NCW team rider Bill Morris has been in touch regarding a local longboard event held at Bellami Point, New South Wales, Australia. Bill takes over:
‘The comp was held at Bellambi pt, basically our most surfed local break. A reef with pretty consistent waves as long as the wind is from the south, so a winter autumn wave mostly. It can be good at other times though, as our weather is pretty changeable. The surf was very small and really pushed the taking turns in getting waves – some heats seemed to get more than others, it never seems your own does, however!
It was 17 years in succession for the Stomp Club to host the NSW Old Mal Titles, which as most comps have included in recent years, the addition of the logs in the open and over 40s divisions.
The Stomp was set up to promote sportsmanship, encourage competitors to come with a friendly vibe and appreciation of others and their efforts, leave the egos at home or don’t bother coming to our events!
Every year without exception this ethic has ruled, and we retain roughly 90% of competitors returning each year, with a few new guys coming occasionally.
The standard this year was the highest ever, especially in the open old and open log division. The surf was small but fortunately light and variable winds all day made the surf very contestable and the way the open competitors surfed was outstanding. We had some of the very best surfers not only from NSW but Australia.
Thank you to all the loyal outstanding helpers who give up their time once again, and do every year. Stan from Canberra, Baz, Greg, Brian Bull, Kev, Andrew, Jarrett, Dale, Scotty, great to see Steve Vickery back helping doing the tallying all day for us, our lovely ladies in the food tent Deb and Dianne, Tyse let us use his coffee machine, George brought the Pa and helped out also, plus guys who came early to help set up and most of our local competitors contributed in some way during the day.
Dave Milnes donated two of his great framed photos for giveaway prizes, along with Lara who donated one of her beautiful handmade board covers also, thankyou both for your kind generosity and support.
As hosts of these stomp NSW Titles we should I feel very humbled that our low key event, attracts such quality competitors as people, and with their surfing ability for us to marvel at just how good they are, and the standard they compete at, and more importantly there sportsmanship ethic they choose to practice!
The highlight of the day was at the presentation when Andrew Farrow and his lovely wife Patrice were presented with our Stomp Award for Outstanding Support and Generosity over many years. A gift voucher from the Lagoon Restaurant was presented by Dale on behalf of the Stomp and Layback clubs.
To me this is what longboarding, but particularly old mal surfing, is all about: being appreciate of others’ efforts, caring and trying to support others when they need it most and not forgetting the giving people ever!
Hope to see you all next year at the Stomp! Thank you again to everyone who contributed in any way.
Also check out the pic of a local guy who makes these beautiful timber boards out of old pallets, and surfs them really well. More info at www.gwswoodensurfboards.com