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2019 Crescent Heads Annual Long Board Comp. Day 1
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Day 1: Today saw approx 25 heats, commencing at 7.00 am and running none-stop through to 4.20 pm with each given 20 minutes / heat with 6 entrants in each heat. That relates to 150 contestants of the approx. 260 entries in the 2019 Annual Crescent Heads long board comp. with 3 from each heat progressing through to the next round.
The sun shone, there was negligible wind however the surf was quite small. Nonetheless today was all about the elderly, if I may use that term. The majority of heats were for the 55 + age group, the 60+, 65+, 70+ and 75+ age groups other than a few heats of lower and open age groups.
One could not help but marvel at today’s participants. It was mind boggling to see so many ‘elderly’ surfers do what they have done throughout their life, ride surf boards. Although their age was obvious, they were fit and demonstrated some exceptional skill. Those competing in the over 75 age group could possibly have some surfers around 80 or even 80+. The camaraderie was amazing. I even witness grand-children barracking for grand-parents.
The following are just a small selection of over 1000 pics taken today. When looking at the pics, the surfers demonstrated great skill but had no responsibility for the small surf they inherited.
Click on pics to enlarge throughout
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The sea was alive with fish. Even in this right side pic, watching the surfer one can see the fish in the wave.
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An example of one of the amazing characters
Upon completing his heat, this contestant retired to his tree with his swag underneath.
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Late afternoon the final two heats were for the open men followed by the open logger.
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Ken Banks, Mollymook Beach Waterfront: Editor for Mollymook News and Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla