THE COFFS Coast’s surfers have once again hit the waves for a good cause during the 24th annual Barney Miller Surf Classic at Sawtell Main Beach.

The annual fundraiser helps to raise money for people who have suffered spinal cord and life-changing surfing injuries.

All proceeds from this year’s event went to seventeen-year-old Tamsyn McConnell and her family from Minnie Water.

Tamsyn was a passenger in a life changing motor vehicle accident in September 2022, in which she was ejected from the car and now has severe spinal cord injury as well as a brain injury.

Event organiser Barney Miller gave his insight on a big three days of surfing at Sawtell.

“We had 164 entrants, which was slightly up on last year,” he said.

“We had people come all the way from the Sunshine Coast to the South Coast, from all the way along the coast.

“We had all the groms on the opening day doubled with the seniors, and the waves were so fun.

“They were a bit bigger than on the second day, it was awesome.”

He explained what made the event unique.

“It brings everyone together for a good cause, and we get some of the best surfers in Australia here which is even better,” he said.

“And we’re lucky to have such an amazing club like Sawtell Boardriders host it for the whole weekend.”

With the 25th anniversary in 2025, Miller floated the possibility of expanding the event.

“Maybe we could add another day, but that depends if we could lock in enough people,” he said.

“We could easily do a four-day event; that could be in the works.”

By Aiden BURGESS