(Redhead Beach, NSW, AUSTRALIA 26 January 2017)
REDHEAD beach in Lake Macquarie will provide a huge range of community activities and red hot surfing action this weekend for the two-day Lake Mac Festival of Surfing.
The festival has been swamped with competitor entries and each of the five individual events boasts a full sheet. The weekend surfing events feature a total of 48 competitors from as far north as Queensland and as far south as the New South Wales south coast.
Surfest organiser Warren Smith says the Lake Mac Festival of Surfing is really “getting a roll-on” with the local surfing community in Lake Macquarie and this year’s full entry card is a reflection of the heightening awareness of the event and the sense of fun and friendship it fosters.
“It’s a growing event and is attracting interest way beyond the boundaries of the Lake Mac LGA. One of the great things about this weekend is that it is mobile, so depending on conditions we can choose any of Lake Macquarie’s terrific beaches between Redhead and Catherine Hill Bay.
“At this stage it looks as though we will have a decent south swell for the weekend,” Smith said.
The Festival has expanded events this year to include an individual stand-up paddleboard (SUP) event for women and World Tour SUP surfer Terenne Black from the Central Coast is favoured to win the inaugural competition. Black will face some tough competition from fellow Central Coaster Roxanne Masters, Queenslander Emmi Flett and Manly’s Brissa Malaga.
Lake Macquarie surfers to look out for include Justin Lee and Simon Hasson in the 30-years and over shortboard event, while the showdown between Connor Lee and Paul Snow in the open division for shortboards looks set to provide a great match-up. Another local surfer expected to do well in both the longboard and SUP divisions is Matt Rawson.
But Rawson won’t have it all his own way, with Steve Morley from Queensland leading the charge in the open SUP and defending champion Harry Maskell keen for another trophy. It will be a busy weekend for Maskell, who is also competing in shortboard and longboard events.
Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Cr Kay Fraser, says the Lake Mac Festival of Surfing is a wonderful showcase for the city’s beaches and coastal lifestyle.
“Surfing is very much part of the Lake Macquarie lifestyle and Council is delighted to be partnering with Surfest for the third year to present this festival,” Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Cr Kay Fraser, said.
“The event creates a real buzz in the community and provides significant returns for the local economy. We’re anticipating a great weekend of surfing.”
The Lake Mac Festival of Surfing is supported by Lake Macquarie City Council, Jewells Tavern and the Redhead Surf Club.