Jeff Wilcox Memorial Champions. Day Two Highlights. Filmed/Edited: Craig Tracey. Sunday 25th August, 2013,Boomerang Beach, NSW, Australia.

From the moment the first hooter sounded, Drop Knee riders were going full-throttle in near perfect conditions. The action in the semis kept the spectator’s eyes glued to the ocean, as two tough semis were fought out on Boomerang beach.
Local rider Adam Cheers and Californian Jake Minneham moved through to the finals to face Zachary Armytage, (Wombara) and Shane Griffith, (Pottsville). Leading with local knowledge, Cheers thought he had the final in the bag, but in the last 30 seconds of the heat, Griffith shot to the lead with a big DK snap and now holds the title as the, Jeff Wilcox Memorial DK champion.
“It’s great to see the Wilcox back, It was a real pitty that there was such a break, but to have all of this industry support and riders from all over the world compete is unreal, “ said Griffith.
Griffith donated a large portion of his prize money to the cancer council for research, Jeff Wilcox lost his life to cancer at the young age of fourteen and the event is in his memory.
“Most people are here because it means something, it’s a prestigious event because of Jeff, It’s such a good contest and I’m stoked to take part”, said Griffith.
Saving his best till last, consolidating on his earlier heat wins with an awesome performance in the open mens final, was Shaun Peterson. The Cronulla surfer stole the win away from Jones Russell, (Port Macquarie), Spencer Frost (Bilgola Plateau) and Jimmy Leayr (Newcastle), who finished second, third and fourth respectively.
“I used to compete in this event ages ago and I never won one, I’m pretty stoked to be a part of it again because of it’s significance. This is the Australian sport of bodyboarding we are looking after, It’s a pretty important event and I’m stoked to take it out”, said Peterson.
Ali Shaam Rafiu (Maldives), fought a ferocious battle to win the junior final. With a vocal crowd of Maldivian support on the beach, Rafiu managed to notch up multiple high scoring waves to topple Rob Keogh (Bulli), Alex McAlpine (The Entrance) and Sam Whitton (Anna Bay) who all finished in second, third and fourth.
Lauren Frost, (Thirroul) took down her fellow competitors in the open womens final. With a great display of bodyboarding on long left-hand waves and a show of sportsmanship, Frost donated her board to Alicia Kleve, with a wish that she develops her bodyboard skills. Melynne Rosymond, (Old Bar), finished in second position with Kassie Lovell, (Cronulla), finishing in third and Alicia Kleve, (Newport), in fourth.
Returning for the first time in nine years, the event had positive feedback from riders, sponsors, the local community and International visitors to the Great Lakes.
“The excitement and buzz has had all the riders talking, not only the return of the competition, the waves have been perfect for finals day, the vibe here has been great. The younger guys have the opportunity to surf with and ask questions from more seasoned riders.”
“Without the help of Da Boogie man understanding the importance of development of juniors and the Wilcox family supporting the return of the event, the full revival would not have been as successful as it has been”, said event organizer Aaron Dodds.
The event is proudly supported by: Bellevue Hotel, Great Lakes Tourism, Ditchfield Contracting, Science, Gyroll, MS Vipers, Forster Beach Caravan Park, Shane Chalker Photography, Craig Tracey Productions, Corecom, Dropknee magazine, Da Boogie Man, Manta, 4Play, Surfing NSW, Forster Tuncurry Awnings and Blinds, Golden Age Media, First National Forster Tuncurry, Rezilient IT, Jungle Surf, Grand Flavour, Saxbys Schweppes, Cut Loose Hairdressers, Bodyboard Surf Co, Otterbox, NCAC, Wagner Painting, Colleens Bakery, No Bull Meat, Get Hooded and Forster Tuncurry Bodyboarding Association.
Additional Footage: Jake Evans