Wax Up goes big in year three

THE third edition of the West Coast Wax Up has gone down as the biggest and best yet.

The community event surfed into town this past week and featured three days/nights of non-stop action.

Festivities kicked off with a live shaper’s forum on Thursday night, before the world premiere of Force Majuere wowed audiences at the Barwon Heads Town Hall the following evening.

The film premiere on Friday evening was a huge success.

Saturday was time for the surfing action, with more than 60 of the country’s best longboarders hitting the water.

The cream rose to the top, with world tour competitors Ben Considine and Bea Conroy taking out top honours on the day and walking away $1,000 richer.

Bea Conroy surfed her way to the top at the West Coast Wax Up.

Other standouts included Jackson Willard, Thomas Fahey, West Australian Jordan Morris, Melanie Staunton, Ebony Maier and Rory Reyntjes.

Jackson Willard was a standout throughout the event.

Melanie Staunton finished third in the women’s field.

The teams event was won my Cat Bay Litter Box, featuring four surfers from Phillip Island.

Bea Conroy did the double and was able to take victory in the Old Malibu division, showcasing her elegant style on a pre 1968 surfboard.

Bea Conroy was victorious in the women’s field.

The Stone and Wood Afterparty followed the surfing and went down as one for the ages.

Melbourne headline band Floodlights had the crowd in the palm of their hand, while Surf Hat (Canada) and Bones and Jones also dazzled on the event bill.

Local band Bones and Jones rocked audiences at the after party.

WCWU event director Glenn Barry said his expectations for the event were completely blown out of sight.

“I feel like it was a huge success. I never thought it could get better, but it did somehow. I think the prize money and the sponsorship really helped too.

“Every element of the event was amazing. The local film brought a whole different realm of support for us, it was like going back to an old surf film with everyone hooting and hollering.

“The spirit and the vibe was just so high both in and out of the water. The talent and level of surfing rose above the conditions. It feels everyone pushes themselves for this event.

“The Wax Up just continues to get bigger, and hopefully next year will be even greater.”