Australia’s Parkinson dominated the Brazilian from the outset, his opening ride scoring 8.90, the highest of the 30 minute final at Merewether Beach.
The final two-wave score saw Parkinson total 15.43 to world no. 18 Muniz’s 12.13
“It’s great to win this first event as the world champion – I had an incredible end to last year’s season and I came into this event with a lot of confidence,” said Parkinson.
“It was sort of a warm-up event here but the field is fantastic and we surf these events to win.
“It is a real honour to win this event and for sure I feel ready for next week.”
Both surfers will contest the ASP Quicksilver Pro next week.
