Adam Melling (AUS) has won the first event of the 2011 O’Neill Cold Water Classic at Gisborne, New Zealand today claiming the ASP six-star event in the last 30 seconds over Brazilian surfer Willian Cardoso!!

The final took place at The Pines on Wainui Beach in clean 1.5m waves with offshore winds. Melling posted 15.20 out of a possible 20 points for the win. Celebrating his 26th birthday on the same day made his victory even more special.

In the tradition of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series, where the winners receive meaningful awards from the host country, Melling was awarded with a traditional Maori weapon called a tewhatewha. Brazilian Willian Cardoso finishes 2nd and Tom Whitaker (AUS) and Stuart Kennedy (AUS) both share the 3rd place.