The 34th Yallingup Malibu Classic was held at the weekend in surf that went from deplorable to perfect.
One hundred and twenty surfers competed in 14 divisions ranging from juniors to over 70’s.
On Saturday, the surfers were pounded by large closed out sets blown in by a strong south-west wind.
Competitors braved the conditions with only one broken board and a few band aids placed on reef cuts as surfers were washed across the reef.
Sunday dawned a lot brighter with a light offshore wind early and a head high swell rolling in.
Anthony Spencer from Perth won the Open Men’s division from Daniel Holding.
In the open women’s division Cottesloe’s Georgia Young became a three-time winner by taking the title from Michaela Ross of Denmark.
No surprises as multiple past winner Dunsborough’s Bob Monkman won both the over 60’s and over 65’s.
Indian Ocean Longboard Club hosted the event with club president Paul Burke saying the event was highly successful and he looked forward to next year.
He also thanked the committee, volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the event such a success.
Major sponsors Richard’s Tyrepower and Volte Wetsuits’ director Richard Wilson, also a competitor, said the event was a highlight of the WA surfing calendar.
Other category winners:
Junior Girls – Zali Corry;
Junior Boys – Jacob McIvor;
Open 8-foot – Scotty Trew;
Over 35 Women – Laura Columbo;
Over 40 Men – Robin Somogyvari;
Over 50 Men – Adam Lane;
Over 55 Men – Neil Haywood;
Over 70 Men – Graham Walmsley;
Open Logger – Jacob McIvor;
Teams event – Joy Boys.
At the presentation City of Busselton councillor John McCallum, himself a surfer, acknowledged the impact surfing has had on the area, both economically and socially since the first surfers ventured down from Perth in the mid 1950s.
