Flagler Beach, FL. - October 20, 2008 - The 9th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic returns to the Flagler Pier in Flagler Beach, Florida on November 1st and 2nd, 2008. The highly anticipated annual event celebrates the life, love, and laughter of Tommy Tant –one of Flagler Beach's surf brethren who sadly passed away due to an aortic aneurysm in 1998.

FUEL TV has signed on as the Official Media Sponsor.  "FUEL TV is proud to support such an amazing event.  We are happy to celebrate Tommy's life and love of Flagler Beach with the rest of the community," said Jake Munsey, VP of Marketing and On-Air Promotions, FUEL TV. The event will be featured on FUEL TV that airs to over 35 million homes.

Defending 07’ Mens Pro champion Aaron Cormican confirmed that he will defend his title in this year’s event.  Top pro surfers confirmed to compete are Asher Nolan, Shea Lopez, Jeremy Johnston, Alek Parker, Zander Morton, Noah Snyder, Cheyne Cottrell, Will Tant, and Jesse Heilman.

Although they cannot attend, Top World Championship Tour surfers CJ and Damien Hobgood are both donating autographed boards to help the Tant Classic raise money for scholarships. "Even though I have never been to the event I would always hear people talking about how unique and fun it is. It seemed like the whole community really loves this event. I was honored to be a part even though I am not able to make it...maybe next year," said Damien.

Saturday’s competition begins at 7:30 am and includes live art, raffle, lunch for competitors, and jam

session by musicians Braddigan and Josh Garrels.  Enter online at www.tommytant.com.  It is anticipated that there will be upwards of 300 surfers participating this year. 

“We never expected the event to grow like it has,” says Tom Tant, Sr.  “Now this event is shared by generations of families.  It is like a family gathering.  Everyone understands the true meaning of the event, which is to honor love of family. It is a tradition of Flagler Beach and a celebration of all the families that love this community.”

The Tant Classic will include the highlight division, "Tadpoles", which is for kids who require adult assistance to catch waves.  Every Tadpole receives a participation trophy that embodies the Tant Classic's aloha spirit. The Tadpole division is presented by Sully’s Surf Shop.

After Saturday’s surfing, the evening’s events will kick off at 5pm with an exceptional ocean dining experience at the premier Surf Classic Food Festival Fundraiser on the historic Flagler Beach Pier. Enjoy the finest entrées from the most noteworthy restaurants in Flagler Beach, live music by Braddigan and Josh Garrels, and live auction of unique art, photos, surfboards, and travel packages.  Tickets are $25 and kids under 14 accompanied by an adult enjoy free admission.  Tickets are very limited and may be purchased at: Blue at Topaz (439-4322) and Flagler Fish Company (439-0000).

After the dinner, a concert by Braddigan and Josh Garrels will be held at Veteran’s Park, downtown Flagler Beach at the corner of A1A and State Road 100 at 7:45pm.  Bring the family and a blanket to enjoy an evening of eclectic sounds that combine folk music, rock, reggae, break beats, Brazilian beats and Latin percussion rhythms. Concert is $5 suggested donation. Check out www.braddigan.com and www.joshgarrels.com. 

High Tides @ Snack Jack and High Jackers Restaurants, believing in supporting and giving back to our community, has become involved with the event as well. Gail Holt, co-owner of both restaurants said. “This event brings amazingly talented people together through the love and passion of the Tant family who work diligently to bring this fabulous event to Flagler Beach in memory of their son Tommy,” she added. “We also feel honored to have the opportunity to sponsor the music festival that follows the surf contest as it provides opportunity for families to come together and experience the music of Braddigan and Josh Garrels,” she added.

All money raised funds scholarships awarded to local young surfers and food for local families in need. “The scholarship I received from the Tommy Tant Classic has really helped me financially. I’m attending nursing school at the University of Florida and I used the money to buy scrubs and a stethoscope and some other equipment I need for my classes,” said Kelly Novak, a native a Flagler Beach, who was awarded a scholarship last year.

The event also donates to the Flagler Resource Center, which runs a Food Bank. Last year event participants, organizers, and scholarship recipients went on a grocery- shopping spree. “At least 18 kids showed up to shop for the resource center that day,” said Devin Ricke, a contestant and a scholarship winner from last year Classic. “We had about a dozen carts of groceries and the receipt was at least eight feet and it was a whole heck of a lot of fun.”