Organiser Warren Smith believes Surfest Newcastle Australia’s future looks bright.
After being slotted into the World Surf League’s (WSL) fully-redesigned tour and competition framework for 2022, the popular event has also received financial support from Destination NSW for the next three years.
Smith admitted the local surfing and business communities were looking forward to welcoming back WSL competitors and officials.
“The commitment from the NSW Government to support Surfest from 2022-2024 provides us with a strong platform to attract further sponsorships moving forward,” he said.
“It’s also reassuring to have the lead government agency for the NSW tourism and major events sectors demonstrate confidence in Surfest as a vehicle to promote Newcastle and the Hunter region to international, national and local visitors.”
NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the three-year partnership aligned with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 to cement the state’s position as among the best in Asia Pacific.
“Surfest has grown to become a flagship event on the Australian surfing calendar and part of the WSL Qualifying Series for men and women, providing a unique opportunity for fans to see the rising stars of professional surfing on the spectacular beaches of Newcastle,” he stated.
“The NSW Government is proud to partner with Surfest as part of an enviable calendar of surfing events we have in NSW throughout the year.
“It aligns with our strategy to build a strong calendar of world-class sport, lifestyle and cultural events in Sydney and NSW.”
The unique surfing festival, hosted by the former steel city since 1985, will celebrate its 36th edition next March and host nine unique competitions involving approximately 800 participants.
Some of the big names in the sport are anticipated to don a competitor’s jersey in two premier Australia/Oceania Regional Qualifying Series (QS) 5000 events – the City of Newcastle Pro presented by Burton Automotive and the Surfest Women’s Pro.
Both QS5000 comps will be contested at Merewether Beach – one of Australia’s iconic reserves and home to four-time world champion Mark Richards.
And, some of surfing’s most promising male and female athletes also make a welcome return to the Surfest calendar.
A WSL Junior Qualifying Series event – the JQS1000 Lake Mac City Pro Junior – has been scheduled for Redhead Beach.
The Wandiyali Indigenous Classic will again provide the richest purse on the Australian indigenous surfing calendar with equal prizemoney to be offered in both male and female divisions.
The timing of the City of Newcastle Pro presented by Burton Automotive and the Surfest Women’s Pro in professional surfing’s redesigned tour sees them positioned as the last QS events before the World Surf League Challenger Series fields are determined.
The Surfest QS events will be vital for many competitors to chase the valuable points on offer to secure an invitation to the Challenger Series.
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