O'Neill Cold Water Classic 2011 - New Zealand - Big Final in Gisborne

26-year old Australian Adam Melling wins the first and most southern tour stop of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011 in Gisborne, New Zealand! The Cold Water Classic Series is the most challenging and toughest series in professional surfing! It was a nail-biting quarter final between three Australian friends, three Brazilians and two Europeans. But the Australians and Brazilians proved to be stronger and progressed through to the semi finals, kicking Joan Duru (FRA) and Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) out of the competition. The big final was a showdown between Australia and Brazil, in which Adam Melling (AUS) prevailed ahead of Willian Cardoso (BRA) in 2nd place and his mates Tom Whitaker and titleholder Stuart Kennedy in 3rd place. Celebrating his 26th birthday on the same day sweetened Adam’s victory even more!