New Zealand: North Wai Boardriders 32nd Annual Dunga Classic

Held out front of the North Wai Clubrooms in Christchurch, at 32 years old this is certainly one of the longest running old mal events in the world. It uses two sets of replica Quane Surfboards, one set kindly loaned by Sumner Longboarders, and a good and bad thing about this competition is there is always an endless supply of great beer and the best contest food just doesn’t stop coming.

This event was held on the 10 – 11 February, and while the wind blew onshore for the two days it didn’t dampen the spirits or hush the banter of 150 surf rats catching up with each other.

The age spread was from about 14 years to 68 years with around 80 competitors across two events Open Men’s and Open Women’s. This is an invitation only contest and once the trials heats were out of the way the main draw hit the surf.

The contest committee of Johnny ‘The Hoff’ Daverne, Mark ‘Malsa’ O’Malley and Steve ‘Dobbie’ Dobson backed up by the best team on the planet put together an amazing weekend. Johnny D made the trophies which of course are an immediate collector’s item if you can get your hands on one. There are roughly 40 sponsors who help with food, drink, prizes and raffles. A monster raffle is held over the weekend and about 40 people manage to win a prize which is great odds.

Words and photos Surfers Wall

Results:

Juniors: 1st Equal James Millar and Lilly Robinson

April & James Ritchie Memorial Trophy:  Max & Dean Cooke

Mens Open: 1st Hugh Ritchie, 2nd Jack Hawke, 3rd Max Cooke, 4th  Sam Hawke

Women’s Open: 1st Tash Mattingly, 2nd Brittany Andrews, 3rd Donna Henderson, 4th Lucy Temoananui.