The surf break at Moffat Beach will be a flurry of action across the Easter long weekend as a popular and historic competition rolls in.
For nearly five decades, the Pa and Ma Bendall Memorial Contest has highlighted the best in boardriding and brings the heart of the local surfing community together to celebrate a special Sunshine Coast legacy.
Taking place from April 7 to 9, this year the contest is marking its 49th year.
Named after legendary surfing identities Charles and Marjorie Bendall, it is organised by the Windansea Boardriders Club.
Club president Terry Landsberg said it was gearing up to be another great year, acknowledging how the event recognises and respects Caloundra’s surfing community and history.
“It’s one of the longest-running events in Australia and we’re extremely proud as a local boardriders club to host the event in this capacity,” he said.
As a 2022 legends category winner, Mr Landsberg will return to the competition this year and says the water will be filled with plenty of fresh and seasoned talent.
One such surfer is 2022 open winner Jaggar Bartholomew, the son of 1977 winner Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew.
“We have Jagger Bartholomew coming back to defend his open men’s crown this year,” Mr Landsberg said.
“Curtis Ewing from North Stradbroke Island is attending and surfing in the opens.
“Also, a previous winner, Wade Goodall will be surfing.
“Wade is a much-loved Windansea member. He had a quite a long career in surfing travelling overseas competing in many of events and is a former Australian pro-am champion as well.”
Mr Landsberg said there would be a strong contingency of Windansea members including Matt Clark and Eli Steel.
This year’s prizemoney will see the male and female open winners receive $2000 each.
Visit the Pa Ma Bendall Facebook page to follow updates on the event.
Pa and Ma Bendall Memorial Contest history
Charles (Pa) and his wife Marjory (Ma) settled in Caloundra in the 1950s.
There were only a handful of other surfers living locally at the time and they became the mother and father of surfing on the Sunshine Coast.
Pa formed the invitational Moffateers club in 1966 to promote integrity and sportsmanship locally within surfing.
Using club contests as training and conditioning for more challenging contests, he encouraged the young Moffateers to compete in regional, state and national championships.
In 1973, Pa passed away and soon after, a memorial plaque was unveiled in what is today known as the Ma and Pa Bendall Park.
The first Pa Bendall Memorial Contest was held at Moffat Beach in February 1974 in four-foot (1.2m) surf.
Ma passed away in 2001 at age 91 and today the competition recognises both their contributions to the sport.
Attracting stars of the surf and producing incredible young local talent, it has been a springboard for many moving into the professional ranks, with past winners including Australian and world champions.
It has also made a significant contribution to the community of Caloundra, helping raise the region’s profile through international publicity.
The competition is believed to be the second-longest running surfing competition in Australia, behind the iconic Bells Classic.
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