AUSTRALIAN Garrett Parkes reigned supreme in the 2009  Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Championship, beating Hawaiian Makua Rothman recently in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Both finalists mixed new techniques with old-school maneuvers, executing aerials, on-rail carves and barrel rides.

Parkes, who edged Gold Coast’s Joel Nantes in the quarterfinals before taking down local Carlito Nogalo in the semifinals, scored a 5.50 and a 4.67 in the extended 35 minute final.

“It wasn’t exactly the real cloud 9, not many barrels. But I made do with what I had. I managed to get through a few heats this morning and just keep it going through to the final. I’m stoked,” said Parkes, who earned $7,500 for the win.

Parkes said he wasn’t fazed entering the final after Rothman beat tournament favorite and former pipeline master Jamie O’Brien of Hawaii in the semifinal.

“I was trying not to think about,” he said. “I just knew I had to get a few scores on the board. It got to the 5 or 6 minute mark and I got a little nervous. But he ended up coming in a minute early so I knew I had it.”

Rothman, who waited patiently for waves, lacked rhythm in the final, breaking two boards to finish with a 2.66 total to Parkes’s final winning tally of 10.17. Rothman pocketed $4,500. Parkes earlier scored 13.33 against top Filipino surfer Carlito Nogalo, who posted a 10.77.

Rothman, on the other hand, bested compatriot O’Brien in a tight-scoring match. Rothman nailed the semis’ highest individual wave score—an 8.83 while O’Brien hit back by scoring an 8.40 and a 6.50 to hold the lead briefly.

But with 10 seconds remaining, Rothman weaved through a barrel before cleanly exiting to book a spot in the final with a 6.80 in the event supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc., Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster and Sagana Resort.