ONE of the Nambucca Valley’s longest-running and most iconic sporting events is about to celebrate a major milestone, with the 40th Logger Heads Malibu Classic set to bring three days of surfing and community to Scotts Head over the period Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.
Now in its 40th year, the event continues to attract longboard surfers from across Australia and overseas, cementing its reputation as one of the country’s premier traditional longboarding competitions.
This year’s milestone event has already attracted more than 195 competitors, with both male and female surfers ranging in age from just nine years old through to 80.
Competitors will travel from as far north as Noosa, as far south as Merimbula and even from New Zealand to compete in the anniversary event.
Many families have also entered, all hoping to earn the honour of having their family name added to the prestigious Family Achievement Honour Board while competing across the event’s 15 divisions.
Competition begins with the under-14 cadets and extends through to the over-75 men’s and over-50 ladies divisions.
Scotts Head’s renowned sand-bottom point break is expected to once again provide the perfect stage for the event.
Well protected from the prevailing winter southerly winds, the break is renowned for producing long, flowing rides that allow competitors to showcase the smooth, stylish surfing synonymous with traditional longboarding.
All competitors will ride longboards measuring at least nine feet in length.
The popular Old Malibu division will feature original pre-1965 longboards, which are considerably heavier than modern boards and require a distinctive surfing style.
The modern equivalent is the Log division, where competitors ride single-fin boards with traditional 50/50 rails and are judged on classic, old-school smooth and stylish surfing.
The continued popularity of longboarding has also seen strong growth in female participation.
Following increased entries in recent years, the Logger Heads Malibu Club expanded the women’s divisions last year.
Club Scotts will sponsor the open ladies division, Coastal Curves Surf Shop the over-35 ladies and Tradition Surfboards the over-50 ladies.
Among those returning will be last year’s over-35 ladies winner Lynn Adlawan from Woolgoolga, who is expected to face strong competition from Laura Piggott of Freshwater and Bee Solomon.
Several former champions will also return to defend their titles.
These include Sarah Buls from Crescent Head, Josh Dunn from Shelly Beach Malibu Club in the Golden Sands Tavern old Malibu division, Logger Heads life member Alan Sheldon in the Scotts Head Local Liquor over-70s, Paul Scholton in the Burford Blanks Open 9 Foot division and Ricky Forsyth in the Reflections Holiday Parks over 50s.
Local surfers will also be looking to impress on their home break.
Grant Ferguson will contest both the Burford Blanks Open 9 Foot division and the Golden Sands Old Malibu event.
Ross Davis will compete in the Galeria CC/Ember & Tide Open Log division, while Garry Farrell lines up in the Bennett Surfboards over-65s.
Joel Parkhouse will contest the Adrenalin Surf over-40s, while Lilly Lawson will compete in the Club Scotts open ladies.
Troy Martin will compete in the Reflections over-50s, Nicole Morrison in the Coastal Curves over-35 ladies and Robyn Wren in the Valla Beach Tavern over-50 ladies, where she will challenge returning winner Manda Godfrey and Kat Dingle.
Spectators are encouraged to head to Scotts Head Beach, where excellent viewing locations provide the perfect vantage point to enjoy the action throughout the competition.
Visitors are also invited to join competitors and supporters at Club Scotts during the event, particularly on Saturday evening when the band Raven will provide live entertainment.
Beyond surfing, the Logger Heads Malibu Classic continues its proud tradition of giving back to the community.
The event raises funds for a number of local charities, including the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service, the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group and, more recently, the Support Group for Everyday Carers.
Last year’s event raised a total of $7,000 for these worthy organisations.
For more information about the event, email loggerheadsmc@bigpond.com or call 0403 640 572.
By Mick BIRTLES
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