Surfers Icah, O'Hayon take early lead

By Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Icah Wilmot and Danielle O'Hayon took the men's and women's lead, respectively, as the Jamaica Surfing Association kicked off its 2008 National Open Series on the weekend at the Lighthouse Surfing Beach at Plumb Point, Port Royal.

Top surfers from Kingston and St Andrew faced off for the 1,000 points on offer.

In the women's open, Danielle O'Hayon, Elim Beckford, Imani Wilmot and Esther Beckford competed through 11 waves.

O'Hayon placed first with two beautiful waves on which she demonstrated controlled manoeuvres which won over the judges. Elim Beckford came in second on 860 followed by Wilmot third on 730 points.

Icah Wilmot, Ackeam Phillips, Inilek Wilmot and Luke Williams caught 21 waves between them in the men's open. Williams pulled a beautiful 'floater' which earned him loud cheers.

On another wave, Inilek put together a number of fast-flowing manoeuvres which raised voices for him also. Not to be outdone, Phillips caught a lovely wave which provided him with the opportunity to demonstrate why he was in the finals.

Icah caught an impressive wave which he rode all the way down the point executing a number of crisp radical turns earning 8.7 points and an unassailable lead which he held until the final whistle.

Phillips placed second on 860 points followed by Inilek third on 730 points.

The next event in the series will be held at Makka Surfing Beach at South Haven, Yallahs, St Thomas, on Saturday, March 15, beginning at 8:00 a.m.