A handful of Europes top surfers took to the wind ravaged waters yesterday on the first day of the ASP WQS 6-Star Mr. Price Pro Ballito contest in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Former World Tour surfer, Russell Winter of Great Britain was among those that competed in the pumping two meter swell that pounded the Ballito coastline. The strong winds and undulating tidal conditions made the paddle out near impossible for some surfers who simply failed to find a wave. Those that did make it out risked breaking their boards in the tumultuous surf.

As heavy winds battered the South African shoreline, the home advantage shone through with five of the local contingent making it through to the next round. Stand out surfer was Durban local Simon Nicholson who looked at home on the rugged waves. Britains Russell Winter scraped through with a 10.10 out of 20, coming in second to Nicholson.

Following his heat, Nicholson said, Ballitos not an easy wave to ride and Ive been surfing here for over ten years. I didnt manage to get out in time when the heat started because I got caught by a big set, by the time I got out I was exhausted. I think I just got lucky because I managed to get two long running rights. I tried to put in some decent turns and I got those scores so I was stoked.

Relatively unknown surfers, Dylan Graves of Puerto Rico and Jean Sebastien Estienne from the Carribean nailed the highest wave scores of the day.