This years “Classic” had all seasons, and if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.  Saturday 21st November was small but clean and very contestable waves in front of the clubhouse at Woolamai.  With a few changes in banks and judging positions during the day, the 64 contestants in 10 different divisions, were taken to the best surfing banks on hand at Woolamai.  The standard was hotting up as the tide came in and knowledge of the rip banks was handy.  With current world champion Gavin Coleman leaving for home due to family commitments ,the competition was left wide open.  Chayne Simpson started his run with a series of awesome off the tops and fast paced surfing.  Along came Sunday and as the rain cleared, all was in place for a lot of work and good surfing, as the swell had increased slightly.  Then it hit, a power rain storm and blew everyone home for a break to dry out and return to continue at 12:30pm.  Under the cover of the surf club, the contest was able to be completed in a dropping swell, it literally vanished amid onshore winds.
                 One of the more trying years of extreme weather, but due to the Admin of this event, Adrian Sorati, Greg Hogan and the team of judges and helpers it was a very successful event.  Also the competitors kept smiling and had a red hot go in the very difficult conditions.  Thank-you to Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club for the shelter, it was an excellent help.  And what shone throughout the contest was Victorians fine showing in each division, Well Done.  A big thank-you to Atoll Travel, Isle of Wight, Island Surfboards, J &J Brown, Big John’s Pizza, Bali Boardriders, Mike Dixon and of course, Play It Safe By The Water.  The highlight for all was the support of major sponsor “Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm” and the presentation in the rainforest room was excellent, what a beautiful place!  Have a look and you won’t be disappointed.  The contribution by locals cannot be underestimated, Dave Finchers ceramic sculpted Trophies all individually crafted were truly classics.  Special mention to Jim Brown and Dave Rosenbrock for their help over many years.  Everyone loves coming to the Island and this contest is the highlight of their surfing year to judge how they are travelling competitively and to catch up with like minded kneeboard riders, all said they’ll return.
See you next year.