More than 130 youngsters will swap their classroom for the surf when they contest The Mutual Bank’s High Schools Team Challenge this week.
An integral event on the Surfest calendar, the tournament is scheduled for the swells of South Bar Beach on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March.
The students are vying for the honour of a perpetual trophy, while following in the footsteps of world-ranked Matt Wilkinson and Owen Wright.
Boys’ champions NBSC Freshwater Senior Campus and girls’ titleholders Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus will return to the water this year to defend their respective crowns.
Surfest coordinator Warren Smith said the challenge was always an exciting event for both the competitors and spectators.
“It’s a team format with three-to-five surfers working together to get bonus points,” he explained.
“So, it’s not necessarily the best surfers who win, but the best teamwork.
“There’s no elimination until round three, which makes for an exciting competition.
“Plus, it’s terrific to see the pupils and their teachers join forces.”
Open to senior NSW high school students, the event attracts promising talent from Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney.
The Mutual Bank’s chief member officer Matthew Dunnill said the Hunter-based organisation was proud to be the sponsor of the Team Challenge.
“We’re all about helping people thrive,” he added.
“And, this event with the teamwork involved, is not only exciting to watch but also supports these prospective professional surfers by allowing them to play an active role in Surfest.”
Surfest is the largest festival in the Southern Hemisphere, which takes place at Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie’s beaches in February and March, culminating in the World Surf League Qualifying Series at Merewether Beach from 20 to 26.
More information about Surfest is available from the website.
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