Surfing New South Wales

Australian Surf Festival Supported by Essential Energy 2012

Massive Swell To Open Australian Surf Festival supported by Essential Energy

Friday, 10 August 2012

A massive southerly swell will greet competitors for this weekend's opening rounds of the Australian Surf Festival supported by Essential Energy in Port Macquarie.

More than 500 surfers from throughout Australia will compete in the event across five disciplines and 34 titles from August 11-25.

The event will feature national titles in Longboard, Open Surf Masters, Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), Alaia and Single Fin.

Contest Director Glen Elliott said forecasts are pointing to a powerful 4-5m south to south-easterly swell over the weekend before easing and an update regarding possible venues will be provided at the Official Opening at Town Green Inn at 4.00pm this afternoon (August 10).

"The event is mobile so we'll explore our options in the immediate area to host the event during the weekend, but our main concern will be duty of care with the surfers," Elliott said.

"Another option is we don't run and catch-up during the event, but I'm expecting epic, clean conditions on Sunday and into Monday."

Elliott said all contestants can stay updated by ringing the contest hotline on 0458 247 212, which will be updated at 7.00am each morning.

The main base for the event will be Town Beach which is located in the heart of Port Macquarie, however the event is mobile with numerous beach break options available between Port Macquarie and North Haven (20 minutes drive south of Port Macquarie CBD) including Flynns Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills and Grants Beach and Diamond Head at North Haven.

The Australian Surf Festival event website is now LIVE at www.australiansurffestival.com and during the event will feature live scores, heat by heat results, photo gallery and event news.

This year's event will also feature a busy schedule off the water with live music and surf education courses. Town Green Inn will become the headquarters for all the land-based action providing competitors and spectators an opportunity to relax when competition is over for the day. A series of coaching courses will be available for surfing, SUP and judging.

The Australian Surf Festival is proudly supported by Essential Energy, NSW Government, Destination NSW, Port Macquarie Tourism, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Harley-Davidson Australia, Town Green Inn, Nikon, Suncorp, VB, Australian Sports Commission, Coastalwatch, NBN, Port Macquarie News, 2MC, Star FM, Surfing World Magazine, Pacific Longboarder Magazine.