SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Toby Martin’s consistent form carried him through to victory Sunday at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic presented by Jeep . In pumping overhead surf at Steamer Lane, Martin faced Hawaiian Jesse Merle-Jones in the final. Currently
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Toby Martin’s consistent form carried him through to victory Sunday at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic presented by Jeep .
In pumping overhead surf at Steamer Lane, Martin faced Hawaiian Jesse Merle-Jones in the final.
Currently ranked 43rd on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour, Martin sizzled from the start, utilizing his experience over a strong Northern California contention to claim a sound victory at his first-ever Cold Water Classic event.
“I’m wrapped right now with this win,” Martin said. “In all the years I’ve been competing, I’ve never had the time to come up here and do the event. Santa Cruz is such a legendary place and the Cold Water Classic is so prestigious that I had to come up here this year because I finally had the time.”
Martin, who hails from the “Dee Why” region of Sydney, Australia, known for its many point breaks that are similar to the setup at The Lane, held on to a slender lead throughout the heat despite the onslaught from opponents Merle-Jones, Californians Nathaniel Curran and life-long Santa Cruz resident Josh Loya.
“I grew up on a wave that is very similar to Steamer,” Martin said. “I feel really comfortable out there. I knew the conditions were deteriorating so I just tried to get some scores under my belt. It’s so great to have such amazing local support from the Santa Cruz crew up here. It’s been a phenomenal week.”
After a heavy local push during the opening rounds, Loya was the sole Santa Cruiser competing in the finals. Loya had gained entry into the event by surfing through the trial rounds, but the back-to-back schedule of heats caused him some fatigue in the final.
“I would have loved a win out here — and I mean, I really, really would have loved a win out here,” Loya said. “Unfortunately, I surfed a few more heats than everyone else and ran out of steam. A win would have been nice, but it’s still cool to make the final. I really appreciate all the local support all week long.”
Merle-Jones finished third overall.
