Wildcards Jimmi Hill and Jasmine Sampson are hoping “local knowledge” holds them in good stead when the Gage Roads Port Stephens Pro begins at Birubi Beach tomorrow.
After a huge start to the 2022 Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series last week, Australia and New Zealand’s top surfers will carve it up from Sunday 27 February.
But, it’s 14-year-old Hill and Sampson, 20, both members of the Bay Area Boardriders Club, who are keen to make a big impact in elite company.
The pair heads into the competition “feeling positive”, especially with their home advantage.
“I’m so stoked to receive the wildcard for this event,” Hill said.
“The banks at Birubi are perfect right now and looking really good next week with swell around 3-5 feet and an ENE breeze.
“That’s just the right conditions for Birubi, forecast for Monday.
“I can’t wait to get out there.”
Sampson echoed Hill’s sentiments.
“I’m really grateful to have received this opportunity to surf at the Port Stephens Pro,” she said.
“I’ve been surfing at Birubi since I can remember, so I have a good understanding of the wave and how it works.
“I think I can definitely use that to my advantage.”
New WSL Australia/Oceana leaders Nyxie Ryan (Lennox Head) and Joel Vaughan (North Shelly) will also take to the water, along with WSL wildcards Maddy Job (Burleigh), who recently took out the 2022 Burleigh Single Fin event, and former WCT surfer Paige Hareb (New Zealand), who is looking to requalify after a tough two years.
Merewether’s Philippa Anderson, the 2021 runner-up, is hoping to go one better, too, and take a win in 2022.
However, fellow Novocastrian Jackson Baker, the defending champion, will miss the Port Stephens Pro due to his World Championship Tour commitments.
The event, broadcast via Kayo Sports and the World Surf League, is scheduled to take place across three days.
It is part of the WSL Qualification Series 1000 and 3000 points and qualifications pathway.
Each play a critical role for the surfers aiming to qualify for the WSL Challenger Series and then the World Championship Tour.
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
