Michael Burling, Tonga's top surfboard rider, last Sunday proved unstoppable by taking out the 2008 Hyundai Pro Long Board event at Kaikoura in New Zealand.

The young doctor and surfer convincingly won the Open Men's Final by launching into several 1.0m set waves in the third and final day of the R&R South Island Longboard Pro Am.

Michael's rampage in the fifth event left the remaining finalists needing a combination of scores to stay in through the finals, and he was prepared to take risks and threw himself against the wind.

He took the first place position from Australian Jackson Close who lacked a good second scoring wave and had to settle for second place thus beating the 2007 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour winner Daniel Kereopa who came in third.

The competition, which started on March 14-16 got underway in very different conditions with overcast skies and a dramatic drop in swell which saw surfers prepared to risk body and board.

Meanwhile, in the women's final Michael's sister 'Anau also surfed well and came in second place to Sophia Moore.

Hyundai have been involved with Surfing New Zealand since 2004 and also sponsor the most prestigious event in New Zealand.