The longest running event in Aussie Kiteboarding (6 years) and windsurfing (25 years) Merimbulas Mambo Wave Classic was once again a huge success.

All 216 entrants scored magic wind and waves for the 4 day spectacle, and many cold ales were earned and appreciated. The first few days saw a solid groundswell polished by a stiff northerly, with the prime kiteboarding coming from the strapless surf crew.

This year there was no shortage of surfboards or style and there were still a few twintips busting out as well. The next few days a challenging southerly broken up by downpours made for good action. The judges as always would have been snowed under by bribery and sexual favours. Apparently someone got a little too serious because at one stage there was talk of comp heats, lets hope theres less of that next year and more of the fun camraderie we all go there for.

At one point honorary judge Evil Al was spotted stand up paddleboarding in a devil suit which is exactly the sort of thing we love about Mambo. Of course every evening got messy and sore heads abounded, but there were no complaints, because thats the only rule of the event. No complaining.

A big shout out to the local Merimbula crew, for their outstanding efforts which are appreciated by all of us. Well done John, Henry, Craig and the BBQ lads, we love you. And good on the local kitegroms for setting up sliders and busting out on them. Theres loads of talent on show every year, and one of the best things is pick up on whats new and see everyone you only see once a year at the Mambo. Its like one big deviant family reunion.  

Thanks also to the sponsors to find out more visit the merimbula sailboard clubs site. Eventually Theresa Mckirdy WA and Ben Wilson NSW were crowned kite standouts. Then everyone else got a prize and went home. Its a must do for any kiteboarder, for those that make the effort always worthwhile. See you there next year.

MAMBO MERIMBULA CLASSIC 2005 RESULTS

KITE SURFING OPEN  

1.BEN WILSON - MERIMBULA

2.STUART MARTIN - PELICAN

3.JAMIE SYMONDS - KINGSCLIFF

4.MATT TOBIN - SOUTHPORT

5.JOHN MESSENGER - PALM BEACH

6.LEE KAVANAGH - WALLABI POINT

WAVE SAILING OPEN

1.SCOTT McKERCHER - WA

2.RICKY VAN DER TOORN - MERIMBULA

3.SHANE FINNIGAN - QLD.

4.MATT HOLDER - WA

5.DEAN HENDRIE - BONNELS BAY

6. DAN BERRY - CRONULLA

KING MAMBO - BEST IN BOTH DISCIPLINES

ROHAN CUDMORE - SYDNEY

THE GARY McKENZIE-SMITH TROPHY FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE BY A PROMISING UP & COMER, & DECENT ALL ROUND PERFORMER

LOGAN  HAGGERSTON - COAL POINT

ALGIE AWARD FOR UP & COMER

TRAVIS WINTER - COAL POINT

KITE SURFING LADIES

1.THERESA McKIRDY - WA

2.C.J. JONES - ELANORA QLD.

WAVE SAILING LADIES    

CAROLINE  NUGENT - MERIMBULA

KITE SURFING JUNIOR  

1.JOEL BECUS - BUDDINA QLD.

2.DANIEL SMITH - CURRUMBIN

UP & COMING JUNIORS
BROCK CLEARY - AUCKLAND NZ
BENN TWYMAN - NIAGARA PARK

WAVE SAILING JUNIOR      

1.BEN FAWKES - WANGI WANGI

2.KANE MANN - MERIMBULA

KITE SURFING MASTERS    

1.GENE PHOENIX - CURRUMBIN QLD.

2.ANDRIUS DAUKUS - DEE WHY

3.GLEN HOOPER - DIAMOND BEACH

WAVE SAILING MASTERS      

1.CRAIG SPOTTISWOOD - BLACK ROCK VIC.

KITE SURFING VETERANS      

1.ANDREW REGAN - JEWELLS

2.SHANE MURRELL - AUCKLAND NZ

WAVE SAILING VETERANS    

1.LLOYD ELLIS - NAMBUCCA

2.MAT CUDMORE - MERIMBULA

KITE SURFING LEGEND          

1.JOHN WARREN - PALM BACH QLD.

WAVE SAILING LEGEND        

1.DARREN HOLDER - KIAMA

2.DAVE FRAME - VAUCLUSE

KITE SURFING BEST LOCAL            
GLE BRUNETTE

WAVE SAILING BEST LOCAL            

GINNA GRAHAM

LOCAL UP & COMER KITE SURFING
WILLIAM WADE