Tant family brings joy, great waves to surf community for 22nd year
Flagler Beach local Carl Burger made his hometown proud this past weekend, making home the Men’s Pro and Jr. Pro wins at the 22nd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Classic. Not only did Burger sweep the male pro divisions, he was also a recipient of one of ten scholarships awarded to high school and current college students.
Surfers and spectators flocked to the shores of Flagler Beach to enjoy a weekend full of waves and community, all in memorial of Tommy Tant. For 22 years, this event has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in local scholarships, contributions to local food banks, while supporting the Marfan Foundation. This foundation conducts research for disorders like the one that affects the Tant family and tragically took Tommy’s life at the age of 24.
In an emotional speech to spectators and competitors, Will Tant and wife Clarissa thanked the Flagler Beach surf community for their continued support throughout the family’s toughest times.
“I wish that the rest of the world was like Flagler Beach,” remarked Will’s mother Barbara.
Murmurs spread throughout the crowd over the course of the weekend, as competitors credited Tommy’s blessing as the reason for the event’s fun-sized, consistent waves. With waves in the shoulder to chest high range and the occasional head high set, the stage was set for competitors from across the state to show their stuff.
While Burger may have been the standout in the men’s pro divisions, Surf Station team rider Haley Watson showcased her power and flow, taking the Women’s pro win.
More than the wins and the accolades that these surfers and more received for their athletic prowess, Will reminded the audience that their worth is not dependent on whether they took home the win that day. Instead, Will reminded us all that no matter what we experience, no matter what tribulations we may face throughout life, our worth remains the same.
An important sentiment to wrap up a memorable weekend, the Tommy Tant Memorial Classic brought the surf community together for another year in a way that few surf contests can.
Results:
Men’s Pro
- Carl Burger
- Chauncey Robinson
- Robbie McCormick
- Austin Clouse
Women’s Pro
- Haley Stephens
- Maggie Demsey
- Riley Sexton
- Mya Sniadach
Longboard Pro
- Nohea Williams
- Shane Konrad
- Chaz Guernsey
- Skye Blumenfeld
Pro Jr. (18 & Under)
- Carl Burger
- Kyan O’Rourke
- Silas Miller
- Gavin Coluccio
Open Men’s
- Chase Elmore
- Gavin Coluccio
- Stephan Nipple
- Blake Stark
Open Men’s Longboard
- Jonathan Galbraith
- Jay Wolfington
- Jon Bostic
- Chip McGraw
Men’s 19-30
- Forrest Lindner
- Christian Schwarz
- Dylan Martin
- Drew Fosson
Men’s 31-44
- Eddie Guilbue
- Bubba Tyson
- Doug Johnson
- Jay Wolfington
Grandmasters 45-59
- Jimmy Blumenfeld
- Stephan Nipple
- Willey Gilreath
- Chad Brasol
Legends 60+
- Bob Lindsley
- Lynn Harrington
- Kirk Oswell
- Terry Tyler
Boys 18 & Under
- Blake Stark
- Kyan O’Rourke
- Silas Miller
- Drake Wilborn
Boys 14 & Under
- Zealand Stahr
- Tyko Tran
- Jimmy Brittain
- Dean Manousakis
Boys/Girls 11 & Under
- Axel Lacy
- Jackson Lane
- Kason Kling
- Emery Davis
Women’s 18+
- Haley Stephens
- Carla Cline
- Antonia Almeida
- Brianna Toth
Girls 17 & Under
- Reese Lenox
- Mahina Friend
- Maggie Demsey
- Sky Cecil
Open Women’s Longboard
- Olivia Jansen
- Julia Stewart
- Whitley Smith
- Safari McMandon
Open Bodyboard
- Daniel Worley
- Tyler Dalecki
- Austin Daulton
- Bubba Tyson
Tadpoles
- Greyson Lane
- Curren Cristello
- Sailer Dunagan
- Jensen Shaw
Boys 14 & Under
- Zealand Stahr
- Tyko Tran
- Jimmy Brittain
- Dean Manousakis
