Entries to one of South Africa’s best loved surfing competitions have just opened! The 5th annual Ross Taylor Surf Contest is taking Buffalo Bay by storm from 9 to 11 August, so enter now and be sure to find your ideal accommodation at www.exploreknysna.com.
Buffalo Bay offers some of the best surfing conditions on the South African coast and with the dedicated support from local businesses, loyal supporters and sponsors, this charity event has not only become a firm favourite on the Garden Route calendar of events, but has become the largest entered competition on the national surfing calendar.
The weekend promises to be a magnificent spectacle of surfing, stand up paddling, live music, a benefit auction and a wide range of beach activities to keep the whole family entertained. Divisions in the surfing competition include something for everyone: ladies, men, over 40’s, juniors, teens and developments.
A fantastic range of beach activities for kids, family, and spectators is planned for the weekend, including a run run/walk at low tide to Brenton-on-sea and back. The sandcastle building competition is always a big attraction amongst the younger creative supporters and the rest of the day sees an activity program jam-packed with fun for all.
The Saturday evening benefit bash includes drumming, fire dancing, and an auction of some amazing goodies. The live music line up of three bands and a DJ is perfect for a little bit of unwinding after a long day in the surf. Delicious food and a well stocked bar for all over 18’s make it an evening to remember.
And remember that all proceeds go to HOSPICE! The message of fun and love through giving has always been at the heart of this special event, which started because of a brave young man who believed very strongly in the power of giving to those in need while doing something we love – playing in the ocean.
First held in 2009, much needed funds were raised to assist in covering Ross’ medical bills (Ross was battling cancer at the time). The contest had 70 entrants and raised R38 000.00. In the last few months of his life Ross asked his friends, the event organisers, to run the contest on an annual basis, and to donate all further monies raised to Hospice.
2010 saw amazing growth in entries and 157 eager surfers took to the water. Combined with raffle ticket sales, the benefit auction and entrance to the bash, R 35 000.00 was donated to Hospice.
All expectations were exceeded in 2011 with 215 entrants into the surf and stand up paddling divisions, culminating in 87 heats and 29 hours of surfing! The inaugural fun run/walk, sand castle building competition and stand up paddling race were also a big hit. Incredible support from numerous local and national businesses, as well as some very special private supporters, who all came to the party with donations, sponsorships, and prizes galore, ensured the success of a top notch event. 650 people attended the benefit bash and the final cheque handed over to Hospice amounted to an astounding R 70 000.00.
Over 300 surfers entered the contest in 2012, firmly securing our seat as the largest entered surf contest in Southern Africa. Despite a storm of epic proportions, the event was a resounding success and a cheque of R121 000 was handed to Hospice.
The contest organisers, who are all involved on a voluntary basis, are looking forward to another year of growth and to raising another record breaking amount for Hospice – all the while remembering the crucial element of Ross’s request: that this contest be run and done for fun and love. And to raise money for Hospice.
Knysna offers a range of accommodation options to suit any surfer’s style and pocket, so if you are travelling down to the Ross Taylor Surf Contest with your homies or flying solo, check out www.exploreknysna.com to find the perfect spot to wax your board.
And to enter, find the contest at http://www.facebook.com/rosstaylorsurfcontest or e-mail rosstaylorsurf@gmail.com for more information.