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Salomon Masters 2005
Margaret River, Western Australia
March 14-20th
The Picturesque and wave-rich region of Margaret River was the site of the 6th Annual Salomon Masters and Bico Classic 2005; The six-star WQS event from March 14th-20th attracted some of the world’s best surfers; both female and male. I asked women’s six time world champion Layne Beachley if there was anything she wanted to say to Canada’s up and coming female surfers. Her reply: ‘Stay warm; I hear its cold up there!’ I also talked to 2001 Men World Champion, C.J Hobgood after his heat. C.J hasn’t thought of surfing in Canada, but said he would definitely go snowboarding there sometime.
The week began with solid overhead waves, and further anticipation for consistent swell and size, something Margaret River is world renowned for; instead the waves dwindled as the week went on. For the first time in the 21 year history of the world-class event the contest was postponed for a day due to tiny surf.
The swell picked up on Sunday, the day of the finals. A small pod of dolphins interrupted the contest and stole the show with their wave riding abilities. For two heats of the quarter-finals I shot some photos from the media boat moored up right at Surfers Point.
The tranquil town of Margaret River buzzed alive with energy for the duration of the contest. When the surf was flat and the contest postponed on St. Patricks Day, surfers found an excuse to have a pint of Guinness beer or two. An outdoor concert on Saturday Night called Main Break shook fans all night long.
Jason Eastman
Margaret River, WA
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Jason, from Nanaimo BC, is a professional photographer currently working out of Margaret River, Australia
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Awards Crowd |
Bobby Martinez |
Defending Masters Champ Nico Padaratz |
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Layne Beachley and Serena Brooke |
Neco Padaratz |
Neco Padaratz |
Roy Powers 2nd and Winner Troy Brooks |
View From Media Boat |
All photos: Copyright © Jason Eastman
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