Tuesday 10 December 2013 – Newcastle: AUSTRALIA’s only business network tailored for surfers, The Hunter Business Boardriders (HBB), will today announce its support for the 2014 Surfest Newcastle Australia Pro Junior event, raising funds that will see junior surfers compete at Surfest – Newcastle’s annual sporting event which attracts international competitors.
With over 200 ‘business surfer’ members – professionals including solicitors, accountants, HR managers and consultants – HBB has actively contributed to the surfing community for more than five years and raising money for surfing non-government-organisations during an annual breakfast auction held during Surfest.
Previous winners of the Pro Junior at Surfest include current world tour surfers Adrian Buchan and Sally Fitzgibbons.
President of the HBB, Brad Garrard said when the HBB heard that the Pro Junior needed a sponsor, the Hunter business community – many of whom would rather wear wetsuits than three-piece suits – were quick to respond.
“HBB was founded by a group of surfers, committed to enhancing business and the community through surfing.
“When we heard that corporate sponsorship of the Pro Junior hadn’t been secured, we decided that investing in the future of surfing in Newcastle is precisely why HBB exists – and we are proud to be a vital part of this iconic event,” Mr Garrard said.
HBB has also previously supported surfing-related not-for-profits including SurfAid and Disabled Surfers.
Surfest organiser Warren Smith said he was delighted that HBB will support the Pro Junior event.
“While corporate sponsorship remains tight in the surfing world it’s fantastic to have a local organisation that understands both business and surfing behind us,” he said.
Sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals, the 2014 Hunter Business Boardriders Pro will take place at Merewether Beach from February 14-17. Competitor entries for the event close on January 14.
At today’s Newcastle Business Club December luncheon, four-time world champion Mark Richards, last year’s Pro Junior champion and ambassador for the Hunter Melanoma Foundation Jake Sylvester, along with Surfest organiser Warren Smith, will discuss the importance of developing relationships to ensure the growth of sporting events.
WHAT: Announcement of Hunter Business Boardriders Pro Junior at the Hunter Business Club December lunch
WHEN: Tuesday 10 December: 12.45pm – 2.00pm
WHERE: Harborview Function Centre, 150 Wharf Road, Newcastle.
Further information: Warren Smith 0412127525.
