(Merewether, NSW, AUSTRALIA 24 January 2019)
BAY Area Boardriders are welcoming some of the region’s best surfers to the Port Stephens Toyota Wild Card Trials where they will battle for a coveted wild card into Surfest’s elite competitions.
Surfers will head to Birubi beach on Saturday 2 February where victory sees winners catapulted into the World Surf League’s men’s and women’s world qualifying series 6000 point events at Merewether beach – the jewels in the competitive crown of the 34th annual Surfest.
Besides the winners of those trial events being able to skip the early rounds of the men’s Burton Automotive Pro or the Holmes Civil Developments Women’s Pro, there is also a wild-card spot up for grabs in the Lake Mac City Pro Junior, a World Surf League men and women’s junior qualifying series 1000 point event.
Cadets are also well catered for at the trials, with the number one seed contest jersey reserved for the trials’ winners in three divisions of the Sanbah Cup presented by the University of Newcastle.
And there’s no shortage of hopefuls from the Port Stephens area lined up for competition at Birubi, with Josh Stretton and Mike Clayton-Brown contesting both the Open Men’s and Pro Junior divisions, while Ellie Clayton-Brown and Jasmine Sampson will square-off in the Open Women’s competition.
Isaac Sullivan will be leading the local charge for the number one seed spot for the boy’s 16 years-and-under division, while Jimmi Hill will wear the contest singlet for the boy’s 14 years-and-under competition of the Sanbah Cup.
Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer said Port Stephens Council was thrilled to be leveraging the surfing action out of the water and offering a smorgasbord of food and entertainment options for locals and visitors.
“We’re so excited to once again host the Surfest Wild Card Trials this year, welcoming hundreds to our beautiful Birubi Beach on Saturday 2 February,” Cr Palmer said.
“This year, we’ll be adding to the excitement with Street Food Social offering the region’s best food trucks, markets and entertainment overlooking the waves for all to enjoy.
“This is one in a number of surfing events we have planned in Port Stephens in 2019, showcasing our stunning coastline and legendary surf breaks to visitors right across Australia and the world. Building on last year’s success, we expect this year’s events to be even bigger and better – bringing more local surfers, family, friends and visitors to experience the beauty of Port Stephens,” he added.
Action commences at the Port Stephens Toyota Wild Card Trials at 7am and finals will be in the water from 2pm.
Event information and the full event schedule for Surfest 2019 can be found at surfest.com
The event would not be possible without the support from Port Stephens Toyota and the Port Stephens Council.
For further information call Warren Smith on +61 412127525.
