Over a Decade of Tommy …

Every year Flagler County plays host to many events, but there is only one that holds a place in so many hearts of those in and out of Flagler – The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic. The 11^th Annual Tommy Tant was held early November of this year and brought in surfers near and far to compete amongst each other and celebrate with each other.

The surf competition began as a small event to celebrate the life of Tommy Tant, a 24 year old surfer whose life ended suddenly and unexpectedly from an aortic aneurysm. Tommy's former teachers at Flagler Palm Coast High School were the event's first organizers and all proceeds went into a scholarship program for local students. The event went from being run by high school teachers to Zoee Forehand, owner of Z-Wave Surf Shop to Will Tant, professional surfer and Tommy's younger brother. With each passing year the Tommy Tant has evolved from a little surf competition to a nationally recognized event. And this year is solid proof of what a little love, hard work and even harder play can bring.

Day one of the 11^th Annual Tommy Tant had a grand finale like no other and was one of the coolest things I have ever personally witnessed – aerial night surfing presented by Red Bull. The Flagler Beach Municipal Pier was aglow and the music was pumping for a little night time wave action with some big air surfers. That isn't all the day had to offer. There was great music by Braddigan; gourmet food offered by Blue, Flagler Fish Company, The Atlantic Grille and a variety of other spectacular restaurants; and a little competing of course. From tad-poles to pros, they all came out to show off their wave riding skills. The water looked cold but that didn't seem to affect our contestants who went out and gave it their all. What came out of all of this? Well, more than $40,000 for scholarships and food bank donations. In other words, it was their biggest fund raising event to date. Not shabby for a little event that started just 11 years ago.

Next year is just around the corner with the 12^th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic. Think you have what it takes? Make sure to keep an eye on http://www.tommytant.com/. Thinking about learning? Come out to the beach and check out surf lessons at Z-Wave Surf Shop or just rent a board for the afternoon and we'll see you in the water.