Surfest’s reputation as an event powerhouse will allow it to host a unique, all-female surf series during its 2022 program.

In a world-first, the 36th edition of Newcastle’s much-loved extravaganza is scheduled to stage the opening leg of the Challenge Her Team’s Classic on Monday 28 March.

The final two rounds will take place at Kiama on 20 April and Lennox Head on 3 July.

“We’re so stoked to have this series up and running – and involved with Surfest,” Surfing NSW programs manager Claire Ellem said.

“We are expecting up to 200 participants from between Port Stephens and the Harbour Bridge.

“It’s a real win for female surfing in our state and Surfing NSW.

“There’s always such an amazing energy at non-competitive events and, when you get a big group of girls together to surf, it will just have a real buzz.

“I can’t wait to see the impact the series has on surfing right across NSW, the new friendships made and the new surfers we inspire to have a go.”

Squads of eight surfers – four longboard and four shortboard – will follow a teams’ format of competition with a twist.

“I truly believe the Challenge Her Team’s Classic has the potential to shape the future of women’s surfing,” Ellem said.

“The series aims to increase female participation and support across the state through three events, which focus on fun, skills development and community.

“But, there’ll be an individual comp for two longboard and two shortboard surfers that will contribute to the team’s overall pointscore.”

Challenge Her ambassador Anne Dos Santos, currently competing in the World Qualifying Series, said there was nothing else like it anywhere.

“It’s amazing that Surfing NSW is leading the way,” she stated.

“Each event will be so much fun, you always have fun in the water with friends.

“It will be a great way for females to meet new people to surf with and motivate each other.

“Hopefully, it’s the first of many events.”

Each region – Newcastle, Kiama and Lennix Head – will also conduct a number of Her Wave festivities, workshops and clinics on the day.

“These are open to the community as well as both recreational and aspiring surfers and will include learn to surf lessons, technical seminar for longboard and shortboard, photography class, ‘Train Like a Woman’ workshop and surf and weather forecasting clinic,” Ellem said.

“So, the Challenge Her Team’s Classic is part of the Surfing NSW Her Wave platform.”

2022 SURFEST PROGRAM

• Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 March: Sanbah Cadet Cup supported by Ocean and Earth South (Bar Beach)
• Thursday 24 – Friday 25 March: Surfest High Schools Team Challenge (Merewether Beach)
• Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 March: Wandiyali Indigenous Classic (Merewether Beach)
• Tuesday 29 March – Sunday 3 April: City of Newcastle Pro presented by Burton Automotive (Merewether Beach)
• Tuesday 29 March – Sunday 3 April: AAP Consulting Women’s Pro (Merewether Beach)
• Friday 1 April: Evolution Charity Cup supporting Mark Hughes Foundation             

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