Former 2012 world surfing champion Joel Parkinson has clinched a special win at the Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa before his retirement. The opening event of the Hawaiian season is part of the Triple Crown of surfing and a historic event on the north shore which Parkinson has won in the past. The Australians powerful rail turns and speed were too good for the younger competitors as he charged through to victory over Mateus Herdy from Brazil, Ricardo Christie from New Zealand and Brazilian Deivid Silva rounding out the top four. The 37-year-old Parkinson took on Mateus Herdy, 17, in the final and it was the wiser veteran who took the win. "Oh man, I'm just shocked, I just started to feel it, I feel like I want to surf another heat," said Parkinson. "I actually really enjoyed the event, that's probably been the key for me at this stage of my career, to enjoy it. That was enjoyable. “I'll miss moments like that but I'm glad they're coming to an end,” he said. “If this is the last time I ever stand on stage, surfing has been amazing to me. I love it. Next year I'll just be a surf fan like all you guys, can't wait. “I'll always love surfing, I'll always love the people in surfing and I thank you all for being a part of it and cheering me on. ”Come December 21, I'm a surf fan and I'll watch and enjoy watching." Parkinson will surf the final event of his career at the Billabong Pipe Masters, which is the last stop on the Championship Tour.
Former 2012 world surfing champion Joel Parkinson has clinched a special win at the Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa before his retirement.
The opening event of the Hawaiian season is part of the Triple Crown of surfing and a historic event on the north shore which Parkinson has won in the past.
The Australians powerful rail turns and speed were too good for the younger competitors as he charged through to victory over Mateus Herdy from Brazil, Ricardo Christie from New Zealand and Brazilian Deivid Silva rounding out the top four.
The 37-year-old Parkinson took on Mateus Herdy, 17, in the final and it was the wiser veteran who took the win.
"Oh man, I'm just shocked, I just started to feel it, I feel like I want to surf another heat," said Parkinson.
"I actually really enjoyed the event, that's probably been the key for me at this stage of my career, to enjoy it. That was enjoyable.
“I'll miss moments like that but I'm glad they're coming to an end,” he said.
“If this is the last time I ever stand on stage, surfing has been amazing to me. I love it. Next year I'll just be a surf fan like all you guys, can't wait.
“I'll always love surfing, I'll always love the people in surfing and I thank you all for being a part of it and cheering me on.
”Come December 21, I'm a surf fan and I'll watch and enjoy watching."
Parkinson will surf the final event of his career at the Billabong Pipe Masters, which is the last stop on the Championship Tour.
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Margaret River Mail
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