Point Lookout Boardriders’ combined efforts won the 2023 Gage Roads Straddie Invitational. Photo: Supplied.
FROM POINT LOOKOUT BOARDRIDERS
There’s no doubt about it, there are some top surfers in the district, and the renowned surf at Minjerribah will bring out the best in them.
The 2023 Gage Roads Straddie Invitational is an annual event that hosts surfers hailing from Noosa to Coffs Harbour, and this year it attracted formidable talent from 16 clubs. The top podium place went to the locals, the Point Lookout team, who scored a point tally of 28, ahead of Noosa and Snapper Rocks on 26 points each.
The victory was made even sweeter by it being only the third win for the Point Lookout club in 40 years of the competition (previous wins were in 2000 and 2003).
Several heat winners contributed to the overall points success, and good results were the order of the day, but two standout performers were Stacey Holt and Logan Specht.
Stacey, who has been on every winning women’s team in the Invitational, executed a stunning backside snap manoeuvre in the final minute of her ride that helped consolidate Point Lookout’s win.
The club’s chance of winning first place depended on Logan Specht’s ride. A four-time club champion, Logan brought home the goods with his mantra: ‘pressure creates diamonds’.
Club Secretary Dan Hatchman was loud in his praise of the club competitors.
“The Point Lookout team surfed out of their skin for the club with clutch performances under intense pressure. Our community couldn’t be prouder of the team,” he said. “The event was a resounding success, with perfect waves, an incredible sense of camaraderie among clubs and unbelievable surfing.”
And with warm weather looming and great surf calling, Straddie’s scenic beaches will be an irresistible lure for many visitors this summer.
