Organised by the Crescent Head Malibu Club, the event starts on Thursday and runs until Saturday.

This year’s Classic is being contested by 285 competitors representing New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. 

Now in its 26th year, Club president Roger Fergusson said the event is stronger than ever.

“The response we have had has been overwhelming,” he said.

“Despite the fact there will be a champion who dominates the field, the ultimate winner is longboarding itself. These events celebrate the spirit of longboarding.”

A total of 130 competitors featured in inaugural Malibu Classic in 1989.

Since then it has grown to be regarded as one of the world’s biggest amateur surfing contests.

Among the competitors set to paddle out this weekend are Open Men’s World champion, Harley Ingleby, 1990 World Amateur Longboard champion Wayne Dean as well as State champions Roger Clements and Lynden Riley.

It remains the only contest to feature an over 70’s division with more experienced riders battling it out for the Magoo Memorial trophy, created to honour Brian ‘Magoo’ McGuigan.

Fergusson said there is always a place for older surfers at the event.

“To the over 70’s surfer, the land may weary them but the Ocean is their fountain of youth,” he said.

“These born again teens can still give the young guns a run for their money when it comes to traditional longboarding. Long may they ride.”

Crescent Head Malibu Club members George Cooper, Bruce Cunliffe, Bob Standing and Roger Fergusson have helped organise and also competed in virtually each Classic since 1989. 

Fergusson said he competitive aspect is just one element of the event. 

“More than a surf contest, the Crescent Head Malibu Classic is a chance for the extended family of longboarders to come together to once again meet, renew old friendships, and make new friends,” he said.

“It is a time when ideas are exchanged, stories told, both tall and true, and all of it wrapped up in a sense of goodwill and above all fun.”

It is also a time of goodwill in the Crescent Head community as it welcomes the competitors, their families, friends, media, spectators and visitors. 

Surfing New South Wales estimates the Crescent Head Malibu Classic boosts the local economy by $250,000 each year. 

Also hosted by the Crescent Head Malibu Club and run in tandem with the Classic, will be the 2015 Surf Art Competition. 

The accompanying art show will be open from 11am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday at the Crescent Head Country Club. 

The Country Club will also be presenting live music from local bands Raw Fish and Gunshy on the Friday and Saturday nights of the contest weekend.