Vale Phil Mulder

It is with great sadness that I report to the Shoes family that Phil Mulder passed away last week.

The father of Matt and Tommy, Phil was a stalwart of the Shoes Brigade that ruled the Reef over many decades.

During that era, if there was swell, then Phil was all over it like a rash.

It was his love of Shoes that was eagerly passed onto his sons, both budding Legends of the Reef that Rules.

Illness sadly got the better of that passion in recent years, but while he couldn’t paddle out as often as in earlier years, Phil remained a constant visitor to the Shoes Pavilion that we love so much.

He rarely missed a contest, keen as always to see current day Club members – Matt and Tom included – bashing the swell to bits.

And despite not being well, would jump at the chance to do a spot of judging. Thus was his love of a place that means so much to us all.

Phil, your spirit lives on in every wave that breaks on the reef!