Torquay Boardriders gather for Bells Pro

THE second annual Torquay Boardriders Club (TBC) luncheon was graced with local and international surf royalty at an Juc Surf Life Saving Club last Friday, with pros Owen Wright and Lakey Peterson sharing their insights into surfing and the industry.

Winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics last year, Wright spoke of his journey to the Games, recovering from a severe head injury and prioritising family in life.

“Owen was truly inspirational and it was an honour to have the opportunity to chat to such a quality human and athlete,” TBC co-founder and MC for the luncheon Ross Slaven said.

Speaking of her love for the Surf Coast and how it felt like a second home to her, America’s Lakey Peterson – world number two on the Championship Tour (CT) – played to the crowd by suggesting any future offspring would join the TBC.

Troy Brooks similarly paid homage to the club, speaking of coming up as grom with the TBC and his time as a CT surfer.

Bells Beach pioneer Joe Sweeney spoke of the making of the bell and how it all began back in the day, including how he helped create the first real track to the beach that opened up the spot to all back in the 60s.

A celebration of the Torquay Boardriders’ history, the luncheon is also a club fundraiser where local businesses donate and bid on surf related memorabilia and auction items.

“Everything about the day was premium and well and truly lived up to expectations … the annual luncheon is becoming a prized community event on the surfing calendar,” club president Harry Mann said.