THE 39th Annual LoggerHeads Malibu Classic brought close to 200 surfers to Scotts Head between 25 and 27 July, drawing longboard enthusiasts from across Australia and New Zealand.
The annual event, a mainstay in the region’s surf calendar, welcomed competitors aged nine to 76, demonstrating the wide appeal of longboard surfing.
Surfers travelled from as far as Noosa, Merimbula and New Zealand to take part in the three-day competition, which featured 15 divisions from Under 18 Junior Ladies and Men to Over 70s Men’s and Over 50s Ladies.
For day one of the event a light breeze, consistent waves, and sunny skies allowed competitors to display their skill on the 9-foot-plus boards, including the unique Old Mal and Log divisions, which celebrate traditional longboard style and technique.
Saturday saw a shift in weather, with wind and rain disrupting the event mid-afternoon.
Surfable conditions continued, but the worsening weather forced organisers to postpone the final three heats to Sunday as officials struggled to keep paperwork dry and the wind affected surfing performance.
The final day brought a return to sunshine and although the swell was a little wind-affected, the waves remained rideable, allowing the competition to finish on a high note.
Saturday night’s live music from local band Raven provided a fun break from competition, with surfers and their families dancing the night away at a lively social event hosted by Club Scotts.
While the Classic clashed this year with the Australian Longboard Titles held on the Tweed Coast, turnout at Scotts Head remained strong.
A group of Newcastle surfers told LoggerHeads President Barry Jagoe they chose to come to Scotts Head over the national titles because it offered nice people, nice vibes, more fun and less ego.
“The Classic remains popular with surfers and thesis evident by the families and groups of mates from various longboard clubs around the country who return to Scotts for this event each year,” Barry told News of The Area.
“Next year will be even more special as we hold the 40th running of the LoggerHeads Malibu Classic and we know that many people in the surfing community will want to be a part of it.”
For the full list of Classic results, go to the LoggerHeads Malibu Club’s Facebook page.
Winners in each category:
● The Alofa Sands / Surf Club Café Over 50s Logs – JP Willis
● The Surf ’N’ Raks Junior Ladies – Phoenix Meciure
● Family Achievement Award – Lyn Adlawan and Daniel Sullivan
● The Golden Sands Tavern Old Mal – Grant Ferguson
● The Club Scotts Open Ladies – Lyn Adlawan
● The Surf ’N’ Raks Junior Mens – Owen Carter
● The Gowings-Pacific Trader Over 40s Men – Andy McDonald
● The Reflections Holiday Park Over 50s Men – Ricky Forsyth
● The XS Surf Over 50s Ladies – Amanda Godfrey
● The Barry Bennett Surfboards Over 65 Mens – Greig Bedgood
● The Local Liquor-Scotts Head Over 70s Men – Mike Pimm
● The Short Street Cafe Over 35 ladies – Lyn Adlawan
● The Galeria C C Ember and Time Open Logs – Josh Dunn
● The Munro Surfboards Over 60s Men – Ian Pearson
● The Burford Blanks Open 9 Foot – Marlen Guhot
● The Smorgasboarder Magazine Mystery – Nathan East.
By Mick BIRTLES
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