LEGENDS GATHER AT SW’S 300 PARTY

Numbers one and two Simon and Terry Fitz

At the rather alarming risk of becoming this site’s society reporter, a few words on last night’s stellar SW 300 Party seems in order. The gravitational pull of the Quik contest site must have been formidable as a veritable galaxy of legends sheltered in the large, sweaty marquee, quaffing Coronas and trading yarns as the heavens opened up outside. In the interests of not using the word “legend” a thousand times in this story, let’s assume everyone mentioned is a legend, unless otherwise state. Emotional reunions abounded throughout the night as salty seadogs from all corners of our great surfing nation ran into each other for the first time in decades. There were stirring words from top 10 finishers Mark Warren, Terry Fitzgerald and Simon Anderson and more man-hugs than at Mardi Gras. The inimitable TF paid tribute to “surfboard people” and the countless, tirelesss sanders, glassers, polishers and shapers in the trenches who make our surfboards. “They made me possible, they made your surfboards possible,” TF said, to wild applause. But the biggest ovation of the night was reserved for the SW 300 list number one, inventor of the thruster and the man even other legends are honoured to meet, Simon Anderson. “I suppose I should say something nice about Surfing World,” Simon began, in his trademark dry delivery. “I’m very proud to be number one, whatever that means. I was surfing pretty good for a while and the magazine was based at Narrabeen.” As the crowd dissolved in laughter, Simon pulled them up. “That wasn’t a joke,” he intoned seriously, which only set the laughter off anew. “I used to wonder, how long are they going to follow me around and take photos of me? I found out, it’s not that long, but it was longer than other people so I’m number one.” Brilliant!  The party raged on into the evening as the rain continued to fall, and grommet of the top 10 Luke Egan threatened to carry on the party back at his place. Fortunately, the Quik Pro was put on hold this morning, to allow many sore heads a few extra hours of sleep. And to think, we’re going to have to do it all again in another 50 years.

-Tim Baker.

Luke and friend

Rabbit with his sisters

Steph and Blakey

From left to right Tim Baker, Sean Doherty, Martin Young, Jock Serong, Peter Wilson. (Photo's by Joli)