Young surfer thrilled with finals berth in favourite event

Surfer Malia Ting was grateful for the fun waves that helped propel her through to the semi-finals of one of her favourite contests

Competitor Malia Ting at Moffat Beach for the 45th annual Pa & Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Contest. Picture: john mccutcheon

SURFER Malia Ting was grateful for the fun waves that helped propel her through to the semi-finals of one of her favourite contests.

The 15-year-old Wurtulla girl was placed second in her open women's heat at the Pa and Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Contest on Friday morning.

"There is swell so that makes it funner," Malia said.

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She said she had surfed in "heaps" of competitions before as a member of WindanSea Surf Club but few were as fun as the annual Moffat Beach event.

"Everyone is just friendly and gets along.

"Some of the Rip Curl ones are a bit more serious."

Her mum and dad Margaret and Jason watched from the shore.

Jason and Margaret Ting at Moffat Beach for the 45th annual Pa & Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Contest. Picture: john mccutcheon

Mr Ting said he enjoyed the camaraderie of being a member on WindanSea.

"We all love surfing," he said.

Contest director Tim Carter said the first day of the three-day event was going well.

"There are good waves and the swell is meant to increase over the next couple of days," Mr Carter said.

"They (competitors) are saying it is fun."

Families lined the shore and market stalls created a village atmosphere.

Heats will continue throughout Friday and Saturday with finals to be held from lunch time on Sunday.