Surfing for charity

BUFFALO BAY NEWS - If you love surfing, and you have a compassionate heart and love giving back, then the Buffs Surf Classic is right up your alley.

The event not only raises money for 2 different and very worthy local charities but this year, we will also be joining hands with the Surfers Helping Surfers initiative, started after the recent devastating fires in Knysna.

This group was brought about by a caring group of local surfers, and the main aim, it to replace those precious items like surfboards and wetsuits that were lost during the recent fires.

The event will run over two days in Buffalo Bay, which is arguably one of the friendliest and most fun surf breaks along our coast.

The nature of the event is also somewhat different to other events, in terms of format, running of the event, focusing on what is important to the small local event team and raising funds.

The four divisions will be retro, longboarding or logging, shortboards and groms.

The groms games is a jam-packed weekend of fun for all under 13's, bringing together a variety of disciplines from paddle races, to flag races, and a bit of surfing – all culminating in a full and busy weekend of fun.

"We love the competitive spirit in our younger contestants, and the hot dogs get a chance to show their style in on shortboards, but this division has an age limit of 18," said Garrin O'Brien.

For the older surf enthusiasts, you will have to choose, from the traditional longboarding - Hang Ten Style (bonus points for those brave enough to tackle it without a leash.) SUP also gets to play in this division.

The retro division, the best negotiator, or luckiest draw gets first to pick a board to use for their heat.

Levelling the playing fields considerably as each contestant get a board based on a lucky number pick. Anything goes here as long as you surf your heat on a retro board.

The judging is also a real group activity, and part of the contest rules is you get to sit in and judge your peers in heats following yours.

Why the differences, and why do they do it this way - primarily it is because this is not the SA champs, and it's not an event to gain status as a top surfer.

This is an event that allows you to do something you are passionate about – surfing – while helping to improve the lives of others and have as much fun as possible while doing that.

Participation is the only winner, love of the ocean and having fun are the goals, and raising some good cash to help others the best result we can hope for. So, come along, have some fun and help them turn this event into an awesome fundraiser.

Friday 27 October
Registration opens a 15:00. There will be hot pizzas and cold beers on sale. Join them to welcome in the weekend with some great live local music vibes.