Ocean Beach wins malibu challenge

Ocean Beach Malibu Club dominated the waves for the second consecutive year at the Three-Way Charity Challenge on January 17.

Ocean Beach contest director Mr Craig Coulton said the event proved to be a great success attracting more than 70 surfers and $1044 in donations to the Melanoma Foundation.

"A lack of swell at Umina Beach saw the second annual Three-Way Charity Challenge between the Ocean Beach Malibu Club, Wallarah Long Board Club and Shelly Beach Malibu Club moved up the coast to Catherine Hill Bay," Mr Coulton said.

"The event is a charity fundraiser, the beneficiary being nominated by the host club each year.

"The decision to move the contest proved correct, with 'Catho' bathed in glorious sunshine while providing consistent two to three foot waves which lasted the whole contest.

"Wallarah raced to an early lead, winning the first two heats but it was to be short lived as Calyn Wilkinson, Garry Halliday, Matt Sing, Hayden Emery, Luke Cousins and Brett Wakelin proceeded to win the next six heats in succession, giving Ocean Beach a commanding 14-point lead after just eight heats.

"Both Shelly and Wallarah closed the gap slightly by each winning two of the remaining four general heats.

"After 12 heats Ocean Beach's lead was reduced to 11 points, with the two champions' heats yet to be surfed."

Mr Coulton said it was at that point in the competition each club had the chance to nominate its top four surfers who would contest the final two heats.

"With Wallarah scoring a first and second in the first champions' heat, Ocean Beach's lead was now whittled down to six points leading into the final heat," Mr Coulton said.

"But the Wallarah boys couldn't maintain the pressure with Shelly Beach placing first, then Calyn Wilkinson and Matt Sing taking out second and third places respectively, securing the first place trophy for Ocean Beach for the second consecutive year."

Mr Coulton said Ocean Beach Malibu Club finished first with a total of 108 while Wallarah Long Board Club gained 97 and Shelly Beach Malibu Club 89 points.

Press release, 1 Feb 2010 Craig Coulton, Ocean Beach Malibu Club