Raise funds, enjoy the atmosphere and take your chance to surf with a professional
Surfers don’t often get a chance to surf with, or compete against, the professionals. But at the Lifeline Surf Classic presented by Beecraft, there’s an opportunity to do just that. The event, set to be held at Queenscliff beach on 22 November, is now in its ninth year. It will raise vital funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches, Mosman to Kirribilli (Lifeline NB), which will go towards suicide prevention services, which includes running the 13 11 14 Lifeline crisis support line.
Lochy Macphearson, partner at Cunningham’s Real Estate in Balgowlah, is set to take part in the classic again this year with the Cunningham’s team. His team was the top fundraisers for the 2024 and 2025 classics, plus it won the overall surfing competition last year.
In the lead up to the big day, teams go head-to-head, each aiming to raise at least $5,000 or more prior to the event. Teams who raise over this amount get bonus points, and those with enough bonus points get to choose a pro surfer to join their group.
It all then culminates in the surf, where teams of four surfers of all ages and abilities compete in a tag-team format. The top fundraising team then has their first pick of the pros.
For Lochy’s team last year, this meant they were the first to choose a surfer –in their case –Dylan Moffat. “Being a surfer myself, it was quite appealing,” says Lochy, who had taken part in the classic for several years. “Lifeline is a charity that we’ve always been a part of, so it is a good organic combination of things. But over time, I have unfortunately lost my little brother to suicide as well.
“Lifeline is such an important part of the world we live in,” he adds. “The more money we raise, the more money we can put into having bums on seats, answering calls (for people) at those critical times of need.”
This year’s event aims to raise $130,000 to support Lifeline’s local services and crisis support. Lifeline NB CEO Sarah Grattan says that as a local charity, they raise 80% of their own revenue, ‘so events like this make a real difference to what we’re able to offer.’
“The Lifeline Surf Classic matters because it brings people together around something that is important to all of us,” Sarah says. “Teams, local businesses and families show up for each other on the beach, and it’s a reminder that building connection and looking out for one another is a part of what makes this the wonderful community it is.”
The community is invited to come along and enjoy the festive atmosphere on the day, and watch some great surfing too!
THE LIFELINE SURF CLASSIC PRESENTED BY BEECRAFT
Sunday 22 November, 8am
Queenscliff beach
