So, let’s say you’re maybe thinking of coming to Merimbula
for the Mambo, and you’ve heard just a little about it, but you’d
like to know more… well, here’s a few handy
hints.
First… What to bring ?
Be practical and go and raid your piggy bank. Though it
may sometimes seem so, there’s no such thing as a “free” lunch. You’ll
need petrol money, beer money, accommodation, entry fees,
insurance, (and bribes for the judges) so your plastic
will probably cop
a bit of a beating.
Second, bring a happy positive attitude.
This is a fun event… always has been… so pack your smile (or
a goofy grin) and maybe your Captain Goodvibes T.shirt. Now, speaking of
shirts, grab some really loud shirts ( it’s this year’s MAJOR
theme) and wear them always. Let’s all go totally over the top…(see
if you can “out-shirt” me)
A prize for "MR LOUDSHIRT" is definitely on the
agenda !
You’ll soon see that this is a gathering of the “water worshippers”.
We get wet ! We ride the waves on kite-boards, sailboards and SUPs… so
yes, it’s a SURFATHON. You’ll probably need
a decent wet suit if you intend to take home a fine trophy.
We reward
the wildest
performers,
so go hard. You'll have to make sure you're covered by
insurance
however. ( more details on this later)
Where to go?
Gather at the green shed at Ford Park. That’s Merimbula Sailboard
Club Central and it’s the nerve centre of the event. John Smythe
and the team do their thing there… rego, barbie, briefings, etc.
It’s just east of the bridge, so follow your nose
(you can usually smell the sausages and onions sizzling).
What will you see?
You’ll see all the latest toys from all the big brand surf companies.
There’ll be tents full of high tech surfing stuff.
Some boards are for you to use, just to see how they go.
On the water you’ll see the best riders from all over OZ and some
internationals too. You’ll also see the red hot Red Bull girls…(and
a few crusty old farts who’ve been running the contest for twenty
nine years). If you’re lucky you’ll see One Knot get his gear
off (he’ll need a few beers), and other types of fruit loops doing
dopey drunken deeds in the dark... ( but of course we don’t
encourage any of THIS nonsense)
What about the contest ?
It’s an “expression session” so do your
own thing, but SAFETY FIRST at ALL times (or else !) We
have a lot
of spectators
checkin'
things out, and it's YOUR responsibility not to harm a
hair on their head, so be alert to ANY and EVERY possible
danger.
The judging system is finalised by a “panel” at the end of
the four days… and no correspondence will be entered into. These
secret scouts usually get it right, but remember, the contest’s Golden
Rule is , No Whingeing…. about anything.
What if I’m feeling lucky
The presentation on Sunday evening usually goes on too
long and can get a bit crazy, but because the sponsors
are so
generous,
there’s a
really good chance you’ll score a nice prize (just don’t get
greedy and grab two). And support the sponsors reverently ‘cause
they are the gods walking among us mere mortals. They make it such a fantastic
event ! We luv ‘em all, and feel that it's very important
to pay them their due respect.
Pubs or parties?
You’ll probably enjoy both. The nocturnal activities are legendary,
and the hang-overs may kill more brain cells than a nuclear bomb (most
just grin and bear it)… but don’t forget the police will book
you if you go bananas, or attempt to water the neighbour’s roses
on your way home from the pub at some ungodly hour. So not too much bloody
noise after mid-night, please. ... maintain your "cool".
Last comments… This
event is what we all make it. Just remember that it’s “serious fun”, and have a great time. Leave your
bull-shit behind and join up with all the wonderful water-worshippers to
make it a huge celebration of surf, sun, steak and sand. (Of course there’ll
be no sex please… we’re British)
Tell me more Check
out the 2008
"How did it rate" report to read about
the fun that was enjoyed by all last year, and the Classic page will
give you links to all the other coverage of this great
event from 2008.
See you soon
Henry Jones
P.S. If the “party platform” crew
arrive, things could get verrrrry interesting…
Why not ?
