O’Neill Cold Water Classic 2011 - New Zealand - Highlights of Day 3

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 6-star made a change in venue halfway through the day today. A move from the primary venue of Pines at Wainui Beach to Pipe at Midway Beach in the township of Gisborne saw extremely improved conditions that had the international contingent of surfers foaming at the mouth to hit the water for their heats.
After two and half days of strong onshore winds, Pipe offered up solid 1.5m plus waves and little-to-no wind with cranking left and right-handers running up and down the beach.
19 year-old Kiwi surfer Matt Hewitt (Mount Maunganui) won his heat today and made it to the next round. Fellow Kiwi Richard Christie wasn’t that lucky and suffered a shock elimination placing third in his heat.
Even 2010 O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series winner Shaun Cansdell (AUS) was being eliminated today!