Surfest

Surfing Australia
Newcastle, New South Wales
2 - 14 March 2010

Burton Family Toyota to power Surfest's 25th anniversary

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 4 December, 2009 : - - Burton Family Toyota and Newcastle’s iconic Surfest have joined forces to ensure a massive 25th anniversary for Australia’s biggest surfing festival. While quarter-century anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with silver, the Burton Toyota Surfest (March 2-14, 2010) will be a platinum event for the entire Hunter region and a key event on the 2010 Australian professional surfing calendar.

Sponsorship from the Burton family will see the jewel in the crown of the festival, the Burton Toyota Pro (March 10-14), boosted from 2009’s 2-star status to a 2010 4-star ranking. The jump in prize money and valuable ratings points for professional surfers will help to ensure many of the world’s best surfers will don the coloured singlet for the World Qualifying Series event set down for Merewether Beach.

Burton Toyota Surfest chief Warren Smith says that both Surfest and Burton Toyota have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Hunter region. “It’s terrific news for the Hunter that Burton Toyota’s support for 2010 has allowed the event to return to four-star status.

"Burton Toyota believe in Surfest and want to see it continue as the premier international sporting event that honours the Hunter region," Mr Smith said "The 25th Surfest will celebrate the history of the event and Burton Toyota are committed to seeing Australia's most successful professional male surfer and outstanding surfing ambassador Mark Richards, continue to be acknowledged for his contribution to the sport and the community."

Surfest patron Mark Richards said he was really looking forward to Surfest next March and was really pleased a local family company has got behind the event. "The support from Burton Family Toyota is integral the contest being a four-star WQS event and attract a great international field of surfers," Mr Richards said.

"It is going to be a great 25th anniversary for Surfest."

Besides the fierce and entertaining competition in the professional events, more than 700 competitors are anticipated to take to the water in school, junior, indigenous, emergency services and exhibition surfing events. And the Wine and Waves festival will be back in Jefferson Park behind the Merewether Surf Club, highlighting the region’s best food and wine on March 13 and 14.

The entire festival is fortunate to be receiving its fifth year of support from Events NSW, who have shown a strong commitment to regional events that advance regional tourism, boost local economies and position NSW as a preferred destination for both national and international visitors.        

Having originated back in 1985 when Newcastle's movers and shakers were desperately trying to banish the city's grime-ridden industrial image and showcase the unheralded beauty of Newcastle beaches and surf breaks, Surfest has thrilled surf-lovers every year except 1991 when the world surfing tour was re-scheduled due to the introduction of a two-tier system.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Coming soon
# 2 : Coming soon
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon  

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Steve Robertson

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