Surfing New South Wales

Australian Kneeboard Titles - Round 2

North Wall Coffs Harbour Hosts Australian Kneeboard Titles DAY 1

Saturday, 21 July 2012

Saturday 20th July, 2012): Coffs Harbour hosted Round 2 of the Australian Kneeboard Titles at North Wall today, with Local, State, National and International competitors surfing in the difficult conditions, it was an opening day not to be missed.

Teams from New Zealand, Ireland and Venezuela entered the prestigious event on the Kneeboard tour and Wild card entrant Armando Colucci (Venezuela) impressed judges and organisers with his stylish surfing.

"One to look out for would have to be Armando, he won the Amateur A final in round 1 and is a great sportsman to watch. Kyle Bryant (Narrabeen) is the title holder and Catherine Karney-Jeffery (Victoria) did herself really proud today", said KSA President John Clingan.

Armando made it through to the quarters where he will face Byron Bay Kneeboarder Mark 'Mono' Stewart, current world no.2 Cheyne Simpson (Jervis Bay) and Matt Novakov (Narrabeen).

Victorian Catherine Karney-Jeffery competed against the men and put on a stellar effort in the blistery conditions that are reminiscent of the Phillip Island round 1 event held earlier in the year.

Matt Novakov competed today with his brother Tom in the opens and is currently world Junior no.2. No stranger to competition, the brothers are lead by their father Michael who has an impressive 4 world titles under his belt and looking to add to the tally.

The KSA and Surfing NSW have joined together for the first time to bring a solid event to Coffs Harbour. John Clingan is looking forward to building on the growing numbers, which contain competitors from the age of 5 through to 62 years.

"The teams from New Zealand, Ireland and the Venezuela are back again, we have a huge increase in the cadets and greater number of guys that are brand new to the sport. We haven't seen an increase like this in years and it's great to have the support of Surfing NSW", said Clingan.

"Coffs harbour is always fantastic, the council and the water ways are always great at supporting our events and there are so many beaches to choose from. Phillip island is artic and windy it's no better or worse, the kneelo's are used to surfing in all conditions and you bring out the best of competitors this way", said KSA President John Clingan.

Open to men and women from under 16 years to over 55 divisions, organisers encourage new participants to have a go and be a part of the great social event that is the Australian Kneeboard Titles. Tomorrow will see the women and cadets take to the water and finals get underway.

Contenders will be welcomed by the Hoey Moey each night for great deals on meals and entertainment. The event is proudly supported by the Hoey Moey, VB, Coffs Harbour City Council, Coffs Harbour Tourism and Surfing NSW.

Event schedule is subject to change at all times, please call the Event Hotline 0458 247 212 after 7:00am each day of event for confirmed daily running schedule and contest venue.

For more information on the event please call John Clingan on 0419 425 150 or visit the event page at www.surfingnsw.com.au

For Press releases, photographs and all media enquiries please contact Renee Miller: renee@surfingnsw.com.au or follow us on facebook/snsw for the latest updates.