- April 25, 2024
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The 13th-annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic, Food Festival and Concert, presented by Nautica, returns Nov. 17-18, to Flagler Beach.
This annual weekend event celebrates the life of Flagler Beach’s Tommy Tant, who died in 1998 from an aortic aneurysm. Featuring surfing, art, music and food, the community celebration has awarded $52,000 in scholarships, $17,000 to the Flagler Food Bank, and $6,000 to the National Marfan Foundation.
“The families and businesses that support the contest — it always impresses me,” said contest organizer and Tommy’s brother Will Tant. “It’s something that my family is humbled by each year.”
The daytime surf contest will host more than 300 surfers who will compete in four pro divisions and 11 amateur divisions. Bright House Networks is the purse sponsor for the Men’s Pro, and Skullcandy presents the Jr. Pro divisions.
But the surfing does not end when the sun goes down. The Red Bull Night Riders competition will return to the Flagler Beach Pier for the third year 8-10 p.m. Nov. 17. Six top professional surfers break the limits of aerial surfing during this competition. The invite-only event will feature professional surfers Oliver Kurtz, Evan Thompson, Alek Parker, Blake Jones, Jake Mcguire and Jesse Heilman.
Due to damages made to the pier during Hurricane Sandy, a few changes will be made to the Night Riders event this year. To limit the weight put on the pier, only 400 spectators will be allowed to watch from there. Additionally, the sound system, lighting and judges will all be moved to the beach.
“Night Riders is something that doesn’t take place anywhere else in the United States, and to have it at our event is an honor,” Will Tant said.
The move to the beach is not the only change to this year’s event. The Friday night kick-off party, which has taken place at several locations throughout the county, will find a new home this year at High Tides at Snack Jacks. The evening will include live music by 2/3rds and a silent auction featuring artwork, travel packages and surf related items.
Before the Night Riders hit the water Saturday night, Darkhorse Saloon, featuring Michael Fitzgerald, Colin Cowing and Carl Nishiyama, and Le Blorr, featuring Chris Hess and Adam Winn, will take the stage for a free concert in Veterans Park.
“Tommy and I grew up surfing with Mike Fitzgereald,” Will Tant said. “It’s awesome to have a local band opening for us. Le Blorr is really fun music — a little more rock and roll than years past. It’s going to require people to get up and dance.”
Amy Taylor, art teacher at Mantazas High School, will also be taking over the art during the contest with the help of her students, who will be painting.
But more than the surfing, the weekend event is about getting the community together and remembering. As is tradition, a paddle out will take place 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
“It reminds of us why we’re here, where it started and where it has come,” Will Tant said. “It’s honoring not only Tommy, but others who have passed in our community.”
Schedule of events:
7 p.m. Nov. 16 Kick-off party and silent auction High Tides at Snack Jacks
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 Surf Contest Flagler Beach Pier
12:30 p.m. Nov. 17 Paddle Out Ceremony Flagler Beach Pier
5-8 p.m. Nov. 17 Food Festival Veterans Park
6-8 p.m. Nov. 17 Concert Veterans Park
8-10 p.m. Nov. 17 Red Bull Night Riders Flagler Beach Pier
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 Surf Contest Flagler Beach Pier
