Newcastle, NSW/Australia (Friday, February 20, 2014)
MORE than 200 surfers from seventy-eight teams (each consisting of three competitors) from 29 New South Wales high schools – from Coffs Harbour to the north and Ulladulla to the south – enjoyed two days of surfing at The Cliff in a friendly yet ultra-competitive environment.
Additionally, a team of surfers from a high school in Vanuatu returned to Newcastle for their second outing and made it through to the boys’ semi-finals.
Female surfers from Northern Beaches Secondary College have again proven too strong for 14 other teams in the girls’ division.
This is the fourth year in succession that the girls’ surf team from the school have claimed the silverware.
The boys’ division saw a Newcastle team win the trophy for the first time in six years and they did it with relative comfort, with a final score near nine points ahead of runners up St Paul’s Manly.
Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends formed a massive crowd over the past two days to watch the unique team challenge.
Surfest chief Warren Smith said the Newcastle NOW High School Team Challenge just keeps growing in popularity.
“The demand for team involvement this year was unprecedented and it shows the schools and kids love coming and competing,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s incredibly important to young surfers to feel a part of Surfest and it’s just as important to Surfest that we keep the youngsters who form the grass roots of the sport feeling a part of the festival.”
John Waring from Newcastle NOW said the organisation was pleased to be involved and back the young surfers.
“I just watched the two finals in the boys and girls and the level of surfing was fantastic,” he said.
“It is terrific to see so many competitors and their parents and teachers here in Newcastle,” Mr Waring said.
Newcastle Now Teams Challenge Results:
Boys Final
1. Saint Francis Xavier Hamilton (50.1)
2. St Paul’s Manly (41)
3. Barrenjoey High (32.5)
4. Coffs Harbour Christian College (15.8)
Girls Final
1. Northern Beaches High (35.9)
2. Tomaree High (27.6)
3. Ulladulla High (15.3)
4. Saint Francis Xavier Hamilton (8.9)
