From little things, big things grow.
In 2006 a small group of friends got together to surf and raise awareness for mental health. We didn’t grow up by accepting flashy sponsorships just for the sake of growing bigger. Instead we grew wide, slowly reaching people with purpose. Staying true to what is important to us, Connection, Community & a deep Care for all people. This little event that started back in 2006, has now grown to be the 2nd largest Surf Comp Event in Australia. But that’s not what we’re stoked about. Together, the Bolt Blower community has helped hundreds of people and supported grass roots programs that needed a much needed helping hand.
We did this with not just by raising funds and sharing our expertise, we did it by CONNECTING.
The format
Tag team event with 70 min heats. Surfers get scored on 2 waves. Entry by invitation. Max teams are 24.
Trophies Up for Grabs
• Team Title
• Blokes Title
• Ladies Title
• Stylemaster
• Soul Award
The Rules
Each team must have 7 surfers with a min. 1 female surfer. Only pre 1983 board are allowed, single fin or twinnies.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work, play and grow upon. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our deepest respects to elders, past, present, emerging and of the future. We thank elders and leaders for the fights that have been fought, the fights that continue today and the sacrifices made to allow us and others to stand tall, strong, proud, valued and safe.
Always was, Always will be! - The Blowers
Surfing for mental health.
An annual charity surf competition to raise awareness of mental health and funds towards local mental health community-based programs.
Founding members Nick Farnell and Brad Mogford
Founding member Chris Buxton
The Bolt Blowers Committee & friends
Bottom left: Brad Mogford, Kerry Coombs, Trevor Darby. Top left: Nick Garnham, Natalie Mogford, Chris Buxton, Mathew Osborne & Nick Farnell.
Committee Roles
Chris Buxton - Chris was the one who made the initial call to Nicko and Brad with the idea to create a surf comp for their mates. With a strong passion for mental health, Chris has been an advocate for mental health from the very beginning. Connected with the Wardlaw family and friends with Tim Pope who left us in 2007. Chris is the one that brings the group together, keeping harmony in a the wild west.
Nick Farnell - He needs no real introduction. Instrumental in creating that Bolt Blower vibe that we all love. Nicko has been a part of the surfing and Torquay community for many years along with his brother DJ Eddy. Nicko was fundamental in creating strong relationships with the surf community and brands over the years. On Bolt Blower day, unless he’s in LA for a film, Nicko is the conductor of the day. Official MC of the event and responsible for all the party and good vibes Bolt Blower is known to be, like minute of noise and the much loved Bolt Blower anthem. It would be to no surprise that Nicko was the one that came up with ‘Bolt Blowers‘ the name. He works closely with Natalie Mogford to deliver the event each year including other events like the memorable 10th Anniversary Gala.
Brad Mogford - AKA the Doc is the offical Contest Director and innovator of the overall event ensuring the event continues to develop in a progressive way. Brad has been instrumental in bringing in ideas that have added key elements to the Bolt Blower vibe. Brad structured the comp to be a teams event, bringing in surfers from all coasts, creating a gender inclusive event and connecting with Surfing Victoria in the early days. Responsible for the teams on the day, heat structure and overall comp. He’s also the board police for anyone looking to sneak in a thruster.
Natalie Mogford - Natalie met her now husband Brad Mogford in 2006 and joined the committee the following year. A passionate community ambassador, Natalie steered Bolt Blowers towards community grass root programs from the very beginning. She has been responsible in delivering all our community programs and has pushed to create real lasting change. Natalie is the machine behind the Bolt Blowers, connecting with community, teams, marketing, financials, stakeholder relationships and overall event including delivering and producing the 10th Anniversary Gala and Bells 2021.
Trevor Darby - a long time BB member and full of heart, Trev is responsible for all the artwork and graphics. Aside from some years where we’ve invited artists to contribute to the merch design, Trevor has been designing the Bolt blowers merchandise, a collection of rad graphics. Each year Trev gives above and beyond to Bolt Blowers as well as to the community projects we support.
Mat Osborne - a long time BB member, Mat has shot and edited some of the BEST footage in previous years, that now seem vintage. Mat looks after the media component and on the day you will see him behind a lense, a mic or behind the BBQ. Connected with One in Five, Mat and Emily along with the much loved Wardlaw family help serve the now infamous stake and coleslaw sandwiches.
Kerry Coombs - Kerry joined the Bolt Blowers mid way and has added so much value. Kerry introduced the Soul Award, which celebrates those who go above and beyond to give to others. Prior to the event you will find Kerry in his workshop busy handcrafting the winners trophies. On the day, Kerry is one of the main guys hands on, setting up and bumping out.
Nick Garnham - Nick has been surfing in the event for many years and officially came on board as a committee member mid way through. Nick has always supported the Bolt Blowers by donating generously through Jardan and now looks after the sponsorship for the official Bolt Blowers merchandise.
DJ Eddy - Since the very beginning DJ Eddy has added so much spunk and good vies to the Bolt Blowers. The Bolt Blower feeling would not be there in the same way if it wasn’t for DJ Eddy. He’s not an official committee member but to us his a life member.
Pete Murphy - Pete is Operations Manager at Surfing Victoria. Pete become involved with the Bolt Blowers when we reached out to him for assistance with judging the comp. Now years later, thanks to Pete, Surfing Victoria have been supporting us in a more official way. Pete is the event director and works closely with Natalie Mogford. He has also worked with Natalie to help deliver the Community Project in 2017 along side local Shaun O’Callaghan from The 50 Year Storm. Pete is the guy who will be the first one there and the last one to leave. Always giving and supporting.
Darren Henderson - Big thank you to artist and legend of a bloke Darren Hendesron who was invited to create a bolt blower design a few years ago. Since then the Bolt in a bubble logo that you see, has become the official Bolt Blower logo, forever living on.
