CAMBEWARRA’S Ronnie Thomas surprised himself when he finished third in the masters at the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach last month.
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Thomas was part of a local Shoalhaven team, along with Wayne Carberry, who was also in the masters, as well as Walter Stewart and Daniel Malcon, who competed in the opens.
The event brings together all of the best indigenous surfers in the country and it was a great opportunity for them to surf at the historic Bells Beach for the first time.
Thomas was up against some stiff competition, including 1988 Pipeline Masters champion Robbie Page, who was the eventual winner of the masters, while up and comer Otis Carey won the opens division.
Thomas said he tried not to think too much about who we was up against and focused on going out there and having fun.
“I just tried to think of it like I was surfing back at home,” he said.
“You have to have a little bit of a competitive spirit, but I’m usually pretty laid back and my main aim is to have fun.
“To get third was just a bonus really, a little gift for going down there.”