MARRAWAH/TASMANIA (Wednesday, 8th March,2023): Steeped in history and prestige, the Rip Curl West Coast Classic presented by Red Herring Surf is set to attract the state’s best senior women’s and men’s competitors this long weekend, March 11th through 13th in the North West zone of Marrawah.
North West local Jy Johannesen is one of Tasmania’s most decorated competitive surfers, having had a successful career spanning several decades. Another win would mean the world to Johannesen, given the event’s history, famous names and big moments.
“I looked up to the Dayton brothers, James and Matt. Matt was on a whole different level in my eyes, like a mythical figure, he surfs so fast and powerful. Also Andy Campbell, he got a ten point rid one year where he stood bolt upright in a tube the whole way across the bay at Lighthouse Beach, hooting in the barrel and was so deep that it was echoing. Also Phil Quirk and my old mate Dustin Hollick. There’s a theme amongst all those names, they are all very well rounded surfers”
On winning another West Coast, Johannesen said: “It would mean a lot for sure, I feel like the younger generation of open surfers have really come into their own and as I get older it would be real nice to win another one!”
As for who he see’s as the biggest threats to another win in Marrawah, Johannesen looks to the South of the state and names like Red Herring Pro-AM winner Rudy Davis.
“The biggest threats would come from down south. Marti Paradisis, Hamish Renwick, Rudy Davis and Kelly Nordstrom just to name a few. In saying that though the north west is packing some heat this year with the likes of defending champ Jake Colreavy and another former champ Matt Gaby. Those guys know the local conditions well, as do all North west surfers, we spend a lot of time down at Marrawah.”
