More event photos and videos on the Margaret River Boardriders Facebook Page, become a fan of our Facebook page here.
The 32nd Margaret River Classic came back from the dead on the 2-4th November, testing WA’s most experienced competitive surfers who are not currently on the World Tour and local underground surfing talent over three days of competition in challenging 2-3ft surfing conditions.
Over 120 entries were taken across six age divisions and two novelty divisions that brought together WA’s surfing community to celebrate grass roots sport at one of WA’s premier surfing venues; Surfers Point.
Run by the Margaret River Boardriders Club in conjunction with Cowaramup Bay Boardriders Club and Surfing WA, the event was volunteer driven and generated a strong community atmosphere and competitor comradery across a broad age demographic with surfers aged from 13 years – 65 years old.
After a years hiatus due to a lack of public support for community focused club sport and a fire ravaged coastal region, the event was made possible by major sponsors; Settlers Tavern, Super Advice Services, West, Margaret River Sign Co, Gravy Design, River Fresh IGA, Beach Life Surfshop; the surf industries biggest brands and the town of Margaret River.
The blue ribbon Open Mens division was hotly contested with past Pipe Master champion Jake Paterson defeating past Australian junior champion Creed McTaggart, two time Classic winner Tom Innes and past Eddie Aikau Wiamea big wave winner Paul Paterson respectively with a knee jerking air-floater combo in the dying minutes of the final.
“It’s great to have won this event for the second time since I was a junior. The conditions were also mushy and stormy the first time I took it out years ago”, said Paterson.
“The family atmosphere over the weekend was great and it has been good to be a part of the event. I will definitely be involved for years to come”.
“We are so lucky to live in WA, we are spoilt for waves in the South West and live in the best place in the World. I have travelled all over the World during my time competing on the World Tour so trust me, I know!”
The awards presentation ceremony was held at the Margaret River Hawks Football Club with 20 thousand dollars worth of cash and prizes handed out to winners. Event Director, Brett Hardy and local Author Sullivan McLeod put on an entertaining comedy performance to present awards in front of a full house.
Margaret River Boardriders Club’s favorite rock band Scyatic followed suit with a two hour set of rock music, entertaining an energetic crowd.
The club now turns its focus to the remaining championship events for the season with a Junior event on the 11th Nov and an Open event on the 17th Nov in Prevelly. The club will also be hosting the final championship Junior and Open events on the 8th of Dec in Gracetown before a Christmas party award presentation and camp out at Gracetown Hall with Cowaramup Bay Boardriders.
Open Mens
1st: Jake Paterson
2nd: Creed McTaggart
3rd: Tom Innes
4th: Paul Paterson
Open Womens
1st: Mikala Greene
2nd: Bronte Macaulay
3rd: Samantha VanZyl
4th: Eliza Greene
Pro Junior
1st: Josh Burke
2nd: Shaun Green
3rd: James Fleming
4th Max Marsden
Locals Only
1st: Jake Jakovich
2nd: Jade Parker
3rd: Andrew Sheridan
4th: John Davies
Over 40′s
1st: Lane Alver
2nd: Mark Clift
3rd: Paul Paterson
4th: Ross Fleming
Over 50′s
1st: Mike McAuliffe
2nd: Dave Gornell
3rd: Mick Shaw
4th: Kim Delaney
Legends Expression Session
1st: Bill Gibson
2nd: Frank Hayter
Paddle Race
1st: Michael Short
2nd: Jack Robinson
NOVELTY AWARDS
Brad Smith Memorial: Clay Caithness
Best Pipe: Jake Jakovich
Best Wave: Tom Innes
Best Power Manoeuvre: Jethro Hedstrom
Best Wipe Out: Sharky
Dare Devil Award: Dave Englert
Most Entertaining: Cruz Sheridan (5yrs Old)
Best Air/Trick: Creed McTaggart
Queen of the Contest: Carly Jane Andersson
Best Judge: Andrew Hunter
Over 50 Perished Grommet Award: Tony Thomas
Women’s Encouragement Award: Sandy Tugwood
Women’s Best Manoeuvre: Eliza Greene
Highest Placed Unsponsored: John Davies
Best Junior Manoeuvre: James Fleming
Kook of the Comp: Nathan Psaila
Best Aloha Spirit: Samantha VanZyl
Best Sportsmanship: Keighley Bremner
Best Over 40’s Manoeuvre: Dave Chick
Best Over 50’s Manoeuvre: Mike McAuliffe
Best Local Manoeuvre: Jaxon Chadwick
Best ON AIR Comedian: Nathan Psaila