Each year Andrew Blizzard puts together the Tasman Cup, a fantastic day of surfing and music at beautiful Point Lonsdale in memory of his brother, Tas. His brother was former singer/songwriter for the popular peninsula band The Seaweed Goorillas.
Tasman Blizzard surfed and played music from an early age. He formed the Seaweed Goorillas with a bunch of mates and started playing gigs in Point Lonsdale and at the Barwon Club in Geelong in the late eighties. Everyone in the band came from the Bellarine Peninsula and loved to surf. Spot, the bass player, was one of the top body-board riders in the State. In 1981 Seaweed Goorillas released their debut album, Rough as Guts, featuring crowd favourites ‘The Wall’ and ‘What’s our Scene.’
Pretty soon the band were supporting other local bands including Bored, Poppin’ Mommas and The Cosmic Psychos. Before long, Tas was playing guitar with Bored and then The Meanies, touring the country and playing the odd overseas gig.
Tas always loved his surfing and was an active member of Point Lonsdale Boardriders at a time when it boasted some of the best surfers in the State. He made the finals of the Australian Scholastic Titles one year and loved nothing better then catching a wave at home in Point Lonsdale or heading across the heads to Corsair.
In 2008 Tas tragically lost his life when his car plunged into a dam on the Bellarine Peninsula. The Tasman Cup, held on Sunday 5th November this year, is a great opportunity for family and friends who knew Tas to come together and celebrate the life of a great surfer, musician and friend.
For anyone who loves surfing and music get on down to the Point Lonsdale Boardriders Lighthouse Reserve and check out the Retro Tag Team Surf Competition (registration for all pre-1981 single and twin fins only at 9am). Teams of 6 will be randomly picked during the day. All surfers are welcome.
After the surf competition stick around for the post event BBQ and bands at the clubhouse.
Keep an eye open on Facebook for more information. The Tasman Cup, long weekend in November, remember to ‘dress to ill’!
By John Foss
