2007 Evans Head Longboard Invitational
The 17th annual Evans Head Longboard Invitational, was proudly sponsored by The Evans Head Bowling Club and was presented by The Evans Head Over 8’s Malibu Club Inc.
Around 190 competitors and around 1000 spectators enjoyed perfect summer like weather over the four days of the 2007 Evans Head Longboard Invitational. The ½ metre waves were fanned by offshore winds for all but a few heats and provided plenty of scope for some high scoring rides by the talented fields assembled across all divisions.
Notable highlights included the Gold Coast’s Matt Aldridge taking out both the Honolua – Retro Single Fin Classic and the prestigious 9 Ft Open divisions. His lively performances in the small conditions also earned him the best manoeuvre in the Retro event.
The premier event, the Bic Surf Open was won in convincing style by Evans Head’s Ruben Roxburgh, ahead of defending champion, Jared Neal (Coffs Harbour) and Under 18 Boys winner, Bryce Young (Angourie). Roxburgh pocketed $200 for his efforts and was also a finalist in the Honolua – Retro Single Fin Fiesta and the 9Ft open, finishing 3rd and 6th respectively.
South Ballina’s Sarra Robertson was also a clear cut winner in the Open Women’s event, while Currumbin’s Bianca Anstiss won the Under 18 Girls and finished 6th in the Open Women.
The age divisions saw the Over 35’s go to Coraki’s Troy Olive; the Over 45’s to multiple Australian champ, Ross Cribb (Evans Head) and the Over 55’s similarly, to multiple Australian champ, Eric Walker (Ballina), who successfully defended his title.
The Old Mal division for surfboards from pre-1967 saw Evans Head’s Isaac Fields put on one of the performances of the finals to win hands down, or perhaps feet down, as he also won the Best Hang ten award.
With both competitors and spectator crowds up considerably this year, the event has grown an enviable reputation as one of the key surfing events on the Far North Coast.
AGE DIVISION WINNERS:
Under 18 Girls – Bianca Anstiss (Currumbin)
Under 18 Boys – Bryce Young (Angourie)
Over 35’s – Troy Olive (Coraki)
Over 45’s – Ross Cribb (Evans Head)
Over 55’s – Eric Walker (Ballina)
BOARD GIVE AWAYS:
3 X Bic 9’, 9’4” or 10’ model of choice – Rob Pine (Ocean Shores); Sara Robson (Evans Head); & Jackson Lovell (Federal).
Astro 8’1” – Kara Nobbs (Ballina)
Astro 9’1” – Jeff Arnold (Tweed Heads)
Phil Myers Surfboards 9’1” raffle board – Ainsley Hyder (Evans Head).
The 17th Evans Head Longboard Invitational was a huge success with again the largest field ever and the Evans Head Over 8’s Malibu Club hopes to eclipse last year fundraising efforts of $3,000. This year’s charities include the NSW Cancer Council and the Disabled Surfers Association, with funds also going to the Mid-Richmond Lions Club and the local SLSC.
The 2008 event is already in planning, with the Retro event likely to be expanded.