Margaret River Surf Scene & Inter-Winery Surf Competition
Posted March 2013
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Margaret River is mecca for surfing. Globally broadcast professional surfing events, social media posts, magazine articles, and stories of traveling surfers have spread the word of this rugged region that boasts nearly 100 named surf breaks along 130 kilometers of coastline. Surf pumps through the region's veins as year-round swells keep locals happy and attract tourists from all over.
You may have seen coverage of the recent Drug Aware Margaret River Pro. The contest ran just a few weeks ago, featuring some of the world's best surfers competing at the legendary Surfer's Point break in Prevelly (pictured in both photos below). Unfortunately, I was working all week and didn't get a chance to take in any of the action. I do know there were plenty of good waves for the event since my day off actually coincided with the finals, and me surfing all day with my friend Jim.
Starting in 2014, this event will be one of ten composing the World Surf League Championship Tour.
Busy vintage schedule can be frustrating, particularly when the swell is pumping. Fortunately, Margaret River offers numerous surfing opportunities and Vasse Felix isn't far from the coastline. Plus, surfing is so ingrained in the community here that there is even an annual Inter-Winery Surf Competition.
The unusual format put one surfer from each of the eight teams in the water together. Each surfer was permitted three waves before they need to rotate out of the water with another member from their team. Basically, it was one giant surf heat with non-stop surfing action all day. I'm not sure how the scoring worked, but who cares? With fun head high conditions, everyone was just happy to spend a day at the beach instead of stuck in the cellar or vineyard (me right, photo courtesy of Edwards Wines).
In the end, Burch Family Wines (Howard Park) was the victor. Clairault Winery came in second, Voyager Estate in third, and our Vasse Felix team earned a respectable fourth. Thanks to everyone who organized and participated in the event, it was good fun!
