The annual Merimbula Malibu surfing bonanza panned out in exceptional conditions on the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event hosted by the Merimbula Sailboard Club was the 29th event and was dubbed the “Mallionaire” for a full day of surf on Saturday.
This year saw 72 surfers line up for the opening heat, with about 60 per cent of the field as locals.
Event organiser John Smythe said the conditions were “excellent” on the day with warm sunshine and glassy waves.
“The conditions remained good throughout the whole day,” Smythe said.
A highlight for organisers was an all-local final, featuring three Wrights.
Brothers Chris and Glen and Chris’s son Campbell all made the last round.
“Three Wright’s don’t make a wrong,” Smythe said with a laugh.
However, they were outshone by eventual event winner Phil Overend.
The atmosphere was fantastic and a number of spectators turned out to cheer on entrants.
“We had people from all over the place like Batemans Bay and Canberra,” Smythe said.
“When the guys were getting a good wave you could hear all the cheering and clapping from everyone on the beach.”
Hannah Centra topped the ladies division, while James Carew impressed judges in the under 15 grommets age group.
Mitch Blaxter won the junior event, while the 18-34 men’s winner was Casey Gilbert.
Stalwarts of the surf impressed in the masters and veterans age groups as Jed Done and Dave Prowse collected the prizes.
In the special over 60s “grey grommets” group Merimbula Sailboard Club member Tony Haid paved the way with some excellent displays of skill.
Meanwhile, fellow club member Henry Jones stayed in for a number of rounds as the competition’s oldest entrant.
Smythe said each year the event is well-sponsored and provides a fantastic prize pool.
A highlight each year is a brand new custom made Malibu board by Bushrat Surfboards.
Judges select an up and coming surfer, who has shown talent and “future potential” to receive the board.
This year the board was won by Clancy Mills as the rider of the best wave.
Smythe said the club had brought in an independent judge on the day to rate each surfer’s rides and Mills provided the strongest showing to earn the board.
Prizes and vouchers are also donated by Fox Clothing, Vicolo, Woodbine Park, Merimbula Surfshop, Pambula Wholefoods, Quicksilver, Roxy and Hazelgrove Oysters.
The Hellmrich family also donated $100 towards the junior prize.
Smythe was delighted with the mix of surfers taking part as the day featured over 70s and an 11-year-old as the youngest entrant.
He was also pleased with the strong contingent of women taking part, including Hannah, who topped the women’s division.
“Hannah is only about 14 or 15 and has moved up to the women’s grade, she took out quite a few of the blokes on her way through the rounds.” Smythe said with a laugh.
Normally too busy running things, Smythe said he and a number of club members were actually able to hit the water on the day, with mixed success.
“I got eliminated pretty quick, but Dave (Prowse) did really well and Henry Jones made it through a number of heats.
“Tony Haid is a Wolumla surfer and he went really well to get the highest placed grey grommet.”
Photos of the event were taken by photographer Katrina Walsh and prints are available from www.diimex .com.
You can also see all the action on her Facebook page, just search Katrina Walsh Photography.