Through: Eungai Rail's Cameron Thompson won his over-40s men's heat yesterday. Pic: NIGEL McNEIL
PORT Macquarie’s Lenny Girdler will be back in action today in the semi-final of the over 50s division of the NSW Longboard Titles.
Girdler took advantage of his local knowledge and favourite surfing spot at the Breakwall on Monday to breeze through the first round and earn himself a day off yesterday.
He said it was paradise, with the warm water and good waves allowing him to surf at his peak.
“There were perfect tubes,” the oyster farmer said. “It was fantastic, a really good start.”
The event doubles as a yearly catch-up for competitors, and with a number of different venue options each day, it’s a mobile one.
Officials have the option of using Town Beach, Rainbow Beach, Grants Beach, Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach and North Haven Beach every day of the week-long event.
Girdler hopes the Breakwall at Town Beach is used as often as possible. “That’s my favourite spot,” he said. “I love it.”
He’s aiming for another crack at the Australian titles in Port Macquarie in August.
“I made them last year,” Girdler said.
Girdler said he was lucky to have the titles on his doorstep.
“For sure, it’s fantastic,” he said.
Before then though, his job beckoned.
“I might have to go to work tomorrow,” he said.
The competition continues today, with the over-35 men, over-40 men, over-45 men, over-55 men and over-65 men in action.
The open men's and women's competitions get underway tomorrow.