The best surfers from around the world will come to the historical First Point at Surfrider Beach on Friday and Saturday for a shortboard invitation contest. All money generated from the contest and other festivities surrounding it will go to benefit Lyon Herron, a 15-year-old Point Dume surfer who is battling a rare genetic disease called Gardner’s Syndrome.
The surf competition is by invitation only. But the public is invited to view the contest from the beach. It will include professional surfers, Malibu Legends, Malibu Groms and a celebrity expression session hosted by Jesse Billauer of the Life Rolls On Foundation.
Saturday’s competition will include the main event for all divisions. And a silent auction and concert open to the public will follow at the Malibu Inn, located at 22969 Pacific Coast Highway. The performances will include Shwayze, professional surfer/musician Tim Curran, Michael Craig Band, Colin Giles, Steady Ground, Hellaphant, and Zuma. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Lyon has been fighting Gardner’s Syndrome for the past 11 years. The latest challenge is his battle against several Desmoid tumors in his abdomen, chest and hip. Lyon is recovering from a July 11 surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. This is one of the biggest surgeries Lyon has faced so far, and the recuperation will be the hardest of all.
For more information about the fundraiser, go to www.themalibuclassic.com. For more information about Lyon, go to www.lyonherron.com.