Surf event delivers classic fundraising boost

MORE than $9,000 has been raised for a local family in need at the Surf Coast Longboarders Winter Classic surf event and auction night.

Last weekend’s event saw more than 90 competitors take to the water to support a young Torquay resident undergoing cancer treatment.

Open Men’s winner Ben Considine gliding on the nose.

All funds raised from entry into the surf event and proceeds from the more than 30 auctioned items went towards the cause.

Surf Coast Longboarders president Penny Andrews said the 16th anniversary of the event was incredibly successful.

More than 80 people competed in the charity surf event.

“The auction night went really well. We were very pleased with how it went. There was lots of wonderful things auctioned off from our wonderful sponsors.

“From landscaping, to boards, to wetsuits, to hair supplies, there was something for everyone. We think we did a really good job.

Open Men’s Logger finalists Andrew McHenry, Tim Edwards, Nathan Rivalland, Matthew Lumley, Jackson Willard and Ben Considine. LEFT: Competitors ranged in age from juniors all the way to Over 80’s like Wayne Yates. Photos: TED CLARK

“Surf-wise, we had a great group of people who competed from a diverse range of abilities. We had Ben Considine and Molly Powell who have surfed WSL events before, to people doing their first ever competition.

“We are really happy with how it all went, and we hope it can give the family a bit of help to get through this difficult time!”

More than 30 items were auctioned off during the charity auction evening. Photo: SUPPLIED

The surf action was hotly contested, with surfers taking to the water across 12 age divisions.

The event location was shifted from Point Impossible to Jan Juc Beach due to small swell and offshore winds.

Surf Coast Longboarders president Penny Andrews holding up one of the many auctioned items. Photo:Supplied

In the premier Open Men’s and Open Women’s categories, it was Ben Considine and Torquay’s Rory Reyntjies taking out the title.

The surf event annually raises thousands of dollars for a local family or charity in need. Photo: TED CLARK

Considine did the double in the Open Men’s Logger, while Molly Powell was victorious on the women’s side.

Competitors ranged in age from juniors all the way to Over 80’s like Wayne Yates. Photo: TED CLARK

Other event winners included Lillian Crowe (Juniors), Mitzy McEnroe (Over 40 Women), Andrew McHenry (Over 40 Men), Michael Pinney (Over 50 Men), Celia Clarke (Over 60 Women), Glen Hunwick (Over 60 Men), Bob Smith (Over 70 Men) and Wayne Yates (Over 80 Men).