World Qualifying Series stalwart Mitch Van De Veer from Bonny Hills has taken out the 2007 Jesus Pro Am in what was a very tight battle with 2005 Jesus Pro Am champ and Cronulla local Fletcher Hayllar.
In very small waves at 'The Alley' at Cronulla, both finalists displayed great small wave surfing in their respective routes to the Final with Van Der Veer overcoming defending event champ Dylan Hannah and in-form Cronulla local Dane Durban through the quarter and semi finals respectively. Hayllar meanwhile, defeated East Lynne ripper Tim Taplin and Fairlight Pro Junior Nick Riley in two very tight heats.
The attendance for the 2007 Jesus Pro Am surf competition had drew in a significant crowd. Michael Crisp, Jesus Pro Am commentator and Cronulla Surf Missionary, said this surf competition, unlike others had shown the competitors God's love through volunteers serving them.
"The Jesus Pro Am aims to provide a safe, professional contest that is hospitable for its elite competitors, we aim to show the competitors God's love through serving them with great food and providing a healthy, enjoyable contest atmosphere," said Mr. Crisp.
The winner, Van Der Veer agreed, saying that this was the best competition he entered, and the crew put in 100% because they wanted to.
"It's probably the best contest I've been to in a couple of years with the hospitality and the way all the crew put in 100% and they're doing it because they want to," commented Van Der Veer.
The winner of the other categories in the surf compeition can be found below:
Open Men 1st Mitch Van Der Veer (Bonny Hills)
2nd Fletcher Hayllar (Cronulla)
=3rd Dane Durban (Cronulla)
=3rd Nick Riley (Fairlight)
Open Women 1st Yvonne Byron (Figtree)
2nd Ana Ceccarelli
3rd Bijou Busse (Broulee)
4th Carmen Beucher
Cadet Boys 1st Jordi Watson (Culburra)
2nd Max Ayshford (Mattraville)
3rd Kurt Kiggins (Cronulla)
4th Justin Arnold (Gerringong)
Cadet Girls 1st Kirby Wright (Culburra)
2nd Freya Prumm (Merimbula)
3rd Ellie-Jean Coffey (Crescent Head)
4th Lulu Han (Avoca)