Kawage takes Sepik open surf crown

THE 2nd Yamaha Sepik Open Surf challenge was the most spectacular event hosted this year in Wewak, with young surfers taking on and cutting through waves outside Moem Point.
Organiser Mark Palm said in this year’s event all surfers were from Wewak, Karasau, Kairiru, Mushu and Yuo islands and there were outside competitors.
In 2011, there were 23 competitors. However this year, 42 registered.
He said most competitors were aged 12 to 28 and competed in the U15, U18, men’s and Sepik open divisions.
Top surfers from all divisions include 14-year-old Thomas Kawage (Wewak) in U15s and Malcolm Tuotuo, 17, (Mushu) for the U18s.
The men’s finalists were Moris Sakora, 23, (Wewak) and two-time champion Eric Kawage, 20, (Wewak) for the Sepik open.
Palm said Ela Motors, promoting its Yamaha brand, was the major sponsor for this year’s event, while minor sponsors included South Seas Tuna, Tang Mow 1960 and Garamut Enterprises, Airport Lodge, BSP, Gala Lodge, Peter Johnson and other individuals.
The event began last Friday and ended on Saturday with the presentation.