Surfest Newcastle Australia Boosts Ratings Points and Prize-money For 2012
(Merewether, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 15 November, 2012)
THE MAIN EVENT at Newcastle's Surfest - The Burton Toyota Pro - has received a massive boost from sponsors and achieved ASP 6-Star status in 2012 to compliment the existing ASP 6-Star Women's event, which has secured a new naming Rights sponsor - Hunter Ports.
For Newcastle to now host dual ASP 6-Star Men's and Women's events, the boost in prize-money and valuable ratings points on offer to professional surfers will see a stellar field of competitors from around the globe descend on Newcastle next March 12 - 18.
Surfest's list of past winners echoes the history and prestige of this professional surfing event – including Kelly Slater, Tom Curren, Tom Carroll, Barton Lynch, Mick Fanning, Mark Occhilupo, Stephanie Gilmore, Pam Burridge, Wendy Botha and local surfer Philippa Anderson.
"With the Men's and Women's contest both being ASP 6-Star events offering a total prize pool of US$195,000," Event Chief, Warren Smith said. "We will see the contest at the level we have long argued it needs to be to attract high-level surfers. While the entries for the competitions won't close till late January, we are confident that the timing of the event and the boost in prize-money will be attractive to surfers on the Australian leg of the 2012 ASP World Tour."
Member for Newcastle Tim Owen said the ASP 6-Star rating for the Burton Toyota Pro is a confidence boost for all concerned.
"The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is proud to support Surfest in 2012," Mr Owen said. "As the Member for Newcastle, I am particularly pleased that the 2012 prize purse ensures both the Men's and Women's competition will attract high caliber surfers and provide great exposure for the region. I know Warren Smith and his team at Surfest have been tireless in their efforts to make sure Surfest 2012 will be a terrific success, showcasing Newcastle around the globe with a webcast of the men's and women's event."
General manager of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Australasia Dane Jordan said pro-surfing's governing body was thrilled to see one of the longest running events on the Australian pro-surfing calendar return to the upper echelon of event ratings.
"With the changes to the ASP World Tour structure over the past two years, ASP 6-Star events have seen their value increase in terms of qualifying for the ASP World Title events," Jordan said. "With its impressive history, list of winners and the prestige of having four-time ASP World Champion Mark Richards as event patron, the public can expect to see Australia's and the world's best surfers in action alongside the next crop of up and coming superstars. ASP Australasia acknowledges the ongoing and long-term support of Burton Family Toyota and the Hunter Sports Group for their financial backing to ensure that Newcastle continues to host a truly world class international event."
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia will feature nine events over 12 days, including the internationally rated CHIKO Pro Junior for men and women and the Sanbah cadet cup.
The event will even feature its own apps for mobile devices.
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter Sports Sports Group and the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Surfest Newcastle Australia is conducted over 12 days from March 7-18 at Merewether beach, a recognised Australian National Surfing Reserve. Merewether is home to festival patron and Australia's most accomplished men's world professional surfing champion, four-time world champion Mark Richards (1979-82) and presents the winner a trophy in his likeness. 2012 marks the festival's 27th year and with over 800 national and international competitors, Surfest Newcastle Australia is the largest festival of surfing in the southern hemisphere. Get up-to-the minute updates, photos and interviews, as well as the program of events at surfest.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
