20th-annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic set for Nov. 13-14

by: Cindy Dalecki

Marketing 2 Go

The 20th-annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic presented by The Surf Station will take place on Nov. 13 and 14 in Flagler Beach. What began in memory of Tommy Tant — a local surfer who died from an aortic aneurysm at 24 years old — has grown into a beloved event that celebrates the bond of family, friendship and surf culture he loved.

This year’s event will kick off at Tortugas Restaurant on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. with live music and a live auction. Auction items include a surf adventure to Nicaragua, VIP seats to the Orlando Magic, a weekend golf getaway to the Hammock Beach Resort and Spa, and a custom Channel Island surfboard.

The amateur and professional surf contest begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Some of the world’s best surfers will battle through the elimination rounds at the iconic Flagler pier. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win surfboards, surf gear and a one-of-a-kind surfboard wall art. Attendees can also peruse sponsor booths lining the A1A boardwalk.

As the first day of competition winds down, friends will continue the celebration with live music and dancing at a beach party hosted by The Golden Lion at 7 p.m.

The final rounds of the surf competition take place at 8 a.m. Sunday. Spectators will gather to cheer on their favorite contestants as they compete to advance to the final match. First place surfers will win a 4-foot champion trophy.  

On Sunday at noon, the competition will pause for the commemorative paddle out ceremony, where surfers paddle out past the breaking waves to join hands and form a circle of remembrance. This year, the paddle out will honor Tant as well as Donna Ciancuilla, a member of the Flagler Beach community and faithful supporter of “The Tommy”; she died in February.

To date, the event has raised and donated approximately $160,000 to the Flagler County Food Bank, local scholarships, and the Marfan Foundation. Learn more about the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic, apply for scholarships, or sign up to volunteer by visiting www.tommytant.com.