everyone, you went to Lowers. If you wanted to grab six point-prime points while a bunch of top dogs were in California, you could throw on some rubber and go to Scotland. I'm not taking anything away from that ripable wave last week at Trestles, but the boys who opted for the cold got meaty Scottish shacks, thick as breadpuddin.
Courtesy O'Neill
While everyone was cloaked in 6-mils, British charger Sam Lamiroy wore a long sleeve rashguard (not really, but he was more comfortable than most.)
Pretty interesting event, pitting guys like Alek Parker, Sunny Garcia, Yuri Sodre, Britain's Russell Winter, and a slew of hungry Aussies in the most northern ASP comp of the year.
Today, Adam Melling beat Luke Monro in a pumping 6-foot final to win the ceremonial sword in a long day, dominated by Aussies.
"I got a Lord Munro for second," said Luke. "I feel awesome being Lord Munro especially as a lot of my heritage is from Scotland."
ASP Europe/Aquashot
Adam Melling slashing his way to the sword.
Melling was stoked to get a major win, which will puts him on the top spot on the WQS leader board and the CWC Series ratings. He also stuck a few pound sterling in his kilt.
"It feels pretty amazing. I just didn't want to come second again that's for sure," said Adam, who was runner up here last year to Adam Robertson.
"That sword is the best trophy ever," he said. "Last year I was so envious of Robbo getting that. It's going up on the wall for sure. "
Courtesy O'Neill
Charging through the Brim's shorebreak. This is one of the most unique locations of any ASP event.
O'NEILL CWC SCOTLAND BY SWATCH FINAL
1 - Adam Melling (AUS) 14.17 pts
2 - Luke Munro (AUS) 8.90 pts
O'NEILL CWC SCOTLAND BY SWATCH SEMIFINALS
SF 1: Luke Munro (AUS) 13.50 pts Def. Joan Duru (FRA) 12.50 pts
SF 2: Adam Melling (AUS) 11.66 pts Def. Blake Thornton (AUS) 3.80 pts
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes, and surfs in San Clemente, California. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the last 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of Return by Water, as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your Dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not shlepping his lens around the world or looking for road kill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point tending to his growing brood.
