Craig Potgieter, Surfing SA, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Yorkes Classic 2023 champions were crowned amidst powerful, clean waves at the iconic Chinaman’s surf break in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park on Saturday, August 19.
This year’s 40th-anniversary celebrations did not disappoint, as light onshore wind combined with a southwesterly groundswell to provide perfect three-foot slabby surf all day long.
The event showcased a high standard of surfing across all divisions.
One of the highlights of the event was witnessing legendary Yorke Peninsula surfer, Brian “Squizzy” Taylor make it to the final and surf against his son Corey along with Matt Shorten.
Local surfer Luke Sykora from Marion Bay clinched the men’s title.
“I first attended a Yorkes Classic when I was 10 years old, and since then, it has been my goal to win this event,” Sykora said.
“After many close attempts, I have finally achieved it, and I am stoked!” Poppy Sweetman from Middleton secured the women’s title for the second time.
Both Sweetman and Sykora are now the South Australian state title winners for 2023 and have secured a spot to compete at the Australian Surfing Championships in 2024.
Indi DeBono from Middleton claimed the junior title in a closely contested final.
Leo Torok from Middleton took second place, with King Cairns from Port Noarlunga third and Bailey Torok, Middleton, fourth.
The presentations and 40th celebrations were held at the Stenhouse Bay Hall as part of the Grounded YP Art Festival, supported by YP Council.
Local band, The Swamp Donkeys, kept the 150-plus crowd entertained late into the evening.
Thank you to all the sponsors, particularly the major sponsors and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Results
- The Ding King Men: 1st Luke Sykora, 2nd Corey Taylor, 3rd Matt Shorten, 4th Brian Taylor.
- Extreme Boardriders Women: 1st Poppy Sweetman, 2nd Meg Day, 3rd Keira Hunt, 4th Annabel Greenleaf.
- Neptune’s Surf Coaching Juniors: 1st Indi DeBono, 2nd Leo Torok, 3rd King Cairns, 4th Bailey Torok.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 29 August 2023.
