The landscape was pretty good; slight off shore breezes, sun shining (always positive), good banks and a reasonable swell running (2 metres on the outside buoy) and with the obligatory post competition ‘barbie’ with maestro Chef/Contest Director – Eric Tocock – we were off and running.

Scott Wakefield with son in tow to capture the action on video (something that will be played back at the 50^th) surfed like a demon and wasn’t going to be shown up by travelers or reinvented retirees!  With winners and losers rounds happening the 3 Amigos were expressing their desire to get the show on the road.  In typical fashion Richie Croome and Eric Tocock soared to almighty heights advancing through to the semi finals of the open only to be beaten at the post by Rob and Jackie. 

The Open final was made up of Leon, Luke, Scott and Justin – it became a 4 way tussle with the hungriest taking out the coveted trophy – Luke Herman closely followed by Justin, Leon and Scott.

The Vets final which is a combined Grand Masters/Vets division was hotly contested.  Rob sat out the heat – as the ‘dicky’ shoulder was giving him grief.  Jackie got some newly fired energy with a vegemite sandwich; Eric, Richard and Gus Ruthkay rose to the challenge against the ‘little one’.  After twenty minutes Huey had been very kind to the ‘little one’ with Eric, Richard and Gus – sighing ‘if only’.  Results Jackie 1^st followed by Eric 2nd, Gus 3^rd, Richard.4^th and Rob consolation 5^th.

The post competition bbq complete with fat free snags, lean bacon, low cholesterol eggs is one never to be missed.  Justin shared his exploits surfing up North and showed off his new up-specked Nissan Patrol.

Thanks to all who helped throughout the year – Richie and Scott for carting the comp trailer all over the countryside and Eric for being the friendliest Contest Director and top chef.