Central Coast surfers active in qualifying series

North Shelly Beach's Joel Vaughan at the Port Stephens Pro, Birubi Beach.. Credit: WSL / Natalie Meredith

SURFING

Several Central Coast surfers competed in the Port Stephens Pro at Birubi Beach in an effort to gain qualifying points for the World Surf League’s (WSL) Challenger Series.

North Shelly’s Joel Vaughan continued his great form before falling behind eventual silver medallist Chris Zaffis in the quarter final, whilst Macmaster’s Logan Steinwede improved his overall ranking in the Qualifying Series Australia/Oceania by making the Round of 34.

The earlier season win in the Great Lakes Pro has kept Vaughan on the top of the rankings, whilst Steinwede has increased his rank by 13 to now sit in 45th overall.

“I’m pretty stoked to get through, it was a hard heat… (and) the other boys were shredding,” spoke Steinwede after advancing through his Round of 64 heat.

“It’s always eventful when you get into these comps.

“I think everyone’s goals are the same: Challenger Series is the top spot you want, so that’s really what I’m aiming for at the moment.”

The next date towards the Qualifying Series will be the Maroubra Pro on March 4- 6 followed by the Central Coast Pro at Avoca Beach, scheduled from March 14 to 19.

Haakon Barry