Surfers to celebrate 20-year anniversary at Morning of the Mo

SURFERS are gearing up with costumes and old school boards for a 20-year celebration of the Morning of the Mo competition at Ballina.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 29 with fancy-dress arrivals before a day of competition and novelty events.

To participate, surfers are encouraged to wear a mustache, ride a pre-1980s single or twin fin surfboard and dress in 1970s-style clothing.

It supports men’s mental health with fundraisers and prizes expecting to bring between $10,000 and $15,000 into the community.

Event organiser Johnny Hewett has been involved most years since 2006 and said it has remained a grassroots event with a community focus.

“It’s a big milestone and we’ve kept it going continuously,” he said.

“The best thing is that it supports the community, and we’ve always been able to run it the way we like.

“Over time it’s become more of an outlet to support things like men’s mental health and prostate cancer.

“There wasn’t a lot of chat around that when we first started and its a great way to educate and connect with some of the younger boys.”

This year will see the return of Nat Johnson, who started the event with Travis Garone.

The event includes fathers who now have children who compete, with prizes awarded for best dressed and an overall style-master.

“Wayne Webster now has both of his boys competing and he’s been a big part of the event,” Hewett said.

“You don’t have to be a champion surfer; we have guys from footy clubs and all sorts of people who like to get involved.

“The costumes are always the highlight and the guys put a lot of effort into that part of the event.”

Some of the best costumes in previous years have included Ken and Barbie, along with Power Rangers and Zoolander-inspired outfits.

The arrivals will be made on Ballina Lookout at 7am, with competition expected to be held at North Shelly Beach.

A presentation will be held after the event at the Lennox Hotel from 7pm, with donations to be made at au.movember.com