Thrills, spills & salute to surf legend Sam as Geraldton Board Riders Sunshine Masters runs at Flat Rocks

There was an impressive turnout and exciting surfing on show as the biggest event of the Geraldton Board Riders calendar went off in a memorial to local surfing figure Ian “Sam” Salmond.

Surfers from across WA battled it out at Flat Rocks last month, while Steve Williams took out the commemorative “Sam’s Division,” for the over-60s, ahead of Mick Molloy, after battling a rain storm.

Boardriders president Nic Chadbourne said the division had a special significance.

“To commemorate the memory of Sam Salmond following his passing five years ago, the over 60s Sam’s Division was once again a highlight,” he said.

“Entry into this division is by invitation only with a maximum of five surfers, allowing Sam’s pals the space to paddle out and go for broke while honouring their mate.”

Riders paddled out to create a remembrance circle for Salmond.

Chadbourne said Dongara local Sophie Butcher gave two of Margaret River’s best surfers, Ruby Berry and Zali Hewson, a run for their money in the open women’s division before Hewson narrowly took the win with her last wave.

The competition ran in fun 1.2m waves on the first day, with riders rising to the challenge on the Sunday as conditions turned more challenging with onshore winds and a drop in swell.

Cyrus Cox won a second consecutive men’s open title.

Local rider Jake Hagan won the cadets, while Jesse Siedmiogrodzki won the juniors and Deon Hagan the over-40s.

Brady Marsden was first in the non-competitive division, for riders who have not surfed a competition event this year, and came fourth in the men’s open division. He also took home the charger award for most impressive surfer throughout the event. Jessy Molly won the over-30s and the expression session for aerial moves.