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Port Stephens Pro returning to the region

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Port Stephens will continue to provide a perfect destination for professional surfing with the 2022 Gage Roads Port Stephens Pro returning to the region next month.

The elite three-day World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event is expected to attract more than 100 of Australia’s top tier surfers from Sunday 27 February to Tuesday 1 March.

It’ll also be the second in the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series.

Good results in the series give athletes the pathway to qualify for the new format Challenger Series (CS) and then the World Championship Tour. 

The QS will run from February through to May and determine who has qualified for the CS, which will take place from May through to December.

Each region will have an allocation of surfers that can qualify for the CS through their regional tour. 

Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden believes the Port Stephens area is perfectly suited for an event of this calibre.

“Over the years we have been extremely spoiled with quality waves in the Port Stephens region,” he said.

“It’s an absolute joy to return to the area after a turbulent year in 2021.

“I would like to thank the local surfing community and event stakeholders for welcoming us back in 2022.”

Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the 2022 Gage Roads Port Stephens Pro would cement the region’s position as a top destination for tourism in Australia.

“The event provides an opportunity for visitors to experience some of the best breaks in the country, together with the region’s unique surfing culture,” he explained.

“The competition will boost visitor expenditure in this coastal community at a time when tourism operators need it most, marking another important step forward in the recovery of the visitor economy in regional NSW.”

Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer said he was elated to see the NSW Pro Surf Series return to the region after a difficult period for the tourism and events industries.

“It is fantastic to be able to showcase our wonderful region to not just the best surfers in Australia, but to a global audience via the event webcast,” he stated.

“Port Stephens Council is proud to once again be able to support this event, which enhances our reputation as one of New South Wales’ premier surf destinations.”

WSL APAC tour manager Ty Sorati echoed Cr Palmer’s sentiments, adding Port Stephens – and in particular Birubi Beach – has become a staple on the WSL Qualifying Series over the past six years. 

“Port Stephens is one of the most exciting locations on the Aussie Qualifying Series each year with super fun waves during every event window,” he said.

“With set-ups that cater for all conditions, competitors love coming back to this area and we can’t wait to return in 2022.

“We’d like to thank all of the event partners including Surfing NSW for continuing to bring professional surfing to this part of the world.”

The Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series was developed for Australian and international surfers to gain ranking points and prizemoney on the WSL Qualifying Series.

It also creates a NSW coastal road trip for all to explore the variety of waves, visit local communities and enjoy NSW surfing culture.

For more information or to watch the event live head to www.worldsurfleague.com or check the free WSL App. 

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