Newcastle Surfest moves forward sans Slater

Kelly Slater © Joli

Newcastle Surfest

ASP Mens & Women's Star Event
Merewether, Newcastle NSW
12 - 18 March 2012

Slater unable to compete in 2012 Surfest

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 31 January, 2012 : - - Kelly Slater has advised organisers of the 2012 Surfest, Newcastle Australia that he is unable to compete in the six-star Burton Toyota Pro in March. The 11-time world champion and 2004 Surfest winner has advised organiser Warren Smith that his work schedule for 2012 includes a sponsorship commitment in the United States that clashes with Surfest dates.

Smith says he understands surfing fans would love to see Slater in Newcastle again. “Kelly has been straight up-and-down with us regarding his coming to Newcastle and it’s only clear now that a sponsorship obligation means he won’t be in Australia during Surfest,” Mr Smith said. “We recognise Kelly is a massive drawcard for any surfing event and he knows how welcome he is in Newcastle."

Even though entries for the event don’t close until February 14, Kelly has contacted organisers to advise he is unable to attend and sends his best wishes. “It’s purely a conflict of schedule obligations that Kelly can’t come and he has expressed his regret he is not able to come to Newcastle to support Mark Richards and compete in the Burton Toyota Pro."

"Surfest organisers are very confident the event will draw many of the world’s best surfers because of its boosted status this year and we will be announcing the line up in the upcoming weeks,” Smith said.

About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia: The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (men's six-star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (women's six-star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter Sports Sports Group and the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Surfest Newcastle Australia is conducted over 12 days from March 7-18 at Merewether beach, a recognised Australian National Surfing Reserve.

Merewether is home to festival patron and Australia's most accomplished men's world professional surfing champion, four-time world champion Mark Richards (1979-82) and presents the winner a trophy in his likeness. 2012 marks the festival's 27th year and with over 800 national and international competitors, Surfest Newcastle Australia is the largest festival of surfing in the southern hemisphere. Get up-to-the minute updates, photos and interviews, as well as the program of events at surfest.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Surfest to host Hunter Water Stars of the Future...
# 2 : Coming soon
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon

www.surfest.com