Surfing's cold water champion decided

Shaun Cansdell has taken the O'Neill Cold Water Classic series win and a cheque for $50,000.

Events have been held in cold and freezing conditions in Tasmania, Thurso in Scotland, the Western Cape of South Africa, Tofino, Canada and Santa Cruz, California.

Matt Wilkinson won the final event in Santa Cruz, California, beating Hawaii's Tonino Benson.

In a closely fought final in 4-foot waves in the pouring rain at Steamer Lane, Tonino and Wilkinson traded the lead throughout.

The winner had earlier disappointed local crowds by defeating local surfer Nat Young who had reached the semi-finals.

Wilkinson had earlier beaten Dion Atkinson, the only one who could have taken the series victory from Cansdell.