Surfers ready to line up for 40th 'Yal Mal' Classic

One of the region’s most beloved and long running sporting events will once again hit the waves off the northern end of the Capes this weekend.

Surfers and surfing fans will gather in Yallingup to mark the 40th anniversary of the Yallingup Malibu Classic, fondly known as the ‘Yal Mal’.

The event was started in 1985 by the ‘Bunch of Fun Locals’, and has since grown into one of the longest running longboard competitions in Australia.

Hosted by the Indian Ocean Longboard Club, the event will be held at Yallingup on Saturday and Sunday commencing at 7am, before presentations on the lawn at around 3pm on Sunday. More than 100 competitors are expected to take part in divisions ranging from Juniors, to Over 70s.

Adding to the fun, the ‘Bow Tie and Boardies Ball’ will be held at Palmer Wines on Saturday night.

This year’s sponsors include the City of Busselton, Holden Accountants, Aravina Winery, McCann’s Lawyers, Westside Commercial Interiors, Dunsborough Painting and more.

“The Yal Mal has a long history of giving back to the community with thousands of dollars contributed to support a range of community groups,” Club President Ray Holden said.

Recipients include local schools and sports clubs, local Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades, Margaret River Volunteer Sea Rescue and the purchase and installation of two defibrillators at Yallingup to further protect ocean and beach users.

Tickets are available for the Bow Tie & Boardies Ball. Further info can be found at www.facebook.com/yallingupmalibuclassic