Dear Laybackers,
it is with great reluctance that I have had to make the call to postpone the Classic due to the predicted weather and ocean conditions for tomorrow. The committee and I have discussed all the pros and cons, and have had the input of 3 past presidents over the last days in consideration of this, so I have done all I can to make the right call.
These are the considerations for that postponement:
Weather:
- BOM predictions are for ‘Rain possible heavy falls, very high (100%) chance of rain, heavy falls possible.Winds southerly 25 to 35km/h turning south-easterly early in the morning’
- Temp 13 to 15 (without wind chill)
Waves:
- Swellnet – SE swell 5 to 8’ 8 second period
- Windy App – 6 to 8’ SE swell, wind 20 to 27kts
- Magic Seaweed – 9 to 11’ SE swell, wind 25kts
Safety
- Mark Harris one of the electricians in the club has advised that running the coffee makers, PA and other appliances in rain with leads from the electrical box is a definite safety issue. Even running a generator has its risks with rain all day.
- The club has a duty of care for all the competitors, and the predicted conditions would likely not be safe for at least some of them, this is an important consideration.
Past Presidents Advice:
- I have discussed all these factors with Scotty, Dale and Hendo – with a good decade of presidency between them, and they support postponing the event under these circumstances.
Social Aspect:
- The Winter Classic is an opportunity for us all to celebrate our common passion for surfing and the lifestyle we enjoy. If the weather predictions are correct conditions on shore will be miserable – top of 15 with wind chill way below that, 100% chance of rain and heavy falls, shelters will be up, but few people will hang around, and they will just under the tent. Most people will stay in their vehicles, and as soon as they can, leave. We won’t be able to get together and chat on the grass, watch the surfing, and just share the day with each other and friends and family who aren’t members.
Exposure for Sponsors
- We are significantly supported by our sponsors, and we need to give them the exposure they deserve for that. A wet day hanging under the tents with no passing trade and competitors leaving early is not fair to them if there is an alternative.
This change will mean some of our competitors won’t be able to attend unfortunately, which is a real bummer. We may pick up some new people who weren’t able to make it tomorrow of course, but the committee will be communicating with all the competitors and letting them know today.