Board members: Myles Fletcher, Robbie Emslie and Michael Pinney look forward to this weekend’s competition.
ERIN PEARSON
THE SURF Coast and Bellarine Peninsula will share hosting rights to the region’s first two-day, all-ages longboard competition this weekend, according to organisers.
Southern Ocean Union of Longboards’ Brian Tucker said the festival would be an ideal experience for local competitors.
Family participation would also play a big part, he said.
“We’ve got some of the best longboarders in the state coming down.”
Mr Tucker said Victoria was crying out for another two-day longboard competition, with many surfers forced to travel interstate for festivals.
The inclusion of a pre-1980s retro shortboards category would also attract entries, he said
“Surfboards made back then didn’t have the technology they’re made with today, so they’re completely different,” he said.
“It’s yesteryear surfing. The boards hold a special place in the minds of longboard riders for their connection with history.”
Mr Tucker encouraged spectators to attend so they could compare short and longboard styles.
“A lot of people like longboard riding because you feel more flow with the wave, you feel more a part of the wave.”
Mr Tucker said the “fully mobile” competition would run at 13th Beach or Point Impossible depending on conditions.
Events included open men and women, over 35s and 50s, junior boys and girls and the retro rounds.
Southern Ocean Longboard Festival runs this Saturday and Sunday.
