Surf with the professionals while raising money for Lifeline
Local surfers get ready! The Lifeline Classic will be back at Queenscliff Beach on 23 November, and the event gives everyone a chance to surf with a pro. Now in its eighth year, the classic raises funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli (Lifeline), with money going towards suicide prevention services, which includes running the 13 11 14 Lifeline crisis support line.
Teams of four surf on the day, and each team aims to raise $5,000 prior to the event. Teams who raise over this amount earn bonus points, and those with enough bonus points get to choose a pro surfer to join their group. Famous Northern Beaches surfers who have taken part in the past include former world champion Layne Beachley, Jordy Lawler and up and coming ‘next gen’ Milla Brown of Newport.
One surfer from each team is in the water at a time, while the rest wait to be tagged in. The top two teams in each heat progress to the next round. All ages are welcome to join.
One local hoping to surf with a pro this year is Phil Dawson, owner of Ruby Lane Wholefoods in Manly. “I grew up surfing around Manly and I love the idea of combining my passions in business with my pleasure of surfing while giving back to the community,” Phil says. “It’s a win-win really.”
This will be the first time Phil has taken part and he hopes to raise close to $5,000 by hosting an event at his store called Meet the Producers on 8 November. It’s a dinner and wine event where guests get to meet three farmers who not only provide ingredients for the dinner, but have a panel discussion on soil health, sustainability and the future of food.
Surfer Jody Lawler participated last year
Amanda Legaz, Lifeline fundraising manager, says various teams are hosting events like second-hand surfboard sales, cover bands shows and even trivia nights to raise funds prior to the day. “Cunninghams was the winner of last year’s competition, raising over $16,000,” Amanda says.
Those who don’t surf can still take part in the event by coming to watch and cheer on the competitors, says Sarah Grattan, Lifeline chief executive officer. “It’s a really fun community atmosphere,” she says, adding that the bidding for pro-surfers at the start of day ‘makes a bit of excitement.’
Queenscliff Beach
8am, 23 November
To register or donate, visit: