Three-time world champion Damian King is returning to the surf to compete in the annual David 'Goose' Gosby Memorial Bodyboarding Competition on October 31.
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The Dropknee World Tour champ retired from professional bodyboarding in 2013 but has been tempted into the waves by Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association (PMBA) and visiting athletes to the event on Saturday.
"I think with the whole coronavirus lockdown, people are keen to get out and all the spots have filled up for the event," Mr King said.
"Everyone is keen to be out there and we have got a few people travelling from locations in the state. I think there will be a few people from Sydney, Newcastle, Forster and Coffs Harbour.
"The wave height is looking good and we have a north-east swell coming so all the beaches should be good.
"After 15 years of competing you kind of get over it, but I've had a break and if the waves are good I'm keen. I feel a bit keener on this one and we'll see how we go on the day."
The annual bodyboarding memorial pays tribute to association founding member David Gosby, who tragically drowned while surfing after school with mates.
PMBA has aligned this competition with similar events at Forster and Central Coast to form a Memorial Triple Crown event. A cash prize pool has also been added to the major divisions including opens, womens, masters and dropknee divisions.
Mr King said his main competition strategy is claiming two early waves in his first heat and building steadily on them.
"I always try to start with a good foundation of two good scores in my heat. Get in early and get a base happening before I try to better my score," he said.
"That's always how I have done it and it's always the top two waves that win a competition.
"If you have a hard heat you may need to go hard from the start. There is always a risk of only getting one good wave or waiting for a good wave and it doesn't come."
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