By MATT NICHOLLS
LIFEGUARD Darren O’Rafferty was in hot form over the weekend, taking out his first Bird Rock Memorial Surf Classic.
Somewhat of a local legend, O’Rafferty has been competing in the Bird Rock Classic for more than 10 years and etched his name in histroy with a stellar weekend on the waves.
More than 100 surfers took part in the annual memorial event, which paid tribute to all surfers that had died in the Hastings.
O’Rafferty said it was a thrill to win.
“It’s a great cause and the competition was very strong,” he said.
“It’s terrific to get all the community surfers together.”
Bird Rock Classic publicity officer Geoff Branch said it was another successful weekend.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves and had an awesome time,” he said.
“People came from Queensland and Sydney and all over the place to be here.
“We had 111 surfers compete, but a lot of family and friends watch in support.”
Branch said that moving the event from October to May had paid off.
“We decided to move it a couple of years ago and we’ve been blessed by great waves the last two years,” he said.
“May makes for much better surfing conditons.”
THE WINNERS
Open A: Darren O’Rafferty
Open B: Tom Howard
Open Women: Mel Petrorius
Open Kneeboard: Shane Whitehouse
Cadets: Ben Howard
Juniors: Jack Germain
Retro 040s: Grant Mckenzie
Masters: Shaun Weston
Grand Masters: Anthony Donohoe
Legends: Joel Kolehmaiden
Grand Legends: Bob March
Best Tube: Mitch Sykes
Bird Rock MNC Girls Surfing award: Gracie Monaghan
