Steel City Surf Classic in memory of Ty Delaney

Good Friday 2022 saw the 2nd annual Steel City Surf Classic in memory of Ty Delaney go down at Thirroul beach. The Classic celebrates Ty's passions of surfing, art, and the coming together of family and friends.

On display were 6 artists completing major artworks in their own homage to Ty. Whilst in the surf, teams of 5 surfers, each with a female surfer, compete in a tag team format.

With perfect sunny weather and epic 4-5 feet waves combined with glassy offshore conditions surfers, artists and the crowd had froth levels at an all time high. There was even an appearance from a friendly and playful pod of dolphins.
Round 1 saw 4 teams in each 60 minute heat with some outstanding performances coming from Joel Wood, who dropped a 9.2 out of 10 points for his team, while Jasper Bartlett, Keanu Miller and Nick Peatman excelled in the pristine conditions.

Standouts for the females included Darci Air, Kasey Martin, Billie Melinz and Kasey Hargraves. While special mention must go to all the girls who participated including Georgia Sadolewski, Charlotte Leghissa, Bailey Newman and Rachel Montgomery.

The semis saw some super high-performance surfing from the likes of Pete Armstrong who ripped 2 massive backhand hacks for an 8.7 to lead his team into the final, Jed Ashton, Eddy Hamaty and the experience of Glenn Cahill saw their respective teams into the final.

With the tide at it's lowest we recessed for 40miutes and witnessed a great free surf session go down, with Parrish Byrne being the standout. The large crowd feasted on the delicious BBQ and observed the artists completing their stunning artworks, all the while with the DJ spinning some sick tunes.

The crowd came together for a photo opportunity before the start of the action packed final. 50 minutes to get through 5 surfers then the power surfers meeting for a 20 minute power final which will be spoken about for years to come.
During the teams final Darci Air ripped, Jai Robson was solid and Chad English and Jasper Jordan both consistent and Jed Ashton bought team 10 home in a good position leading into the power final.
Other strong performers in the team's final were Kasey Hargraves and Jasper Bartlett for team 7. Kasey Martin and Eddy Hamaty for their team.

The power final was an epic encounter with all 4 surfers going for broke to the massive cheers from a growing crowd. It came down to last minute before the individual winner was decided, Eddy and Jed locked in high 7's, Jasper Bartlett a 9, but it was a masterful performance from Joel Wood who ripped into 2 big forehand full rail hacks before nailing a tail high, fins to the beach full air reverse to the cheers of the raucous crowd, 10 points!!! and the chair up the beach and showered in beer and champagne.

The team winners were in 1st Jed Ashton, Darci Air, Jai Robson, Chad English and Jasper Jordan.
2nd Joel Wood, Lee Brusic, Glenn Cahill, Heath Wheeler and Letesha McHugh.
3rd Jasper Bartlett, Kasey Hargreaves, Tim Kelly, Tom Dryden and Tim Kelly.
4th Eddy Hamaty, Pete Armstrong, Nick Brusic, Kasey Martin and Austin Bingham.

Epic day, in epic conditions and a hugely successful event with great benefits for the entire community, including a Resilience Workshop by pro surfer Cooper Chapman on May 17th at the Ryans Hotel. A surfer from both Sandon Point Boardriders and Scarborough Boardriders will be sponsored to attend the national surfing high performance centre at Casuarina along with surfer of the day Joel Wood. And an art project from Bulli High School will be sponsored.
After this epic day the appropriate celebration went down at the Ryans Hotel with local legends from the band Satin Cali killing it big time, and a great raffle to top it off.

The artworks were an awesome spectacle. Dru Parko and Benny "the tropical dancer" Marbo entertained the crowd on the mic.
A massive shout out of appreciation to all involved and all who contributed, and a word of appreciation to all who bought their great vibes and all who surfed in the manner in which would make Ty proud. A special shout out to Ty's family and friends, we do this because we love Ty and we love you guys,

Jason Gava

eace!!

GREAT LOCAL EVENT TOP WORK BY ALL INVOLVED