The 24th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic is set for later this month in Flagler Beach. The locally iconic surf competition commemorating one of the town’s own takes place from October 23 to 25 just to the south of the Flagler Beach Pier. Competitive divisions include pro and amateur sorted by gender and age groups.
This year’s edition of the Tommy Tant contest will feature the return of the Tow-At pro aerial demonstration. The show will feature Ryan Huckabee and Robbie McCormick, two Flagler Beach-based surfers who’ve exhibited their wave-riding mastery on the world professional tour. They’ll take air after the contest’s end on Saturday, October 24.
Another factor making this year’s Tommy Tant contest special is the debut of the event’s permanent physical home. Craeft Surf Studio, owned by Tommy Tant’s younger brother Will and his wife Clarissa, will host the kickoff party and awards ceremony. The studio operates at 404 South Ocean Shore Boulevard, the former home of Z Wave Surf Shop just next to 7-Eleven.
Proceeds from the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic and the Tow-At session have historically raised over $200,000 for community causes. This month, fundraising will be focused toward local student scholarships and grants through the Fellows Program.
“My brother was a big supporter of my career, so it’s exciting to watch our Fellows Program grow into its second year and to celebrate it with two of our Fellows in the Tow-At session,” said Will Tant, event organizer and Craeft Surf Studio co-owner.
The kickoff party for the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic takes place Friday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Craeft Surf Studio. Live and silent auctions are set to be held, drinks and snacks will be available, and there will be an acoustic live music set from Timing Belt. Things will close out with a memorial paddle-out after the contest Sunday and an awards ceremony Sunday evening at Craeft.
