UnLtd’s Big Kahuna surfing event in Sydney raises over $80k for at-risk young people

Yahoo has taken home the winning title at UnLtd’s annual Big Kahuna surfing event that has raised over $80k for youth at risk.

Twenty-four teams from across the industry took to the water at Queenscliff Beach on Friday February 11 to battle it out in the third annual charity surfing competition.

Despite a torrential downpour midway through the day, spirits were high and competition was fierce. Team Yahoo featuring Mitchell Hodges, Paul Newman and Dede Stewart, took out the winning title with The Guardian coming in second place.

$80,000 was raised by attendees through sponsorship, raffle and live auction. Proceeds from the event will go towards UnLtd charity partner Be Centre, a specialist Play Therapy centre based in the Northern Beaches that helps children through trauma.

Nearly 100 surfers were treated to plenty of activations and goodies throughout the day. Rashies, water bottles and speakers supplied by The Trade Desk, a delicious lunch from OzHarvest supplied by Pubmatic, fresh coconuts from The Guardian, yoga classes by Tonic Media Network, and merch packs and snacks from Byron Bay Brewery (Lion Co).

UnLtd thanks presenting partner The Trade Desk, in addition to sponsors Pubmatic and The Guardian along with all other participating teams: ARN, Blobfish, Carat, GroupM, IAS, IPG, JCDecaux, Kaimera, Lion Co, Meta, Network Ten, Nine, Nova, OMD, oOh! Media, PHD, PubMatic, QMS, Val Morgan and Yahoo.

Says James Bayes, general manager Australia and New Zealand, The Trade Desk: “It was great to be able to support the Big Kahuna for the third year running and see so many people taking part for such an incredible cause.

“What better way to bring our industry together than spending a day at the beach and doing a sport that so many of us in the industry love. The result is just incredible and will make a massive difference in the lives of young people at risk.”

Says Chris Freel, CEO, UnLtd: ”It was a great day at the Northern beaches. I am always impressed seeing the industry come together to surf for good, from absolute beginners to experts. The bravery, camaraderie and collaboration at this event is a credit to all involved. Thank you for coming out in force to another impactful in-person event and doing so much to help many young people.

“Up next are the Big Clash cricket events in Sydney and Melbourne. This is our longest running event going into its eighth year and one that is sure to draw in the crowds. We welcome you to come down – looks like a great weather forecast- enjoy the entertainment and support your colleagues and UnLtd’s charities this Thursday at the Sydney Uni Camperdown Oval and on Friday February 25th at Melbourne’s Fawkner Park. ”