SAWTELL’S surfing community are ready to hit the waves for a great cause during this year’s Barney Miller Charity Surf Classic.

The annual event is set to feature three big days of surfing on 25-27 March at Sawtell Main Beach.

The fundraising event is hosted by Barney and Kada Miller and the Sawtell community, and helps to raise money for people who have suffered spinal cord and life-changing surfing injuries.

This year’s recipient is the family of Woolgoolga surfer Tim Thompson, who was fatally attacked by a shark last year.

Tim’s wife Katie is the 2022 recipient with all funds raised aiming to help with raising their new baby girl who was born in January, as well as living costs.

This year will be the 22nd running of the annual event founded by world adaptive surfing champion Barney Miller, who sustained debilitating injuries from a motor vehicle accident.

Sawtell Boardriders Club members Harper McIntosh and Fletcher O’Sullivan are two of the many Sawtell surfers who will take part in this year’s Barney Miller Charity Surf Classic.

It will be the two twelve-year-old groms’ fourth Classic they have taken part in on their home break at Sawtell Main Beach.

Harper McIntosh won his event at last year’s Classic, and was looking forward to defending his title after an interrupted surfing season.

“It’s just good to get out there and compete with your mates on your home break,” he said.

“Last year I competed at the Woolworths Surfer Grom Comp and the Billabong Oz Grom Cup in Coffs Harbour, but there haven’t been many competitions lately due to COVID, so I’m really looking forward to the Barney Miller Classic.”

Fellow grom Fletcher O’Sullivan also couldn’t wait to take part in this year’s Classic.

“It’s good for everyone in the community to come together for a good cause, and it’s fun competing with all your mates,” he said.

 

By Aiden BURGESS