20th Anniversary Anzac Dawn Surface

The Burleigh Longboard Club was founded in 1991 and on April the 24 & 25, 2011 our Club will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the annual “ANZAC Day Dawn Surface. This unique longboard competition attracts elite surfers, both local and interstate with the odd overseas surfer in an array of divisions from seniors (over 35’s,just turned old), Masters (Over 50’s,bloody old) and the Grand masters (over 60’s,over the Hill). The premier events are the Men’s open and Women’s open, in 2010 Jackson Close stamped his name on the Men’s trophy with a commanding performance against some of Australia’s best Longboarders.

In 2011, ANZAC Day falls on the Easter weekend, and for the first time, to mark our 20th Anniversary, this event will be run over two days. The program will commence on Sunday, 24 April. Finals and the presentation ceremony will be held on the Monday, commencing with the ANZAC Ode, and a minute’s silence. We have planned in this manner to allow competitors coming from interstate or other areas to make their way to Burleigh Heads on the Friday or Saturday. The Gold Coast has plenty of accommodation available, make sure you don’t leave it too late to make your bookings. Also entry forms will need to be lodged with us by Friday, April 15. With limited entries in each division we suggest you get your entry in early so you’re not disappointed.

You can imagine the Anzacs, looking down on a bunch of surfers of varying ages and abilities,telling tales of their surfing adventures, enjoying the surfing and competing. You can perhaps see the smile on the Anzacs’, the tired slouch hat, the khaki uniform, maybe a rolly in the corner of a crooked grin. “Hey, cobba, have a ganda at these blokes!” These were Australians born at a different time asked to take a stand against overwhelming odds, men and women no different to the surfers at Burleigh who will be competing in this iconic event. We would like to think that out unique tribute to the ANZACS epitomises the freedom their valiant struggle provided. Many take it for granted, but it’s difficult to imagine an Australia without their heroic efforts.

Those who know the reputation of the Burleigh boys can expect us to keep you entertained with a Sunday night party, competitor board draws, giveaways, raffles, and more boards...there will be Easter celebrations for the grommets on Easter Sunday, and a free breakfasts served daily for competitors. Ask your respective clubs or local surf shop for an entry form, or download one from our website: www.burleighlongboardclub.com

Peter Bobbermien
Secretary,
Burleigh Longboard Club.

ANZAC DAY POEM

by Max Turner

The "Last Post' haunting bugle notes Hung sadly in the air.
A Veteran wiped tears from his eyes, And read the tributes there.
He slowly wandered through the park, And thought "What can I do?"
Just for the present he was young, too. "Its ANZAC Day all day" he thought.
"its to soon to go home'. He sat down on a park bench.
He, and his thoughts, alone.

Twas then he saw assembled. A group of younger folk.
He saw the logo on their shirts And thought 'is this a joke?"
He felt a sadness in his heart, And thought "They just don't care".
The logo "Dawn Surfers", And they all had surf boards there.
"How can they show such disrespect. For such a special day?"
He'd been at the "Dawn Service". He stood up to walk away.

A man then left the gathered throng, And stopped him with a smile.
"We noticed you have medals on. Will you be here for a while?.
We are the "Burleigh Long-board Club". Our events are under way,
And we dedicate this meeting To the "Vets", and Anzac Day.
We have a special trophy, Designed to mark the day,
And we'd like you to present it, "If you have the time to stay".

The old man stopped then in his tracks. His face beamed in a smile.
"This trophy says it all" he said. "I'll stay around awhile"
The trophy, it was beautiful. Each service honoured there.
To the winner he presented it, And felt emotion flare.
He said "Can I say one more thing? Then I'll be on my way.
It's an honour and a privilege. To been with you today"

© Max Turner 1997