LOCK up your grannies, the wrecks are back!
The dramatic East Coast Low swell event may have just about run its race by last weekend, but there was still enough puff in it to provide fun little peelers for the annual Wrecks and Relics seniors surfing soiree.
The French term “soiree” usually applies to an event held in the evening, but here it applies to the fact that we competitors are all in the evening of our surfing lives, and so every wave counts. That’s the spirit that the Winters and the Cuddihies brought to it when they created it for the Noosa Malibu Club a dozen years ago, and it’s still the spirit today.
Ancient surfers come from far and near for the Wrecks, to catch up with old mates and beat the crap out of them in their heat. That’s the spirit I’m talking about! Settle a few old scores and then laugh about it over a few beers. And believe me, just because surfers get old doesn’t mean they get any less competitive. I think that’s a good thing. They day we’re all sitting in the line-up saying, “No, you go” or “Please, after you, I had a wave earlier in the heat”, is the day it’s time to get out the slippers and the crossword and head for the couch while your soft food simmers in the kitchen.
A couple of years back we used to throw the over-70s out for a few laughs while we got ready for the pressos on the beach, but now the Baby Boomers have caught up with the most senior division it’s a different story. The quality of surfing was right up there, with 1963 Bells Beach Classic champion Dougy Andrew taking out the trophy while Rip Curl co-founder Doug “Claw” Warbrick won the plate final. (Claw needs a plate for his beachfront mansion like a fish needs a bicycle, but there you go.)
It’s hard to comprehend that many of the competitors in the youngest division, the over-50s, were not even born when Dougy was the best surfer in Australia after Midget Farrelly, and he’s still stylin’. As is my good mate Big Dave Wilson, who was Mr Gordon and Smith when I first met him in the 1960s, and has spent a rich life building boards, chasing waves and raising a family. Dave got pipped in the over-65s by the evergreen Eric Walker from Ballina, but for my money Dave still has the prettiest drop-knee in the business.
There were many other stand-out surfers over a weekend of ankle to waist high trimmers, but special mention must go to Mal Club president Glen Gower who until very recently thought a longboard was his six-two, but who has adapted fairly quickly and took out the juniors quite convincingly. And another special mention to all the girls who surfed so well in the over 50s and over 60s divisions, and cut a fine figure in their new Finch one-pieces.
To see all the results (eventually) and some more great pix from the lovely Fenna De King, visit noosawrecksandrelics.com
A sabbatical for Molly’s Song
NO-ONE has worked harder in our community in recent years to raise awareness about dementia than Libby Day, who established an organisation called Molly’s Song in memory of her mother seven years ago. Over these past seven years Libby has raised more than $40,000 for the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation to help combat this dreadful scourge that is likely to touch us all, if it hasn’t already.
Whether it’s getting big name artists to stage a charity concert, working with the Noosa Arts Theatre or taking on a marathon bike ride, Libby has been prepared to give it her all for this cause, often single-handedly.
But it’s time for a tree change, and Libby and husband Greg are heading for rural Victoria to be closer to family. Molly’s Song will take a well-earned rest, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear more from this energetic, giving lady. Thanks for all the hard work, Libby, and yes, see you ’round the ridges.
FOOTNOTE: This week also saw the centenary of my father’s birth. Dad only made it three quarters of the way, but he’s always in our hearts. Happy hundred, old mate.
