Small surf offers up level playing field for long-boarders

Organisers said the conditions were pleasant for this year’s event named the “Malleable” and excellent for young entrants, but a little less exciting for the older surfers.

“The weather was exceptional and conditions were great for our grommets,” event director John Smythe said.

“The older guys do prefer the waves to be a bit bigger and more exciting.”

Bournda surfer Jed Done was the open winner from fellow locals Phil Overend and Dave Prowse, while judges crowned surfers across a series of events. 

More than 60 entrants aged between seven and well into their 70s took on the mild conditions.

A good array of visiting surfers tried their hand on the day, but were largely outdone by the experience of local contenders with Merimbula, Tathra and Eden surfers collecting many of the top prizes. 

Sapphire Coast Boardrider club president Craig Ryan was presented the Ben Mills memorial trophy for a strong all-round performance on the day, while Byron Kellalea secured the Bushrat top performer award. 

Regular contender Henry Jones took out the grey grommets event for the oldest riders with some stylishly smooth rides.

Other age group wins included Chris Wright topping the masters division, while Steve Keogh took out the top place honours in the seniors event. 

Flinders McKinnon won the under 15 grommets event with Jindabyne visitor Theo Coates won the over 15 junior ride. 

With waves measuring just two-to-three feet for most of the afternoon heats and finals, there weren’t any big crashes or riders getting dumped. 

However, there were a few close calls with a rider jumping over another entrant after a near-miss and two surfers pretending to clash in the surf after sharing a wave during the afternoon, showing a good sense of humour. 

Entrants said there had been some bigger waves earlier in the day around the four-foot mark, but conditions had been calming steadily over the day of competition, but it was a great day in the surf and they thanked the enthusiastic crowd for cheering them on during the heats.