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. Our 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). Our 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, our 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 this in a manner to allow competitors coming from interstate or other areas to make their way to Burleigh Heads on the Friday or Saturday. 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 our 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 the visiting surfers 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. Burleigh Club members, if you have not yet obtained your entry form ask for one at the club round this Sunday. The Club will being looking for volunteers for the Easter weekend, so please make it known if you will be available to assist.

Peter Bobbermien.