Ben King Memorial Surf Contest

Byron Bay Boardriders (BBB) successfully ran the 39^th edition of the Ben King Memorial Surf Contest over the June long weekend. The event, formally known as the Easter Classic was moved from Easter to make it easier for locals and families from out of town to participate and get lodging in a less busy time of year then the hectic Easter season.

Over 200 competitors participated in 16 divisions including “push-in”, micro groms, multiple boys and girls divisions, Open Men/Women and age classifications up to an over 60’s final. As over 50’s division winner and former surfing world champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew said in “This is one of the only events in Australia where families can come and compete across such a wide range of divisions”. Rabbit’s son Keo also earned a 4^th place in the under 12 Boys division.

Another family that had a great day was the Stickley’s. Local standout surfer Luke Stickley won the Open division with a dominating performance over a strong field that included multiple current and past WQS surfers such as Stu Kennedy, Garrett Parkes and James Woods. Luke’s father Glen also surfed to a second place in the Over 60’s final just before the Open final won by his son. Other locals with multiple generations competing included the Cameron and Byles families

The event raises money that the club donates to local charities and the club also uses the proceeds to fund training programs for local junior surfers. Past graduates of the BBB junior programs who have gone on to successful surfing careers include Danny Wills and Kieran Perrow.

The contest was blessed with fun waves throughout the weekend and very little rain. At the presentation ceremony hosted by the Great Northern hotel, club President Jenny King thanked the many volunteers who helped put on the event, the families that came from throughout NSW and Queensland to compete, and the local businesses that sponsored the event.

The Ben King Memorial is the longest running amateur surfing contest in Australia and would not be possible without the support of the community and businesses like the Great Northern; Stone and Wood; Skull Candy; JHA Recruitment; Volcom; Quiksilver; Surf, Dive and Ski; and many more.

Results:

Microgroms

1st Holly Dobson
2nd Harper Smales
3rd Taris Byles

Push-Ins

1st Jesse Parkinson
2nd Jett Dellitt
3rd Duke Wrencher
4th Harry O’Brien

Under 12 Girls

1st Zahli Kelly
2nd Nyxie Ryan
3rd Mahlia Carr
4th Carly Shanahan

Under 12 Boys

1st Tane Dobbyn
2nd Josh Grange
3rd Jack O’Brien
4th Keo Bartholomew

Under 14 Girls

1st Zahli Kelly
2nd Pasha Luque-Light
3rd Jasmine Sloane
4th Shaye Leeuwendal

Under 14 Boys