The fifth annual Live Like Toby Retro Teams Challenge has been hailed as the biggest and best yet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"It was the most successful we've had," Forster Tuncurry Boardriders club president Darren McDonagh said.
"It was a wonderful day."
Held at North Boomerang Beach on Saturday, December 14, this year's event attracted 16 men's teams and four women's team's, with surfers travelling from as near as Old Bar and as far as Bondi to join the local Forster Tuncurry and Pacific Palms contingent for the occasion.
Mr McDonagh said while the event proved quite competitive, it was all done in great spirit, with everyone recognising the significance of commemorating beloved Great Lakes' surfer, Toby Flew.
The contest is held each year in Flew's honour after he died from cancer in 2014.
Forster Tuncurry team 'Top Deck' proved too strong for former winners 'Palms' this year, with Joe Haddon, Wade Simon, Byron Simon, Tim Matley and Blair Hall combining to take the win.
'Palms' finished second on the back of some great surfing from Otto Lee, Solomon Lee, Mick Moltzen, Made Sudana and Brock Monkley.
Forster Tuncurry team 'Swellians' came third, while on the women's side of the draw, a Pacific Palms team featuring current Australian over-35 women's champion Mel Bartz, along with Leila Salt, Charlize Everitt, Elke Wilson and Lara Moltzen emerged as victors.
Following the contest, a presentation and charity auction was held at Club Forster, with close to 350 people turning out to show their support.
Mr McDonagh said with so many prize donations pouring in, they had an incredible amount of items to auction off, including surfboards, holiday packages and artwork.
In all he estimated they raised around $15,000, with the money to be shared between Forster Private Hospital and the Forster Tuncurry Boardriders club's junior development fund.
And with this year's event proving such a success, the club had every intention of continuing it into the future.
"It's getting bigger and better and stronger every year," Mr McDonagh said.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.
