Angus Kennedy won a custom board from Island Surfboards for Best Performance by a non-sponsored surfer which was presented by Sandy Ryan. Also pictured, awards presentation MC Geoff (Ouzo) Owens.
Scarlett Rennie not only secured Best Contributor on her winning Island team, but also took out the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Surfer. Photo: @Bunpix.
Team Island took out the 2022 National Surfing Reserve Teams Challenge and Dave Fincher Memorial Trophy on the weekend.
Two legends Glyndyn Ringrose from Spoonbills team and former NSR committee member Steve Fullarton.
Defending champs Team Crushers, tag teaming, Adrian Maier, Lania and Nick Fostin. Photo: @Bunpix.
Harry De Roth from winning Team Island, in action at the National Surfing Reserve Teams Challenge on the weekend at Cape Woolamai.
Andy Dallinger from the NSR committee with judges Adrian Sorati, Dean Langford and Pal Cininas.
Max Boulton, Geoff Russell, Drew Johnston and Chris Hogg from Warreeny Murrups (Ocean Sprit) team got into the spirit at the Teams Challenge.
Andy Neal from Spoonbills team and Local Clothing crew at Cape Woolamai for the National Surfing Reserves Team Challenge on the weekend.
Danielle Bayliss and Natalie Van Der Heyden of Salty Sisters and the Bro team.
Team Island captained by Sandy Ryan has won the seventh Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve Teams Challenge and Dave Fincher Memorial Trophy at the event held at Cape Woolamai on Saturday, April 2.
After the 2020 comp was cancelled at the last minute due to the global pandemic, there were smiles all round as the surfing community of all ages and styles met to enjoy the tag team format challenge.
Cool weather, strong winds and even challenging surfing conditions did not dampen spirits of competitors and spectators.
Majestic Cape Woolamai formed the perfect backdrop for all the surfing action as the eight teams battled it out in fierce but friendly competition.
Woolamai surf conditions were challenging, but that didn’t affect the local surfers who put on an amazing display of skill and cameraderie as each team supported their members and all competitors.
“I’d like to dedicate this to Dave Fincher – one of my heroes and I have the greatest respect for him,” said Sandy Ryan as he accepted the trophy, presented by Geoff Owens of the National Surfing Reserve committee and competition founder.
Archysurf, captained by Luke Archibald, won second place with the 2019 champions, Team Crushers following in third.
But this comp is not about winning!
It’s about team spirit.
This was on display with teams such as Midlife Crew who had even made their own banners to cheer their team on from the beach and Salty Sisters and the Bro – an all-female lineup, except for Michael Fletcher who surfed in the male category.
Community spirit was high all day, culminating in an exciting final where surfers showed off their best moves as gutsy grommets (surfers aged 14 and under), Malibu riders and surfers of all ages took turns to paddle out to battle to win.
Supporters gathered on the beach and lookouts to watch the action and displays of skill, courage and sometimes comedy.
“It’s a great reunion,” said Island’s Sandy Ryan.
“It’s rare and special to have an occasion like this where we all catch up.”
In the end it all came down to skill and teamwork as Island was just too strong – winning the competition by a large margin.
In fourth place was Newhaven College’s Spoonbills captained by Andy Neal and new teams Wareeny Murrups (Ocean Spirit) and MidLife coming in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Awards
Surfers then washed the salt off and met at the Boardriders Club to share stories, listen to Ozone blues and await the highly anticipated presentation.
A wide range of awards was given out including the highest scoring wave won by Blake Green, who has been surfing the comp since he was a Super Grom, and Angus Kennedy received a custom board (value $800) for Island Surfboards Best Performance by a non-sponsored surfer category.
“We were incredibly humbled by the support of all sponsors and acknowledge recent years have been tough for everyone, but their unwavering support demonstrates the importance the community puts on this team event,” said Geoff Owens.
Event sponsors included: Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Westernport Water, Phillip Island RSL, Newhaven College, The Cape Kitchen, Full Circle, Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Rip Curl Phillip Island, Full Circle, Island Surfboards, San Remo IGA and Print It Fast.
Many local businesses also provided goods for the raffle and a percentage of proceeds will support Lifeline Gippsland.
Highlights of the award ceremony included the Phillip Island RSL Team Spirit Award of a $500 meal voucher, presented to McHenry Motors and young Scarlett Rennie not only securing Best
Contributor on her winning Island team, but also taking out the Ramada Resort by Wyndham for Outstanding Performance by a Female Surfer.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Surfer also sponsored by Ramada was won by Harry De Roth of Island.
In another double whammy, Blake Green from Island won both a Local Clothing prize pack and Phillip Island Nature Parks four parks pass for Best Junior and a surf watch for the Rip Curl Highest Scoring Wave.
“It was once again a great day – making history, celebrating team spirit, showcasing quality surfing and encouraging the next generation of surfers – exactly what Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve is all about,” said event organiser Geoff Owens.
“We’re looking forward to the 2023 event, which is sure to be special as it will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Surfing Reserve in 2013.
“I want to thank everyone for coming and continuing to support this community surfing event held in our wonderful National Surfing Reserve.”
See you all next year – the event will be held in March, date to be confirmed soon.
More photos from the event at pisra.com.au.
