After an adventurous drive to Lancelin, when Jackie nearly wiped herself out before the comp even started. An Aussie's worst nightmare is fanging with a European imported 4WD into the path of a pair of startled eyes belonging to the biggest Kangaroo ever!  True story - damage; one kangaroo stunned and missing in action with claw marks on the headlight protector and to the car - bent fender, smashed headlight and to the driver - shocked but no other known injuries (unless post traumatic syndrome kicks in soon)

The State Round had been postponed from the previous weekend due to uncontestable surf.  This weekend was a different story Huey switched on the wave machine and the call was to go the bombing range which is about a 25 minute winding sandblasted track just north of Lancelin.  It's one of those trips that could leave you dazed and confused for there as many different tracks as there are stars in the sky.  Seriously if you were not concentrating you could end up miles off the beaten track, bogged, thirsty and stung by the  harsh wind, sun and steroid ridden horse flies.

 Well we arrived along with the party faithfull complete with eskies, sun shades, sun screen and attitude.  We were met by light to moderate off shore breezes and waist to chest high waves with the odd sneaker set that gave you the customary nasal washout.

 First heat in the water saw Eric, Gus, Scott and Kimmy taking off on some magic waves; the results were very close with Eric and Kim surfing in the winners round with Gus and Scott relegated to sudden death with the losers of heat 2.  As usual Rob and Richard had to face the music with Jackied breathing down their necks - some good waves to be had with Rob and Jackie cruising through to the winners round, Richie being given a second chance.

 Despite small numbers, the competitive spirit was there and judging was of a high calibre.  Heat 2, saw Richie (who I think downed a can of Red Bull) take full possession of the heat being a very clear winner ahead of Scott.  Heat 3 saw the little people going through to the final with thanks to Rob for letting Jackie have the wave of the heat (mateship is alive and kicking).

 By this time it was about 9.00 am and the rest of Perth were getting wind of great conditions up at Lancelin for the beach became a freeway. In typical fashion surf board riders who could have surfed from a choice of about 50 peaks chose to spoil our fun and walk the 100 metres or so from their parked cars and try and takeover our spot (arseholes!!!), despite us marking our territory with everybody running behind the dunes for a quick pre-contest wee.

 As I mentioned before we came with attitude and stink eye was a regular occurrence.  But waveskiiers are nice people and I guess we can't exaggerate here - no we didn't say 'bugger off' but rather let our surfing do the talking.  Most of the surfers obliged but one surfer (who I think was a waveski groupie) just kept hangin' around - you get that.

 Well the finals were a happening thing; Vets and Open.  As we all know the Vets are a very fit and athletic breed so no problems with back to back finals. 

 Final Results

 The conditions were still off-shore at the completion of the competition (which is a first) and we had heaps of fun free surfing.  Soon to be dad Kim gave Jackied's new ski a test run which is good watching someone else carve up and down as well as the odd aerial (where is the video camera when you need one) - Verdict - high performance, turns well.  Jackie did offer Kim the old gun but the pink stripes might be a bit too much and will probably clash with his orange fluro wet suit ha ha!

 We finally packed up and trekked back to the Lancelin Bakery for the obligatory pie with lots of sauce and coke topped off with a jam filled cream donut - Yum.

Thanks to everyone who helped including Mike Ruthkay and Jarvis Croome plus Rex the dog.

 Well it's Sunday morning, the sun is up and hot, the car is filfthy with sand in every orifice, but hey I feel fantastic and I am sure the others are feeling exactly the same.  It's great to hang out with people who share the same passion, have a laugh, not take life too seriously and are there when you need them.

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