On the eve of its 20^th anniversary, the Jeff Wilcox Memorial will welcome local, national and international competitors for the first time since 2016 following last year’s cancellation.  

Jeff’s mum Sue Wilcox said the event celebrates “a life-loving, vibrant young man.

“This event is built around his legacy with pride and passion for youth involved in sport and the community.

“Those close to Jeff extend their sincere thanks to all sponsors lending their support and greatly appreciate the hard working organisers and volunteers who make this event a celebration of Jeff’s life.

“Good luck to all competitors,” Sue said. 

Jeff died in 1989 after a battle with cancer.

His former schoolmate and event co-organiser Shane Chalker said the bodyboarding community is keen to get back in the water for the iconic event.

“This is a really special event to remember Jeff.

“We’ll have 70 competitors in five divisions.

“We just hope Mother Nature gives us some big waves,” Shane said.

Past champions will be on deck as will be Newcastle’s Johnny Cruickshank and Australian drop-knee champion Gary Thatcher. 

Open women’s Australian bodyboard champion and Tuncurry’s own Millie Chalker is penciled in to compete.

“The women's field is really competitive so she will have her work cut out for her,” Shane said.

In a show of equality, all winners will receive the same amount of prize money.

“We’re not sure if it's been done before in a competition like this,” Shane said.

The event will be held at either Tuncurry, One Mile or Boomerang Beach depending on which has the best surf conditions. 

Check out the Jeff Wilcox Memorial Facebook page at 7am each morning to find the location for that day’s action. 

Out of the water, The Bodyboard Academy’s Lilly Pollard will host a coaching clinic at 2pm on Saturday.

The event is run on behalf of the Forster Bodyboarding Club and the Wilcox family.