The Burton Toyota King of the Box was completed in perfect two-to-three foot surf on Sunday, 8th June.

The infamous wedging lefthanders of Box Beach dished up the goods for the surfers and bodyboarders for the unique one-day event.

The day started with bodyboarding and from the get go young Hawaiian rider Tanner McDaniel looked the man to beat.

McDaniel - who has been staying in Port Stephens for the last few months - looked at home with the shifty peaks. Local riders Kane Brewer and Anthony Thurlow were other early standouts however, they were unable to conquer McDaniel who claimed the Junior and Cadet bodyboard divisions. Tanner posted a 17.5 and a 16.4 out of 20 in finals to beat Brewer, who finished runner up in both divisions.

The King of the Box offered a “Legends” surfing division that included O/40 locals.

Last years winner Tim Spencer couldn’t go back-to-back and finished fourth behind Tony Bell and Dave Ellwell while Chilli Compton claimed his maiden title.

“I’m so stoked to just surf here with all the old crew," said Chilli. “It’s such a cool event and I’ll be back next year to defend the title."

In the Open Mens surfing division, the field was jammed packed with talent and the locals were well represented by Chris and Luke Michalak, Brett Weston, Kurtis Herman, Mitch Dawkings and Dane Stone. However, they had their work cut out for them, with Merewether local Jesse Adam making his intentions clear from the outset. Kieran Conway and Morgan Ciblic were two other riders who travelled to the event and showed great form at their first King of the Box outing.

Chris Michalak made a late charge in the final, but in the end Jesse Adam proved to be too classy and claimed his first King of the Box crown.

“My mate Ryan Callinan won it last year and I was determined to do the same this year,” said Jesse. “It’s such a fun wave and this is just an awesome contest. I can’t wait until next year. Chris and Kurtis are really good out here, so I’m stoked to get a win over them.”

Event director Terry McKenna is ecstatic about this years result: “It’s one of the best spots to run an event. It breaks close to shore and the nature of the wave lends itself to high performance surfing.”

The presentation for both genres took place at the Port Stephens Country Club.

For media enquiries, contact Terry McKenna on 0401 023 661.
 
The 2014 Burton Toyota King Of The Box was proudly sponsored by Port Stephens Toyota, Graffitti Surf Shop, Adrenalin Wetsuits, House of Marley, Carve, Safe-Sack and Surfing NSW.