TONIC Autumn 2014 Issue - 50th Anniversary Autumn 2014 | Page 23

TONIC | club news Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Festival presented by Billabong Words: Terry “Tappa” Teece Burleigh boy Tim Hyland etched his name into history when he won the 2014 Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Classic, the second time for Tim, after winning it as a 17 year old in 2008. There was a roll call of some great surfers, Mark Occhilupo, Dave Rastovich, Noa Deane, Matt Hoy, Beau Emerton, Nathan Hedge, and many others, plus a strong field of Burleigh locals including Burleigh’s own Jay “Bottle” Thompson. Classic single fin surfboards, amazing surfing, and most of all a fun weekend watched by thousand on the natural amphitheater of Burleigh Point. The surf was pumping for start of competition both mornings of the event, with some sweet Burleigh Photo: Duncan McFarlane barrels, and competition between surfers was in a spirit like that unseen in any other event. The spectators consumed the sponsor’s product with Breaka Milk for the kiddies and cold Coronas for the adults, and it was really a festive atmosphere, which one and all enjoyed. There was a touching moment before the final, when the Byrne family spread the last of the great Allan Byrne’s ashes off Burleigh Point before the final, Burleigh being one of AB’s favourite breaks, and all the crowd was silent and lined the point in respect of a great man. It was such a fitting tribute before an exciting final.