For 37 years, the Merimbula Sailboard Club on NSW's South Coast have been hosting an event in the last week of November for sailors, kiteboarders and paddlers. There are no judging towers, live streaming or coloured rashies and heats; but it's by far the best competition in Australia. It's the Merimbula Classic, and the 37th event is going to be the biggest ever because as well as the usual shenanigans and laid back kitesurfing competition style, this year will incorporate the Australian Kitesurfing National titles!

A much more serious affair, the Nationals will be run by KA (Kiteboarding Australia) with a separate set of judges and scoring criteria like the more traditional wave comps you see everywhere in Australia. It's still a 'Jam' style competition with no heats, but five division winners will be awarded - Open Mens, Open Womens, Juniors (under 18), Masters (Over 35), Grand Masters (Over 45).

Over the event, there's some pretty amazing prizes that will be laid out on the table in the Merimbula RSL club from sponsors. The table is an institution in itself, with every one of the 300 competitors names called in random order, and given the opportunity to pick something off the table. In years gone by, the table has included boards, kites and every piece of kiteboarding gear imaginable - this year, it's going to have the same great stuff from sponsors (who are still getting on board), PLUS - a week long trip to Namotu Island in Fiji for the 'Ben Wilson kiter of the future award', and $500 cash from Horizon CU for 'Outstanding Air'.

If that's not enough to entice you, how about three days of solid Seabreezes and picturesque blue water on the South Coast of NSW. Merimubla never fails to deliver during the classic, with at least some wind blowing at Main Beach, Pambula or around the corner to the north.

Entries will be open at both Kiteboarding Australia , and the Merimbula Sailboard Club's website, so keep an eye out for the chatter in the forums to start in the leadup to Australia's most iconic kitesurfing event - the 37th Mermimbula Classic from the 23rd to 26th November 2017.

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