Owen Wright Returns to Competition at First WSL Qualifying Event of 2017

Sally being chaired to Victory in Newcastle. Pic: WSL/Bennett[/caption] “I am so excited to defend my title at the Anditi Women’s Pro,” Fitzgibbons said. “It is such a beautiful location to host the event. I love the community and have really fond memories of competing in Newcastle. Returning to an event that you have previously won always gives you that extra bit of confidence. You see and feel how the previous event went and draw on that positive energy. The event is uniquely funded by the local businesses and the Newcastle crowds are always enthusiastic and so welcoming which helps settle the nerves coming into the first event major QS of the season. Young Californian Surfer Nolan Rapoza has been on a tear through the Australian leg of QS1,000 events. The stylish goofy foot continued that form today at the Trials for the Maitland and Prot Stephens Toyota Pro, taking it out and locking in a spot in the main event. “I was in the QS6,000 events last year but didn’t do so well,” Rapoza said. “Because of this I couldn’t get into the main round at this event. Winning the trials is huge for my year as a good result here could give me a seed into the other big QS events in 2017. The level of surfing in the trials was so high so I had to have confidence that my surfing could get me through and I’m stoked that it did.” For more information head to www.WorldSurfLeague.com or check out the WSL app.]]>