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  • 5 hours ago
It's a decades long winter-tradition that sees surfers of all ages and skill levels converge on Cottesloe Beach to participate in one of the most iconic grassroot surf events. This year's 27th Whalebone Longboard classic has attracted more competitors than ever, but surfers say they are celebrating more than just waves.

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00:03For competitor Bill Gibson, competitive surfing is much more than winning.
00:08You just came out of a heat. How did you go?
00:10Terrible. But I surfed with mates.
00:15After losing his son to cancer earlier this year, the community has helped him cope.
00:20So much love comes out from all directions and it's kind of hard to talk about.
00:30Mental wellbeing is very important amongst older men.
00:36Especially when they get to 45, 50, the kids are leaving home.
00:41They go, what the bloody hell am I going to do now?
00:44The Longbore community has been growing steadily since the event began in 1998.
00:51This year's event included more than 160 participants, the most it's ever had.
00:57The number of female competitors also growing.
01:01We're definitely seeing a rise in women joining us and we've just opened up for any juniors to join as
01:08well.
01:08Megan is the first female president of Cottesloe's Longboard Club.
01:12So I'm hoping that I'll be able to make some movements, get some more women involved and especially our juniors
01:17as well, the next generation coming through.
01:20For more than 20 years, the event has attracted spectators from near and far, of all ages and sizes.
01:27The oldest competitor in my division is 78, you know, so I'm a grommet.
01:34Hoping there are few more waves left in his future.
01:38Good job.
01:38Peace y'all.
01:40Epp силia.
01:40Do I have to learn more מה até yesterday?
01:40The rest of the day, can help and give us a better decision.
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