Waves and community spirit ‘recipe for fun’

The 35th Yallingup Malibu Classic took place last weekend, with the best wave going to Anthony Spencer, while best nose-ride was won by Jack Medland.

Despite limited swell and extremely low tides, the event went ahead at Yallingup Main Break, with the finals taking place between 9am and 1pm.

The open men’s division was won by Anthony Spencer with Jacob McIver second and Ryan Clarke coming in third on points with several nine-point waves scored.

The open eight-foot division was won by Archie Le Grice with Jack Medland runner-up ad Ryan Egan third.

Some crafty surfing in the over-45 eight-foot final was enough for Karl Levy to take the honours with longboard legend Barry McKinnon a close runner-up and Brett Madalina third.

McKinnon went on to win the over-60 event and Morrie Ebsworth won the over-65s while Graham Walmsley was first in the over-70s.

Crystal Wallace showed some quality nose-rides to win the open women’s with Georgia Young second and Sam Vanderford third.

Some juniors took the opportunity to compete in the longboard event, with Jacob McIver coming in first, Josh Morris-Palmer second and Casey Hogan third.

Indian Ocean Longboard Club president Paul Burke said the event was a success regardless of the lack of swell due to the health of the surfing community in Yallingup and Dunsborough.

“It’s about the people that come to the event and the volunteers including our committee that make this such an amazing weekend,” he said.

“Weather, waves and community spirit is a great recipe for fun.

“Thank you to Loz Smith the founding organiser and Andrew Bland for his hard work with the sponsors.” The “Yal mal” was attended by more than 300 people with 124 competitors and even a best personality trophy awarded to Marty Ferrier.