Country Energy Australian Surf Festival

Surfing New South Wales
Port Macquarie New South Wales
16 - 29 August 2009

 Finals fast approaching at the Australian Longboard Titles

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 August, 2009 : - - Port Macquarie, NSW -- The Australian Longboard Titles continues to motor along at breakneck speed as high scores and excellent conditions highlighted day four. With 23 Australian titles to be awarded in 21 divisions, and the best surfers across the nation converging upon Bonny Hills, this morning saw a simmering selection of world-class talent in all age groups.

The effervescent George Watt (Bonny Hills, NSW) was a standout on his local patch, surfing in a division 20 years his junior. “I’m so happy to be surfing my local break,” he said beaming after qualifying through to the semi-final stages of the competition. “It’s what I would have been doing anyway this time of the day.”

“To be honest I shouldn’t even be surfing in this division, as I am over 55 myself,” he admitted with a smile. Watt, who accrued a heat total of 10.70 (out of a possible 20), was more concerned with the other side of the competition as opposed to the fierce battle that was alight in the water. “To have people from all over the country converging on Port Macquarie, and Bonny Hills, is amazing,” he continued

“I have enjoyed introducing myself, Port Macquarie and Bonny Hills to all competitors.” Damien Coulter (Mountain Creek, QLD) was also a standout this morning in the Over 35 division racking up a total of 14.35 (out of a possible 20) in his early morning heat. Having led the way all week, Coulter is looking ominous as the finals approach.

Sean Dry (Dee Why, NSW) was the day’s standout, mixing up a series of effortless nose rides with powerful backhand re-entries en-route to claiming the highest heat total of the day – a 14.80 (out of a possible 20).

The under 18 girls division has been widdled down to the final four with Rachel Pinsak (Terrigal, NSW), Samantha White (Currarong, NSW), Beth Palmer (Dicky Beach, QLD) and reigning Australian champion Georgie Roach (Maroochydore, QLD) cementing their place in the final.

Tonight will also see the opening of the amazing, eclectic and heady Glassy Walls exhibition taking place in the state of the art Glasshouse as artist Garry Birdsall and photographer Bob Weeks rewind the clock back to the soul of Australian surfing – the sixties.

Joining Birdsall and Weeks upon the walls of the Glasshouse will also be the spectacular and diverse works of Shane Martin, Robyn Convoy, Adrian Turner, Deb Tinker, Bill Kercher, Chris Buller and Mark Ingleby. The Country Energy Australian Surf Festival will take place from August 15 – 29 2009 at Port Macquarie. For more information on The Country Energy Australian Surf Festival visit australiansurffestival.com.au
 
The Country Energy Australian Surf Festival is presented by Surfing Australia and Surfing NSW and is proudly supported by Country Energy, Events NSW, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Mercure Centro Hotel, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Port Macquarie Tourism, Tourism NSW, Australian Sports Commission , Ocean & Earth, Coastalwatch, Sydney Weekender, Port Macquarie News, NBN TV, Star FM, Macquarie Hotel, The Town Green Inn, Australia’s Surfing Life Magazine and Australian Longboarding Magazine.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Country Energy Australian Surf Fest set for Pt Macquarie
# 2 : Australian Longboard Titles set for Country Energy Fest
# 3 : Australian SUP Titles to run with Country Energy Festival

# 4 : Country Energy Australian Surf Festival celebrating art..  
# 5 : Country Energy Australian Surf Festival all ready to go.. 
# 6 : Young guns blaze a trail at Australian Longboard Titles
# 7 : Australian Longboard Titles continues to fire on Day #3

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www.australiansurffestival.com.au

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Michael Tyrpenou
Surfing NSW Media Manager
michaelt@surfingnsw.com.au

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Surfing NSW Operations Manager
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