The O’Neill Cold Water Classis Series 2011 opened on Tuesday (22nd March) with a passion filled powhiri at the Maori Battalion Marae located at Manutuke, just south of Gisborne. The Kaumatua (elders) of the local Iwi (tribe) Rongowhakata welcomed Manuhiri (guests) to their land and ocean blessing the event and wishing all the entrants well with their efforts.

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011 was greeted head-on with the first big southerly storm of the year to hit Gisborne. Despite conditions being less than desirable with 30 knot onshore winds, cold temperatures and a messy 2.0m swell, the event kicked off with a full day of explosive surfing.