West Coast Wax Up fires at Possos

VICTORIA’s best longboard surfers dazzled in perfect waves at Point Impossible Beach on Saturday for the West Coast Wax Up event.

More than 60 competitors from the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island congregated to celebrate traditional longboarding in a fun and inclusive manner.

All participants surfed twice throughout the day in the longboard divisions, while an old mal expression session and team’s extravaganza also got the energy pumping.

In the men’s longboard discipline, it was Matt “Mr Consistency” Lumley who took home the title.

The Torquay local was able to lock away four strong rides in his two heats to take home top honours and a $200 cheque.

In the women’s field, 2023 Victorian Longboard Champion Molly Powell looked in unstoppable form, collecting four fantastic scores to sit atop the leaderboard at the end of proceedings.

Powell’s style and grace scored highly with the judges, while her strong powerful turns also stood out from the crowd.

Jack McKenzie took out the overall title for the old malibu division, impressing the judges with his effortless precision and gracious noseriding.

South Coast Surfboards left it to the last moments to score the win in the hotly contested teams division.

The local surfboard manufacturer ran the clock right down to the wire, with world tour competitor Ben Considine putting the icing on the cake with a fantastic ride just before the buzzer.

West Coast Wax Up event director Glenn Barry said the surfing classic far exceeded expectations.

“It took a journey of its own on Saturday and was bigger than what I anticipated.

“It blew my mind, the amount of people who came to see this type of surfing and to also compete.

“There were families everywhere, and the cars were backed up almost one kilometre down the road. It was incredible.

“The surfing matched the vibe as well. It was absolutely unreal to see the best of the best come to celebrate traditional longboarding.

“A huge thanks to the Surf Coast Longboarders Club, our amazing sponsors, and the surfers and supporters.”

For more information, head to instagram.com/westcoastwaxup