Hunter Water backs tomorrow's surfing champions at Surfest, Newcastle Australia
(Merewether, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 25 January, 2012)
THE HUNTER'S most promising young surfers will again have the opportunity to show their potential during the Hunter Water Stars of the Future development program as part of Surfest, Newcastle Australia.
Sixteen surfers from surfing associations between Caves Beach and Nelson Bay have been chosen by the Newcastle Surfing Association to participate in the program that has established an enviable record for providing a strong launching pad toward a surfing career.
Local young guns including Jake Sylvester, Jesse Adam, Ryan Callinan, Kurtis Herman and 2009 Surfest women's crown winner Phillipa Anderson have all been through the program and benefited from advice from industry professionals and surfers who have done the hard yards on the international surfing tour.
In 2012, a special workshop will be held during Surfest, Newcastle Australia for these 16 surfers and their families. The general manager of the Association of Surfing Professionals, the head judge and the contest director, along with media and sponsorship directors and professional surfers, will provide practical advice on what tomorrow's stars need to do today.
But it doesn't end there. Participants are also provided with assistance during the year on gaining sponsorship or advice on preparations for contests.
Surfest patron Mark Richards has long advocated that youngsters who show talent on a board have their heads grounded in the reality of the kind of dedication it takes to be a successful professional surfer.
"The Hunter Water Stars of the Future program is a great initiative for our young surfers. To have a workshop with the ASP, Surfest directors and professional surfers will assist these surfers and their families greatly," Mr Richards said.
"We have so many good young surfers here in Newcastle and this development program will definitely help them with their careers and I wish them all the best in their quest to become professional surfers," he added.
Hunter Water's General Manager Infrastructure and Delivery, Chris Turnbull, said the organisation was proud to build on the two decade's worth of support it has given to Surfest.
"We take great pleasure in seeing the development of these young surfers as they come up through the ranks, and I'm sure that this current batch of grommets will be just as successful as their predecessors," said Mr Turnbull.
"We look forward to continuing our focus on supporting talented youth in the area as they prepare for careers in professional surfing."
"I congratulate the 2012 nominees for this prestigious program, and wish them all the best in the future."
Merewether surfer Jackson Baker - who made it through to the semi-finals in the U/16 Australian titles last December – reckons the opportunity the Hunter Water Stars of the Future program provides is just what young surfers need.
"The Hunter Water Stars of the Future is great as it helps us with a workshop with the ASP and Surfest contest officials," Jackson said.
"We get support during the year to help and be able to surf in the expression session on the final Sunday of Surfest is a great experience."
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (men's six-star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (women's six-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.
