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, with Steve Williams taking out the commemorative “Sam’s Division” for the over-60s, ahead of Mick Molloy, after battling a rain storm.

Board Riders 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 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 the wind turned onshore and the swell dropped.