There were lots of salty sea-dogs, and plenty of surfers too, for the Malibu Classic surf competition on Saturday.
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About 60 surfers, dozens of spectators and more than a handful of excited dogs descended on Merimbula’s Main Beach for the annual celebration of the long board.
Competitors enjoyed rolling two-footers that built to three-to-four feet later in the day, while Merimbula Sailboard Club member John Smythe said the conditions were ideal.
“It was a fantastic day, we had some good swell and it stayed pretty glassy all day,” he said.
“There was a light on-shore in the early afternoon so when we got to finals [the waves] had great shape and everyone do longer rides on both lefts and rights.”
Dave Prowse secured the highly regarded Ben Mills Memorial award for the best overall performance on the day.
Meanwhile, Ben’s younger brother Clancy Mills took out the overall prize in the open category, while Sam rounded out the finalists to finish sixth.
Sister Rosie Mills also shone on the day, taking out a win in the junior division.
Other place getters in the open final included Theo Coates, Chris Wright, David Arens and Dave Prowse following some excellent rides through heats, quarters and semi-finals.
“They were all pretty well up there by the time we got to the final; to get through to the end is a hard day’s surfing for sure,” Smythe said.
The custom board by Jed Done prize was claimed by women’s winner Chloe Kryskow after a great day on the water.
“Chloe surfed really well through her rounds to get to where she was and she was pretty stoked to get it,” Smythe said.
“I've been trying to win it myself,” he adds with a laugh.
Smythe thanked event sponsors and the members of the Merimbula Sailboard Club, who organised and ran the event on the day. “It’s a bit of work, but we all enjoy it,” he said.
He said the task was easy to bare given support shown by the community.
“We love that, it’s a really good family day with the barbecue on so there is food and you see the kids running around playing.”