AN ANZAC DAY ON THE WAVES
BURLEIGH Longboard Club will commemorate ANZAC Day in their own special way, taking to the waves in their annual competition. The popular surfing event, now in its 27th year, was started as a unique way to honour ex-servicemen.
AS the Last Post can be heard echoing at dawn during the Anzac services, at Burleigh Beach from 6am, the local Burleigh Longboard Clubs will be paying respect in their own special way with their annual Anzac Day Dawn Surface longboard competition.
The popular surfing event, now in its 27th year, was the creation of founding members of the BLC, Ian Marshall, Mankeen fred Makauskas and the late Graham Nicholls back in 1991 when the club was established.
“Ian Marshall and other exservicemen members were to remember the Diggers and pay respect by holding an event in their honour on Anzac Day,” said founding president Manfred Makauskas.
Manfred acquired a beautiful wood carving displaying all military services and transformed it into a memorable trophy listing the winners since 1991.
It can be seen at Surfworld Museum, Currumbin.
In 1997, Max Turner wrote a poem that is read out before the surfing event every year. That honour is now bestowed on founding member and exserviceman Ian Marshall.
Club treasurer Tony White said: “The Dawn Surface is held in honour of the fallen who gave their lives for us in times of war.”
Titleholder and former Australian champion Clinton Guest will be hard-pressed by former Aussie champion Jason Blewitt, foundation member Erin Nicholls and young Matt Delahunty, but for Clinton it’s a day of reflection.
“It is also a day to remember everyone who has contributed into our lives …. I remember my best mate, Maca (Mark McNamara), one of the greatest surfers ever of the club who passed three years ago now.”