Egmont Grind & Danger Bay 8 Longboarding

Egmont today was so much fun! Kent and I took the boat to the government wharf about 1230 after setting the prawn traps at Egmont Point.

The longboarders were Egmont bound for a pre-race before the Danger 8 Coast Longboarding race which will take place on Francis Peninsula Road Sunday. Information was sketchy but there were a number of us waiting for them by 1300. Luckily we had beer to drink and plenty of sunshine, so we waited, enjoying the afternoon.

Around 1500 hours we heard they were on their way. A ramp was set up on the Government Wharf and people started to arrive. We knew the race was offically beginning when Bricin Lyons arrived in his van!

It was amazing to hear the longboarders coming down the hill one after the other, going for it along the wharf and up the ramp where their boards were held back by a 4 x 4 as they went head first into the water. Of course they all wore helmets. Some did dives, some feet first and others were ‘garage sales’ landing however it happened.

I videoed every one of them. After the race, many of them used a bungy cord and jumped again for fun. It was amazing how much air and length they got.

There were a ton of people on the dock watching, a boat standing by if needed and a SCUBA diver in the water to help the participants when necessary. Only one needed serious help to get back to the ladder on the dock as I think he had the wind knocked out of him when he landed. He was able to climb the ladder once he had a few minutes to recover so all was well.

It was a great day, with lots of people showing up to watch and tons of fun for the participants and watchers. We’re going to watch Danger Bay 8 on the Francis Peninsula Road on Sunday and I’ll definitely be back for next year’s event in Egmont!

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