The 1978 Alan Oke Memorial
Alan Oke Surfboards started in 1968 in a small shop in Edithvale, Victoria by a young, enthusiastic surfer.
Alan regularly surfed on Phillip Island (‘The Island’) and became a well-known identity in the local surf scene. At one time, he was president of the Phillip Island Boardriders Club. He was a part of the early breed of boardmakers in Victoria.
After his tragic passing in 1973, the Phillip Island Boardriders ran a surfing comp through the late 1970’s and into the early 80’s, the Alan Oke Memorial, an event that, in 1976, boasted the highest prize money of any event in the world. Some winners of the event being Charlie Bartlett, Ian Cairns, Wayne Lynch, Glen Winton, Col Smith and Ian Cochrane.
In 1978, I went over to the Island hoping to get a decent surf in a great competition. I didn’t have to worry, the surf was 6’-8’ with absolutely huge sets coming through. I made my way into the semi-finals, and thought I had a good chance of making it into the final.
I was in the second semi, and the officials allowed us to paddle out early because it was so hard getting off the rocks and paddling through the line-up. I was sitting there with the other guys when I thought I heard the siren. Straight away I started paddling at a fast pace because I saw a wave coming that was going to peak away from the other contestants. I took the drop on this 8’+ wave and pulled straight into the barrel. When I came out, I noticed the others were still sitting there, it was then that I heard the siren. My heart just dropped into my stomach, thinking they would disqualify me. My wave would not be counted and they all took off and headed inside. I was behind the pack and not able to make any ground. I caught a few waves but nothing like the first one.
I ended up coming equal 9th in the comp, but the funny thing was I was so pumped because of that one wave, the best wave that I’ve ever had at “Express”, that I was not disappointed.
A couple of months later I bought a Tracks Magazine and there was a photo of me coming out of that barrel. I remember seeing a water photographer out there but I didn’t pay any attention at the time. Then in the next issue there was another photo of me doing a top turn. How good was that, I lost the heat but got two photos in Tracks!
