HENRY JONES, MALIBU SURFING ASSOCIATION 2015 ‘CLASSIC’ EVENT CHAMPION !!

We’ve been fans of Henry Jones for ages. As best as we can remember, Henry was the first local DJ to feature PBGB songs on a radio program. We think it was 2008 when we went in to the studio with a clutch of our songs and talked about music and surf on Henry’s ‘Surf Safari’ show. 

Henry’s been running his show on Eden’s 2SEA 104.7 fm station for years. The show airs from 1 until 3 every Saturday. Henry mixes the music up but it’s basically rock and roll from the 60s on. He hosts great discussions about what’s going on in the world of surfing, but the music tends to take priority. Listen in ! 

Anyway, we’ve always known Henry to be a keen surfer. We often see him cruising around with his boards on top, in the car parks, and out in the line ups. We also know he has won a good number of contests over the years. 

But recently we heard he had won an International Event in California ! WOW ! Turns out what Henry had won his Division ( over 70s – Go the Grey Grommets ) in The Malibu Classic, and that folks, is no tin pot event - it features top surfers from all over the world. 

This overview comes from the MSA Classic website.................. 

“The Malibu Surfing Association’s Classic Invitational is the United States' most prestigious club-level surfing contest and premier event in the Coalition of Surfing Clubs annual series. The 2015 Invitational Contest was held at Surfrider Beach, Malibu from September 11-13, 2015. More than 260 invited athletes representing surfing clubs from around the world competed at First Point, Malibu, one of surfing’s legendary waves." 

We were stoked for Henry, so we congratulated him and asked him to shoot us over some details and a picture. He did, and here, in his own words, is what he said.................... 

“Thanks guys, or should I say “Buddies” in a phoney American accent ?, for featuring my recent win on the PBGB Website. 

So here I am…. (with my only connection to music being a lowly DJ)…. Being asked to blow me own trumpet. Ooompa Ooompa…. oompsadazy…. (that sounds more like me bleedin’ trombone….) But, of course I can’t resist this invitation to feature on the PBGB Blog. Thanks again buddies !! 

I scored an invite into the 2015 running of the world famous Malibu Surfing Association Classic contest on the basis of my wins in some important Ozzie contests. California here I come…. Well, here WE come…. (I couldn’t find my way to the nearest corner shop without Trish). 

The surf was simply fantastic, the fun factor was really bubbling... and when I paddled out, I knew I was only ever gonna get just one brief shot at a win, at iconic Malibu. I actually had to pinch myself when I realized I was getting all the best waves, and everything appeared like it was simply falling into my lap. Yes, totally surreal … surfing perfect Malibu point WITH ONLY SIX GUYS IN THE WATER !! I reckoned I’d been practising for that moment for over sixty years…. (ever since I first pulled on a pair of tiny red budgies)…. and when they announced that I’d won, I felt I’d magically pulled my big white rabbit out of their smooth black silken hat. 

We had parked our motor home in Micky Dora’s favourite spot, so maybe some of his famous “charisma" had rubbed off…. (who ever fully understands the mystical voodoo related to one’s very good luck)? So I’m currently the Men’s Senior Legend !!! 

When they handed me the trophy I was absolutely stoked (as you could imagine) and someone yelled out “hold it up”. So I did. Trish snapped me looking a little silly I reckon (because winners are SUPPOSED to be grinners). But I guess I was just contemplating… "Jebus…. is this a REAL moment - or am I just dreaming it” ? 

Luckily again, on my last night I went to this amazing rock-concert in Del Mar (down near San Diego). It was huge, and the head-lining band was The Killers. Well, I knew every word to every song... so I flew out of LA the next night with the my spirits floating on cloud nine… (are we human, or are we dancers?) I had definitely found my winning grin…. and yes, I’m still proudly wearing it !” 

So there it is folks – local Community Radio Station DJ and keen surfer Henry Jones puts Pambula on the International Surfing Map ! Well done Henry !!