Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic still a community effort

More than 200 surfers competed in the 20th edition of the event that celebrates the life of a local surf standout.

  • By Guest Author
  • | 10:24 p.m. November 14, 2021
  • Palm Coast Observer
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by: Christine Rodenbaugh

The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic celebrates the life of a local surf standout, and three local surfers were celebrated for winning the three pro divisions during the 20th-annual event. More than 200 surfers competed Nov. 13-14 near the Flagler Beach Pier.

Tant died unexpectedly in 1998 from an aortic aneurysm. The 24-year-old athlete was unaware he had inherited Marfan syndrome, a disorder that affects connective tissue.

The first four contests were organized by Dan Worley, Katie McNitt, Jamie Dittbender and Fran Noble to remember Tant and embrace the Tant family. In the fifth year, they handed the contest over to Tant’s younger brother, pro surfer Will Tant.

“It’s still a community effort,” Will Tant said. “That’s the beauty of it. For 20 years, the community has come together to support the event and my family.”

Proceeds support the Tommy Tant Memorial Scholarship, the Flagler Food Bank and the National Marfan Foundation. The event raises awareness for Marfan syndrome and related disorders, many of which cause aortic aneurysms.

Will Tant was proud that locals captured first place in all three professional divisions on Saturday, Nov. 13:

  • Men’s Pro — Robbie McCormick
  • Women’s Pro — Haley Stephens
  • Pro Junior — Ryan Huckabee

Sunday’s competition featured amateurs and included a Memorial Paddle Out at noon. Will Tant explained that it’s a tradition among surfers to paddle out and join hands while on their boards.

“The movement of the ocean will push out from the center to create a perfect circle of everyone who’s joined hands,” he said. “It’s really special.”

To view the results, go to https://www.liveheats.com/events/6114

The local champs: Ryan Huckabee, Haley Stephens and Robbie McCormick. Courtesy photo
The local champs: Ryan Huckabee, Haley Stephens and Robbie McCormick. Courtesy photo

 

 

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