Events

Board Art Benefit San Francsico

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:59:00 GMT

SurfAid’s next installment of Board Art Benefit will be held at the Driftwood Salon in San Francisco on June 9th from 6-10pm. This will be a one night only event. New shapers and artists have been added to the already stellar lineup and this showing promises to be one to remember. Kona Brewing is once again keeping guests’ thirst quenched and ear drums will dance to the musical stylings of Humboldt County’s Likwefi.

Board Art Benefit San Francisco…

Shapers: Aleks Petrovitch, Jerry Madrid, Merrick Rustia, tba, Erik Baldwin, Mike Schoen, tba, Danny Hess, Bill Johnson, Travis Reynolds, Paul Jensen, Marc Andreini, Tim Bessell, Christian Beamish, Erik Baldwin, Tim Stamps, Robert Weiner, Yohei Shiraishi, Brian Heritage, Jed Noll, Rusty Preisendorfer, John Birchum, Jeff ‘Doc’ Lausch, Mike Hynson, Terry Senate

Artists: Aleks Petrovitch, Alex Krastev, Ea Eckerman, Eric Bailey, Greg P’Nut Galinsky, John Culqui, Kevin Pincus, Kim Cogan, Lydia Martin, Patrick Trefz, Sarah Utter, Serena Mitnik-Miller, Andy Warhol, Christian Beamish, Jose Emroca, Shawn Griggs, Erik Abel, Matt Beard, Matt Long, Rick Rietveld, Robb Havassy, Ron Croci, Spencer Reynolds, Wade Koniakowsky, Heather Ritts

Sponsors: Driftwood Salon, Kona Brewing Company, Firewire Surfboards, Sacred Craft, BoardStix, BeardArt, and more.

Driftwood Salon is located at 39 Isis St, San Francisco, CA 94103.

For more event and artist information, visit: boardartbenefit.com

United World College of SE Asia 24-Hour Swim Challenge

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:57:00 GMT

On the waveless island of Singapore, United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), a K-12 International School of 4500 students, continues to raise funds and awareness for SurfAid.

After a three-year hiatus, the newly opened UWCSEA East Campus hosted the 24-Hour Swim Challenge supported by Quiksilver on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 March. From 2006 to 2009, four 24-Hour Swim Challenges were conducted at the UWCSEA Dover Campus and raised a combined total of more than $200,000 for SurfAid.

The idea for the event is quite simple: open the college swimming pool for 24 hours and invite all members of the college community to swim as many laps as they are physically able to.

During the 24-hour period, more than 650 swimmers jumped in the water and did their bit for SurfAid. Some students swam one lap, others like 13-year-old Liam Coates completed close to 700 laps (35 kilometres). After the event Liam commented: “Swimming so many laps has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. I am exhausted but glad that I am able to do my bit for SurfAid.”

Along with swimmers who were trying their hardest to do as many laps as possible during the 24 hours to win Endurance Cup awards, there were swimmers of various ages and abilities having fun in the pool. The youngest swimmer in the water, wearing floaties and with the help of mum and dad alongside him, was six-month old Austin Wark. The oldest swimmer was Anthony Skillicorn (UWCSEA East Global Concerns and Social Service Co-ordinator) who swam 180 laps (9 kms). Remarkably, there was at least one person in the water swimming during the entire 24 hours.

Funds raised from the 24-Hour Swim Challenge will be donated to the ‘Malaria stills Sucks’ program that purchases and delivers mosquito nets to target villages in the Mentawai Islands.

“It is fantastic to see that the money we raise through our great event goes directly to the ‘Malaria still Sucks’ program,” said Jackson English, the 24-Hour Swim Challenge Coordinator and SurfAid Ambassador. “Mosquito nets are an unfortunate necessity in the Mentawai Islands. UWCSEA believes strongly in the work that SurfAid does and we are more than happy to help contribute to their incredible work.”

Continued support from UWCSEA is greatly appreciated by SurfAid. “The UWCSEA 24-Hour Swim has become SurfAid’s most successful long-term grassroots fundraiser,” SurfAid founder and medical director, Dr Dave Jenkins, said. “The money raised has enabled SurfAid to deliver malaria education and long-lasting mosquito nets to some of the world’s most isolated and needy villages in the Mentawai Islands, off Sumatra, Indonesia.”

Congratulations to the winners of the Endurance Cups. The Endurance Cup is awarded to swimmers from various parts of the school who complete the most amount of laps during the 24-hour period.
Primary School: Jeremy Kemp
Middle School: Liam Coates
High School: Alto Ono
Staff Member: Karl Wilcox
Community Member: David Gallagher

Congratulations also to a very excited Dilon Tallentire who at the end of the 24-Hour Swim Challenge was fortunate enough to win the DC Quadangle BMX in a lucky draw. The DC Quadangle BMX was donated by DC Shoes.

UWCSEA would like to thank all swimmers for their time and all the event supporters for making the 24-Hour Swim Challenge such a great event.

McGrath Charity Surfest Breakfast in Newy Raises $25k

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:04:00 GMT

Huge thanks to the Hunter Business Boardriders who put on the McGrath Charity Surfest Breakfast at Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle, in March, raising $25,000 for us.

The breakfast, the third organized by the HBB for SurfAid, had a huge rollup with 220 people and was hosted by surf writer and former Tracks editor Sean Doherty.

Four-time world champ Mark Richards, two-time world champ Tom Carroll, and his brother Nick, Matt Hoy, Simon Law and Andy King entertained the group with tales of Indo. A special feature was Tom’s love of sharing waves with his fellow riders. (Joel Parkinson had to give his apologies as he had a heat to surf.)

SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins gave an update of our work in the field after the 2010 Mentawai tsunami, and how another big earthquake is predicted for the region.

Simon Law told a harrowing story of when he was caught in a tsunami at G-Land and ended up in a tree. The experience still affects him to this day.

Special thanks to Brad Garrard and Dominique Squires, from Mullane Plumbers, MC Ben Hainsworth, and all who helped organize an excellent morning.

Photos: Tom Hudson

CINEads wins BlackBerry Corporate Cup WA

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:27:00 GMT

The CINEads team has won the inaugural BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup in Margaret River, Western Australia.
In good four-foot surf at Southside, CINEads defeated the Salty Lawyers and the Allens Arthur Robinson Surf Team in a closely fought final, securing victory only on their last ride.

The team (John Blake, Tony Farris, Byron Winburn-Clarke, Wes Stanfield and pro surfer Jay Thompson) scored 54.28, ahead of the Salty Lawyers on 51.70 and Allens Arthur Robinson on 48.96.

CINEads managing director Wes Stanfield said their team was very happy to be able to support SurfAid.

“We’ve all been to the Mentawai Islands so we’ve seen firsthand what SurfAid is doing up there and we’re totally stoked to be part of the SurfAid community,” Stanfield said. “And as for beating Tom Carroll (who surfed with the Salty Lawyers) in a surfing competition – that is pure gold.”

By raising the most money - $16,774 - the Salty Lawyers (Kyle Edwards, Sam Dundas, Justin Dyson and Marcus Gracey) had first pick of the pro surfers to join their team, and they chose Tom Carroll. Tom yelled himself hoarse in the channel supporting his team.

“I don’t like coming second, no doubt about that. I have memories of losing from when I was on tour. It’s not pretty – it brings back those memories,” Tom said, laughing. “It’s cool I still have that feeling.”

Tom also competed in the BlackBerry Corporate Cup in Sydney last November.

“It’s a refreshing experience. They’re competitive guys by nature, high-achieving guys. They’re put into an arena and they’re naturally competitive. They’re having fun but they do want to walk away with that cup so it’s great to be part of that. I can see the guys who need encouragement too, which is good.”

Two other teams, Team Enviro and the Weekend Wigglers, were knocked out in the first round in WA. Marc Wohling from Team Enviro won the prestigious BlackBerry Wipeout Award after he was pitched from the peak on the first wave of the event.

The five teams raised more than $45,000 for SurfAid. Besides Tom Carroll and Jay Thompson, Damien Hobgood, Chris Gallagher, Dayyan Neve and Col Bernasconi also competed with the fundraising teams.

The Corporate Cup was held as part of the Telstra Drug Aware Pro, Margaret River. Another $6,000 was raised for SurfAid at the official event dinner attended by sponsors, stakeholders and top surfers including 11-time world champion Kelly Slater and four-time world champion Steph Gilmore.

SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins thanked all the teams for their huge effort. “You have raised more money for the Mentawai children than the first place prizemoney in the main event and we are very grateful,” he said.

SurfAid supporter Tony van Merwyk, a partner with Freehills law firm and part of the Salty Lawyers, gave huge thanks to all the people who donated to the teams.

“Every $10 has a direct impact on the lives of those in need in Indonesia. So every donation, no matter how small, helps and is significant," he said.

You can see the teams and still donate HERE >

The CEO of Surfing WA, Mark Lane, said the newly formed partnership with SurfAid had a great deal of relevance to surfers. “The BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup WA is an example of one of our new initiatives for this year’s event – and BlackBerry is the perfect fit given our alliance with Telstra. We are really excited to see this event roll out alongside the Telstra Drug Aware Pro feature event,” Lane said.

BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup WA

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:23:00 GMT

SurfAid is calling for companies and industries to enter teams into the BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup WA. The fundraising event for SurfAid will be held on Saturday 24 March at the Telstra Drug Aware Pro, Margaret River.

This a fun, team-networking event with the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for SurfAid.

INTERESTED? WHAT NEXT ...
· You will need to recruit four surfers to make up your team. A pro surfer will be available to join each team. (Tom Carroll, Mark Occhilupo and Chris Gallagher are confirmed starters.)
· A maximum six teams will be competing on the day.
· Each team has to try to reach the goal of raising $10,000 for SurfAid.
· The top fundraising teams in order will be able to choose a pro surfer to join their team.

EPIC EXTRAS
As a competitor, you will receive:
· Corporate VIP Pass to the Telstra Drug Aware Pro event and official Telstra Drug Aware Pro merchandise pack (hoody, T-shirt, cap)
· A DVD of BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup WA event highlights
· A BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup WA event souvenir T-shirt and extras
· Invitation to BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup WA presentation ceremony in VIP area following the final, including food and beverages

RAISING FUNDS
· To collect donations, your team will need to contact SurfAid and register on the event’s Everyday Hero fundraising.

Please contact Jo Lynas from SurfAid to complete the registration process:
E: jo@surfaidinternational.org M: 0415 901 361 T: 02 9965 7325

Trophies will be presented to winning teams and top fundraisers at the presentation ceremony in the official VIP area of the Telstra Drug Aware Pro.

Incredible Turnout for Board Art Benefit

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:59:00 GMT

More than 250 art and surf supporters attended the Board Art Benefit on Saturday, January 21st, at the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery in Solana Beach, California. The gallery showing provided the unique opportunity to view 15 boards crafted by some of America’s leading surfboard shapers and surf artists. The collection, unveiled for the first time to the public, consisted of an eclectic array of designs and imagery.

Every board displayed during the event bore its artist’s unique style, medium and story. Some boards carried their own history, some called upon surf history and culture, while others encouraged the viewer to ponder their meaning and message. All boards are one-of-a-kind masterpieces, lovingly created by artists willing to donate their time and talents to SurfAid.

Host and artist Wade Koniakowsky was very excited about the event and the opportunity to support SurfAid. “What a brilliant charity SurfAid is - to become aware of the people who live in the exotic places we surf. It's like finally looking just below the surface. If my art can inspire people towards this cause, or raise a few dollars, I'm stoked!” Wade said. Wade’s board, “Grace” was the first sold prior to the auction at the Buy Now price.

The event also provided a rare opportunity to watch the artists at work during a collaborative, live-art exhibition. During the collaboration, each artist cheekily negotiated for space as their creative ‘images’ were enhanced by other artists on the 9’ surfboard donated by Firewire. As the evening progressed, paints donated by San Clemente Art Supply kept the artists busy, shifting and shaping the artistic direction. The final piece is a fun, visually exciting board displaying a unique “finger-print” of each artist. This special, collaborative board is signed by all of the artists and will be added to the collection for future showings and auction.

Event goers were not only wowed by art, but also satiated by delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by Whole Foods Encinitas, and kept well-hydrated with tasty brews provided by Kona Brewing Company.

SurfAid greatly appreciates the contribution of the artists and shapers who made the Board Art Benefit event possible. Phil Roberts & Jerry Lopez, Rick Rietveld & Jed Noll, Damian Fulton & Tyler Hatzikian, Wade Koniakowsky & Mike Hynson, Erik Abel & Robert Weiner, Spencer Reynolds & Jeff “Doc” Lausch, Matt Beard & Yohei Shiraishi, Ron Croci & John Birchim, Robb Havassy & Rusty Preisendorfer, Drew Brophy & Ron House, Matt Long & Brian Heritage and Heather Ritts, Norman Daniels, Peter Pierce & Firewire Surfboard.

A big thank you goes out to Matt Beard, the founder of the Board Art Benefit, Wade Koniakowsky and Aaron Chang for allowing us to use their gallery, and a special thanks to all our volunteers, in particular Saya Nodera for her tireless coordination of the event.

Here’s what the artists said about the event:
“Surfing is about enjoyment. I think too many miss that point. Joy itself is a reward for giving. Giving art, giving a wave to another, or giving back to the locals of a spot - there are great rewards reaped from such acts. As an organization, SurfAid is able to give back to the real locals of the world's great surfing destinations. That lifts everybody up, and I've enjoyed that I could help so with my art.” Peter Pierce

“It is always a great opportunity to share my art and also help people at the same time. It is a great bonus to help within the surf community.” Heather Ritts

“I cannot think of a greater way to use the gift that God has given me than to bring happiness to others. Painting this board for SurfAid was a blast, and the knowledge that its sale will bring clean water and good health to the children in Mentawai Islands, is pure joy.” Norm Daniels

“When I began this project, SurfAid to me was just one way to make a real difference in people's lives; like kids living instead of dying, which is always cool. I've never been to the Mentawais and on my dirt-broke, artist’s budget, I don't know if I ever will. So the people there, at first, were a bit abstract and impersonal to me. But after pouring myself into creating the Board Art Benefit, and seeing its potential to raise significant support for the work of SurfAid, I find that it’s also changed my life. I've realized a new and surprising sense of connection to folks I've never met, but whose lives have been truly improved through SurfAid's work in the villages of the Mentawais." Matt Beard

"At the heart of SurfAid is people; people serving people. I know my contribution goes directly to help save lives; making a lasting, meaningful change. SurfAid directly affects the lives of people. I trust these folks to use my contribution in the most effective, compassionate manner; and that means saving lives.” Damian Fulton

"I have been a longtime supporter of SurfAid because I've experienced firsthand the Indonesian people, and appreciate that there is a group dedicated to helping them have a better lifestyle. From helping with malaria aid to tsunami relief they have become an important measure in improving these people's lives.” Rob Havassy

“Using my art to work with SurfAid International gives me an opportunity to help families in a way I would not have thought possible. It’s as though my own hand were reaching out across the South Pacific Ocean to personally touch those in need.” Ron Croci

“As an avid artist, surfer, and outdoor enthusiast, I find great strength and value in the physical, mental, and behavioral wellbeing of individuals and natural communities in need. I have had the opportunity to support a handful of charitable causes, and I think it’s outstanding that SurfAid International can act as a bridge, structure and healthy foundation to deliver ideas of relief, burden-reduction, education, positive change and healthy practice, and to help develop those who are aware into better global citizens.” Matt Long

“I chose to donate my time and talents to help raise money and awareness for SurfAid because it's a respectable cause.” Erik Abel

“I first discovered SurfAid when I was asked by Matt Beard to be part of the Board Art Benefit at last year's Sacred Craft show in Del Mar, California. I was impressed in their mission and a unique way of helping people help themselves through health programs involving education in nutrition, hygiene, healthy environments, and disease prevention - including mosquito net distribution. This is a gift that will keep on giving through generations as this vital knowledge will multiply among the people who aren't as fortunate as us. We take so many simple things for granted, clean water, environment, food, health care, etc. I hope my God-given talent and small contribution can make a difference in someone's life and I trust SurfAid is doing that with their unselfish, hard working, heroic staff that make all of our contributions as well as yours count.” Rick Rietveld

"SurfAid's commitment to helping the islanders of the Mentawai make it a perfect cause for surfers. They share their exotic islands and perfect waves with us, it's the least we can do to help." Drew Brophy

Surfboard Art to Benefit SurfAid

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:16:00 GMT

A Board Art Benefit event will be held January 21, 2012 at The Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery in Solana Beach. Twelve unique boards, shaped and painted by California artists, will be on display from 6-9pm. There will also be live, collaborative art from 12-5pm.

Funds raised will directly support SurfAid’s humanitarian efforts on the Mentawai and Nias islands in Indonesia.

You can check out the boards here ...

The Board Art Benefit is sponsored by Firewire Surfboards, Sacred Craft, BeardArt, Kona Brewing Company, and Whole Foods Market. Artists and shapers involved include: Phil Roberts, Rick Rietveld, Damian Fulton, Wade Koniakowsky, Erik Abel, Spencer Reynolds, Matt Beard, Ron Croci, Robb Havassy, Drew Brophy, Heather Ritts, Norm Daniels, Peter Pierce, Gerry Lopez, Jed Noll, Tyler Hatzikian, Mike Hynson, Robert Weiner, Jeff "Doc" Lausch, Yohei Shiraishi, John Birchim, Rusty Preisendorfer, and Ron House.

The Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery is located at 415 South Cedros Avenue, Suite 110, Solana Beach, CA 92075.

For event and artist information, visit: boardartbenefit.com

Ocean Art Gallery Hosts Board Art Benefit

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

We’re stoked to announce the first ever showing of the completed boards created for the Board Art Benefit will be held at the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery in Solana Beach on the evening of January 21st. It will be a one night only event from 6:00 until 10:00 pm. All of the finished boards will be on display in this beautiful gallery run by Aaron Chang and Board Art Benefit artist Wade Koniakowsky. There are rumors of collaborative live art from the artist’s in attendance, the possibilities abound… stay tuned for more info about this exciting show.

Surfboard Line Up! At Yallingup Surfilm

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:34:00 GMT

A group of renowned artists has painted a series of surfboards donated by Firewire to be auctioned for SurfAid at the Yallingup Surfilm Festival in Western Australia in January 2012.

Surfboards have been painted by artists including Peter Webb, Ozzie Wright, Duncan Liddle, Daniel Joyce, Marie Johanna, Jos Myers, Reif Myers, John Sara, Tylan Lambert and Stuart McMillan.

The unique art surfboards have been placed in shops and cafes in Yallingup, Dunsborough and Perth. There will be a live auction of the boards at the festival at 6.30pm on Sunday 22 January at Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough.

You can get more info about the board auction here. You can have a look at the amazing boards featured in the Surfboard Line Up! and the artists who feature. You can also check out the festival’s exciting program to see all the great activities and films over the weekend.

If you haven’t been to the Yallingup Surfilm Festival – now’s the time to get amongst it to explore and celebrate surfing culture. You can buy tickets here. www.yallingupsurfilm.com.au

Thanks YSF, Firewire and all the artists involved!

The fundraising event of 2012 - Not to be missed!

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:24:00 GMT

Photo: Duncan Macfarlane

We’d love for you to join us and our very special guests on Friday 9 March to celebrate and support the work of SurfAid. It promises to be an incredible night and you will walk away knowing you have helped prevent more needless childhood death and suffering in the islands.

Besides our stellar lineup of world champion and legend surfers, big wave rider Mark Mathews (co-star of Fighting Fear) will talk about what motivates him. Plus there will be auctions of rare surfing and music memorabilia.

In the coming year we need to supply 30,000 mosquito nets to cover our target villages in the Mentawai. It costs $10 to purchase one net and $3,000 to deliver our Malaria Free Mentawai program to an entire village. The new nets will create a protective “insecticide halo” around each village that assists to disrupt the parasite cycle of infection and re-infection.

We hope you'll be there with us on our biggest fundraising night of the year. Please book your ticket now.

Friday 9 March 2012 | 6pm VIP tickets | 7pm Standard tickets

Doltone House | Jones Bay Wharf Pyrmont, Sydney

Buy tickets here ...

Thanks Byron Bay Surf Festival

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:41:00 GMT

Huge thanks to the Byron Bay Surf Festival which made us one of their beneficiaries this year.

The festival, on October 22-23, held a raffle for SurfAid and Byron Bay Youth Services.

We had a great time on the weekend and would like to thank everyone involved, especially Mike and Vanessa, and also Chris and our volunteers who came down to help out. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for next year’s festival – you won’t want to miss it!

Board Art Benefit Captures Surf Community at Sacred Craft

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:10:00 GMT

The Board Art Benefit event brought together 13 incredible artists who teamed up to support SurfAid at the Sacred Craft Surf Expo in Del Mar, California, on October 8 and 9.

Each artist partnered with various shapers to create live art on surfboards as thousands of people watched, resulting in one of the most unique collections of surfboards ever assembled. The art boards will be auctioned off to raise monies for SurfAid’s lifesaving programs in the Mentawai and surrounding islands.

The Board Art Benefit was organized by Matt Beard, a recognized artist and SurfAid supporter who saw an opportunity to bring a greater awareness to SurfAid through the unique collaboration of artists and shapers.

“I was asked to organize a few artists for the Sacred Craft event, but I thought that by bringing artists and shapers together for a great cause at an event like Sacred Craft, it would bring more attention to everyone involved - the artists, the shapers, Sacred Craft, and SurfAid International,” Beard said. “And that’s a good thing for everyone.”

We were stoked to have the following list of artists and shapers be part of the event. Phil Roberts & Jerry Lopez, Rick Rietveld & Jed Noll, Damian Fulton & Tyler Hatzikian, Wade Koniakowsky & Mike Hynson, Erik Abel & Robert Weiner, Spencer Reynolds & Jeff “Doc” Lausch, Matt Beard & Yohei Shiraishi, Ron Croci & John Birchim, Robb Havassy & Rusty Preisendorfer, Drew Brophy & Ron House and Heather Ritts, Norman Daniels, Peter Pierce & Firewire Surfboard.

The first showing of the completed collection is scheduled to be held at the Ocean Art Gallery on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, CA on January 21, 2012.

Thanks again to all the artists and shapers who donated their time, tools and talents to this amazing event. Thanks also to Scott Bass and Sacred Craft for supporting us, Kevin Roche for his photography, Firewire Surfboards and a special appreciation to Matt Beard for his tireless efforts in making it possible.

Commonwealth Bank Wins Inaugural BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:47:00 GMT

The Commonwealth Bank has won the inaugural BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup in a close-fought battle in one-metre waves at Sydney’s Queenscliff Beach.

In the dying minutes of the one-hour tag team final, CBA2 were in third place until their last surfer Bill Langley scored a 5 out of 10 to leapfrog into first.

CBA2 scored 56.86 to narrowly pip the Australian Lawyers Surfing Association (55.1), with Tengirri Boiz third (48.76) and Goldman Sachs fourth (27.66).

Fellow CBA2 team members Anton Lindell, John Tiller and Richard Grace, plus pro surfer Mark Mathews, were stoked with the victory.

Thruster-inventor Simon Anderson, who surfed on the Morgan Stanley team, said the teams really enjoyed the experience of being under pressure in a heat. “They can appreciate what it’s like for the pro surfers a little more. At least three of my team had not surfed in a contest before,” Simon said.

Thirteen teams raised more than $100,000 for us and Perpetual won the fundraising award by contributing more than $24,000.

The jubilant Commonwealth Bank team celebrates victory in the inaugural BlackBerry SurfAid Corporate Cup.
Photo: Matt Dunbar

Other competing teams were: Citi, Westpac, Morgan Stanley, News Ltd, the Shaw Bros, CBA1, Coastalwatch/Surfing World and the Weekend Warriors.

Each team of four was matched with one pro surfer from a pool including Tom Carroll, Layne Beachley, Simon Anderson, Richie Lovett, Jarrad Howse, Matt Bemrose, Rob Bain and Mark Mathews, who was fresh from the launch of the documentary Fighting Fear. Bondi Rescue’s Ryan “Whippet” Clark also competed, as well as Queenscliff locals Ben Hamilton, Bryce Martiskin and Ollie Ingham.

Local Queenscliff Boardriders Club A Grade champion Ben Hamilton, who surfed on the Goldman Sachs team, scored the highest aggregate - 27.77 out of 30 - as well as logging the two highest individual waves scores of 9.77 and 9.

Westpac's Andrew Landman won the BlackBerry Wipeout Award for a spectacular over-the-falls in the first round.

CBA’s Richard Grace, 43, chief currency strategist and head of international economics, said: “We feel honoured to win. CBA fielded two teams this year and I have no doubt we'll be back with more teams next year and this event will get bigger and bigger.”

The SurfAid Corporate Cup will now be an annual event. With BlackBerry as presenting sponsor, supporting sponsors for the inaugural event were: Nando’s, Corona, Spectrum Healthcare, Kit & Kaboodle, Coastalwatch, Surfing World and Surfing NSW.

Surfing Chefs Raise $26,000 For SurfAid

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:41:00 GMT

A special gourmet dinner by five of Margaret River’s top chefs has raised $26,000 for SurfAid.

Award-winning chef Russell Blaikie, of Must Margaret River, assembled the star team - Dany Angove (Leeuwin Estate), Aaron Carr (Vasse Felix), Jake Drachenberg (Clairault) and Tony Howell (Cape Lodge) - to join him at Must in creating the unique experience for 100 diners on Thursday night 13 October.

SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins, who gave an update of SurfAid’s field work and the challenges of working in the islands off Sumatra, said it was a very special event.

“We especially thank Russell and all the chefs for donating their wonderful skills and the generosity of the sponsors, staff of Must, volunteers and all who attended for supporting our work. We very much look forward to coming back next year,” Dr Dave said.

The stellar team prepared a five-course meal - canapés, three degustation courses and dessert - which was served alongside premium Margaret River wines and beverages from the region which is as well known for its sensational food, wine and produce as it is for its spectacular surf. The diners were entertained by live music from Perth songstress Bianca Jade and enthusiastically joined in the auctions.

Russell Blaikie said he was struck by the generosity of the chefs who joined him for the first Surfing Chefs for SurfAid dinner.

“Dany, Jake, Tony and Aaron put their very best food on the plate for the SurfAid cause that we have all become so engaged with. And the spirit of generosity has spread to the wider community in Margaret River with wineries, beer makers, artists, growers and so many more businesses kicking in products, services and pledges to make the event such a success. The response from the crew attending was awesome; the chefs were swamped with food groupies.”

Blaikie said the chefs involved have already committed to next year's event. “Now the challenge is to roll the Surfing Chefs concept out to surf communities around Australia,” he said.

Photos by: Lauren Trickett - backroommedia.com.au

Newcastle SurfAid Benefit night

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:46:00 GMT

Thanks to everyone who came down to the Newcastle SurfAid Benefit night at Nobbys Beach Surf Club on Friday night. There were good vibes and great tunes throughout the evening with amazing music from local band Benjalu and special guest Mark Richards, 4 x world champ. Cheers to our sponsors Nando's Australia, Corona, Uluwatu Surf Villas, Resort Latitude Zero, Daniel Joyce Design, John Earl, Dragon Alliance, Arnette Australia and Billabong Australia.

A Special thank you to Merewether Boardriders, Chris Tola, Brad Garrard, Bar Reef Boardriders, Hunter Business Boardriders and all the crew from Nobbys Surf Club. Finally, a big thank you to everyone who donated and signed up to be a monthly giver! All of your support goes such a long way. See you next time Newcastle. We can’t wait to come back.