The contest is organised annually by an energetic committee of volunteers, and with the help of sponsorships and donations from the local business community and private donors, the event has grown to be one of the highlights on the calendar at Buffel's Bay.
This year's event, the fourth, took place from August 10 to 12 and over 300 entries were received.
The oldest entry was a 65-year-old lady surfer who was seeded in the top three in the Ladies Long Board Division, and the youngest was an eight year old who took on the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) sea event with absolute gusto, facing bigger waves than himself.
Despite the very strong winds, rain and inclement conditions which left a lot to be desired, the contest was enjoyed by everyone who took part, even the whale in the bay which stayed and had a bird's eye-view of the surf the entire weekend.
The Friday saw an astonishing 52 opening heats of surfing with contestants from all 16 divisions getting their time in the water, culminating in some excellent surfing from the Ballies to the Developments.
In the Ladies Divisions, which are growing every year, the ladies showed some of the guys exactly how it is done. The competition in the Open Division and Retro's was tangible, and no amount of bad weather could stop these guys from showing their stuff.
The SUP flat water race, held at the Goukama River mouth thanks to the help of Cape Nature Conservation, finished Friday's activities.
Although strong winds played a big part with the SUP contingent, it proved to be a great family event with moms, dads and children all competing in the three different categories on offer.
On Saturday evening the benefit bash included drumming, fire dancing, an amazing auction of surfboards, skateboard kits, tickets to the Lady Gaga Show and much more.
Live music was provided by local bands Dividable Grand, Rapid Auto Fire and the Little Kings, who travelled from Cape Town to rock the 563 people who braved the cold and wind. Alan Sass, the DJ supreme, took care of those wanting to loosen up on the dance floor.
Delicious food and a well stocked bar made sure everyone was kept happy. According to the organising committee, it is overwhelmed and humbled by the unbelievable response from everyone who travelled to support the cause and share in the vision.
The target set for funds raised was reached and the handover to Hospice will be done later this week. The committee thanks everyone who took part, supported, donated, cooked, served, surfed, SUPed, or was involved in any way.
Photos and results are posted on the Face Book page: facebook.com/rosstaylorsurfcontest.
Members of the Ross Taylor Surf Contest organising committee, Brett (left) and Adela Steaegemann take some time out with 5FM's surf reporter, Deon Bing (middle). (Photos: Elle Photography)
