Merewether, NSW, AUSTRALIA 15 February 2016
Surfest has partnered with Coastalwatch to bring the latest and most detailed up to date surf forecast to the festival. In this digital age of information at everyone’s fingertips it has always been our goal to provide our online audience with the best live coverage of both of our WSL QS 6000 events, the Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Men’s Pro and the inaugural Taggart Women’s Pro. In partnership with Coastalwatch we are now able to give our local and international audience the most comprehensive and up to date surf and weather conditions.
Surfest Organiser Warren Smith said,”To have Coastalwatch as the official Surfest 2016 event forecaster is a great plus for the event. Coastalwatch forecasts will assist event organisers in the planning and staging of the daily operations of presenting all the events. As well as assisting organisers in holding the WSL rated events in the premium surf conditions over the seven day window.
There are days during Surfest 2016 when organisers stage three events simultaneously along the Newcastle coastline. To have the latest and most accurate forecast information as well as the Merewether-Dixon Park surf cam to view the conditions at sunrise will assist us immensely.
Coastalwatch is an Australian owned and operated company and a leader in the world of surf forecast. Local Newcastle surfer Daniel Mason provides Coastalwatch with up to date local surf forecast information and also advises Surfest organisers on best surf conditions for our events.”
Russell Holt – Head Of Digital, Coastalwatch said, “As one of the marquee surf events in the country and an event with a community based approach, Surfest aligns perfectly with our goals here at Coastalwatch, which are to promote positive community services and initiatives. Coastalwatch is a community focused group of people super passionate about Australian coasts and has always had a strong following in the Newcastle area. We are very excited to finally contribute to this great event and look forward to being part of the team.”
Since its inception in 1998, Coastalwatch has been committed to bringing the coast to online users. With live camera vision, daily surf reports and forecasts and news and features from around the country’s coast, it has grown into the Australia’s most comprehensive coastal reference site.
Using their camera network and working with some of the country’s pre-eminent coastal scientists The monitoring arm, CoastalCOMS, provides vital real-time data on beach erosion, risk and surf quality for councils and governments, lifeguards and rescue services.
Coastalwatch’s community focus also lends support to groups and charities such as Surfrider Foundation Australia, SurfAid International, Surf Lifesaving Australia and numerous volunteer rescue organisations.
