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Newcastle Surfest
Surfest Wildcards up for Grabs at Port Stephens Toyota Trials
08/2/2012
SURFERS from around the region will battle it out in the Port Stephens Toyota Trials for a chance to win wildcards into the Burton Toyota Pro, CHIKO Pro Junior and Sanbah Cadet Cup at Surfest, Newcastle Australia next month.The Port Stephens Toyota Trials will give five lucky surfers a boost into the business end of four events.
Up for grabs is a wild card entry into the seeded round of 96 of the men's six-star US$155,000 Burton Toyota Pro.
In addition, Under 20 surfers could also gain a spot into the round of 64 of the internationally rated CHIKO Pro Junior.
And if that isn't enough surfing action, there are also opportunities for cadet divisions. Surfers in both Under 16 and Under 14 age divisions can gain free entry and the number one seed into the Sanbah Cadet Cup.
Kim Burton from Burton Family Toyota says he is again excited to support Surfest and the Port Stephens Toyota Trials and offer the opportunity for local surfers to compete in highly rated international events at home.
"The trials event is an excellent opportunity for our local surfers to compete against some of the world's best athletes and even pick up some ratings points on offer."
"The program also gives our younger cadet surfers a chance to compete against the best in their individual age group and gain some valuable competition experience," said Mr. Burton.
Surfest coordinator Warren Smith said Surfest was stoked to again have the support from Port Stephens Toyota to present the Port Stephens Toyota Wild Card Trials.
"The trials are a major part of the career path development for our young surfers and we have found a home here in Port Stephens for the event."
"We are expecting a large number of entries and as always will be treated to some great surfing," said Mr. Smith.
The Port Stephens Toyota Trials is scheduled for Saturday 25th February and is a mobile event that will be held at either Birubi Point or One Mile Beach - depending on which break is offering the best waves on the day.
The Port Stephens Toyota Trials will be coordinated by the Bay Area Boardriders in conjunction with the Newcastle Surfboard Association.
Entry fee is $25 and will go to the Bay Area Boardriders.
Entry forms for the Port Stephens Toyota Trials can be found on www.surfest.com.
What: Port Stephens Toyota Trials 

Date: Saturday 25th February , 2012

Where: Mobile event. Meet in Birubi Point Beach car park at 7.00am
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 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) who 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.
Biggest fields for years want start at Newcastle’s Surfest
16/2/2012
A WHOPPING 201 male surfers from 21 territories have registered their intention to wear a competitor's singlet in the 6-star Burton Toyota Pro set to get underway in Newcastle on March 12.Athletes from Australia, New Zealand, United States, Hawaii, Chile, Venezuela, Canary Islands, Escardes, France, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Brazil, Portugal, Tahiti, South Africa, Guadulupe, Reunion Island, Peru, Argentina, and Japan have thrown organisers a challenge to fit them into a field that will start with 144 surfers.
Some of the big names intending to head to Newcastle include Aussies Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Kai Otton and Adrian Buchan, Hawaiian Fredrick Pattachia, Americans Damien Hobgood, Chris Ward, Gabe Kling and Cory Lopez and former winners of the Mark Richards trophy at Newcastle including Jay Thompson, Glenn Hall and Travis Logie.
The 6-star Hunter Ports Women's Classic has also attracted keen interest, with 81 surfers from 13 territories including Australia, New Zealand, France, Ecuador, South Africa, Hawaii, United States, Reunion Island, Peru, Japan, Argentina, Great Britain and Portugal vying for 60 places in the event.
The world's best women surfers will compete at Newcastle, including world number one Carissa Moore from Hawaii and an Australian trio comprised of world number two Sally Fitzgibbons, world number four Tyler Wright and three-time winner at Newcastle Rebecca Woods.
World number five Silvana Lima from Brazil and world number seven Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich will also compete.
Contest chief Warren Smith said organisers were thrilled with athlete interest.
"Bumping the men's contest up to 6-star status has resulted in the most entries we've had since we've been at Merewether beach," Smith said.
"It's great for Newcastle to have this many surfers wanting to come here.
"But what a great problem to have. This is just a fantastic result for Surfest and for the people of Newcastle," he said.
Smith also attributed the increase in entries to Surfest's incredible history and the aura of event Patron, Mark Richards.
"Surfest is not some fly-by-night event. It's been around forever and some of the greatest names in pro surfing history are engraved on the winner's trophies."
"Every surfer wants to get their name on the winners list and collect the Mark Richards Trophy from MR himself. It's a massive honour," Smith said.
Previous winners at Surfest include Tom Carroll, Mark Occhilupo, Barton Lynch, Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning.
The women's winners list from Surfest is similarly impressive, featuring Wendy Botha, Pauline Menzcer, Pam Burridge and Steph Gilmore.
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia

The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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) who 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.
Surfest is also part of Destination NSW's It's ON in Newcastle and the Hunter campaign. On the final weekend of Surfest the region will host a spectacular array of events including:
· CMC Rocks the Hunter - 16 - 18 March
· NRL - Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos - 16 March
· Newcastle Regional Show - 16 - 18 March
· Sparke Helmore/NBN Television Triathlon Festival - 16 - 18 March
· A-League - Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar - 17 March
If it's on, it's on www.visitnsw.com/Newcastle
Newcastle's Surfest Set To Host World's Best Surfers
07/3/2012
This week Newcastle's Surfest will play host to some of the world's best surfers for the 27th time, making it one of the longest running surf events in Australia. 2012 has also seen the Men's division, the Burton Toyota Pro, upgraded to an ASP 6-Star rating making Surfest one of the biggest surfing festivals in the country also featuring the Women's ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Classic and the Men's and Women's CHIKO Pro Junior divisions.
Surfest Coordinator Warren Smith and four-times ASP World Champion Mark Richards officially opened Surfest for 2012 at a yesterday's press conference.
"This is Newcastle's only annual international sporting event," Smith said. "Over 700 athletes from 21 countries will visit Newcastle over the 12 days of Surfest. To present the ASP 6-Star rated Burton Toyota Pro and Hunter Ports Women's Classic is great for the city. Also to be able to celebrate the career of Mark Richards by having the MR perpetual trophy truly an honour. We hope the athletes will see this trophy as being one of the most sought after trophies to have your name added onto its honour roll."
Dane Jordan ASP Australasia's General Manager is thrilled to have this historic event offering local and international surfers the chance to compete for such a prestigious trophy.
"The MR trophy is one of the most sought after on the Australian leg of the ASP World Tour," Jordan said. "This is going to be a great event, with up-and-coming surfers from Newcastle, Australasia and throughout the globe getting the chance to compete alongside elite ASP World Championship Tour surfers the likes of Taj Burrow and Carissa Moore."
Taj Burrow (Yallingup, WA/AUS), current world No. 1 after winning the first event on the ASP World Championship Tour last week will be back to contest the Burton Toyota Pro again after bowing out in the Quarterfinals last year.
"This is a great event with a lot of history," Burrow said. "With the increased event rating this year, everyone will be going all out to hold up the Mark Richards trophy at the end. I'm looking forward to it!"
Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info www.surfest.com
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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) who 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.
Magic Merewether pumps perfection on first day of CHIKO Pro Junior
08/3/2012
MEREWETHER point offered young surfers from around the globe absolute perfection on day one of the CHIKO Pro Junior at Surfest 2012.The two to three metre southerly swell that lit up Merewether was whipped up by a deepening low pressure trough that moved up from the Tasman Sea during Wednesday night and formed a surface low off the Central Coast.
While some parts of New South Wales were drenched as a result of the low, Merewether beach experienced stacked corduroy lines to the horizon, providing surfers with persistent shack attacks, big open faces and down-the-line speed sections that were exciting for both competitors and spectators.
Fanned by north-westerly winds, the swell saw surfers including natural footer Beyrik DeVries from South Africa awarded with high scores.
Judges awarded DeVries the perfect score in heat seven of the round of 96, following a disappearing act that allowed him to hide behind the silver curtain for a seeming eternity.
The 19-year-old from Umhlanga Rocks just north of Durban is the number one ranked South African junior surfer and is currently ranked number 13 in the world.
Today he showed why he didn't lose a heat in his homeland last year.
DeVries said the conditions favoured his style of down-the-line speed surfing.
"These waves out there today remind me a lot of J-Bay," he said.
"You get the same speed, you get to surf up high in the barrel and you see the lines coming through from the horizon."
"The wave I got a 10 on was just perfect - I haven't had a 10-pointer since I was 14. Today was the most fun I have had in a heat ever," he said.
Another international surfer who was thrilled about conditions on offer today was Hairil Anwar from Lakey Peak in Sumbawa.
The 18-year-old Indonesian, currently ranked third on the Association of Surfing Professional's (ASP) Australasian Pro Junior tour, racked up an impressive heat score of 18.75 - the highest score in the first 17 heats of the day.
Hairil, who has been living in Australia for the past four years with a homestay family and attending high school on the Gold Coast, says his aim this year is to secure a top four finish.
"I just have to keep surfing my best. Last time I was here it was really small, but this time it is just fantastic," he said.
"I really want to finish well here and set myself up for a good final result for the year," he said.
The natural-footer - whose competitive spirit was honed among his 10 brothers and 2 sisters - said he loved the buzz that competition at this level provides.
He'll be up against some formidable opponents tomorrow.
One of the surfers he will meet is Reunion Island's Maxime Huscenot, who showed he is one of the unseeded surfers that is worth keeping a close eye upon.
The 2010 ASP world junior champion was surfing Merewether for the first time today - but even long-time locals couldn't believe how he seemed to have the place so wired.
"I just wanted to surf tactically. I went out the back and got my 7.5, but I could see the better waves were coming through inside" the 19-year-old said.
It was there that he got a 9.5 - the day's second highest wave score.
"On the WQS we often surf small waves and we dream about conditions like this," he added.
Huscenot may get to live the dream once again tomorrow, with conditions predicted to be favourable.
The first heat in the water tomorrow will see Port Macquarie giant killer and in-form surfer Matt Banting showing just why he won both the ASP Pro Junior and the 6-star ASP Australian Open in Manly last month.
Today saw 24 heats completed in the CHIKO Pro Junior and action will recommence tomorrow morning with the round of 64 set for a 7.30am start.
Please click on the following link for a complimentary image. Photo: Gary Luke
https://www.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8a6f658d6060757d6b9b
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia

The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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) who 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.
Surfest is also part of Destination NSW's It's ON in Newcastle and the Hunter campaign. On the final weekend of Surfest the region will host a spectacular array of events including:
· CMC Rocks the Hunter - 16 - 18 March
· NRL - Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos - 16 March
· Newcastle Regional Show - 16 - 18 March
· Sparke Helmore/NBN Television Triathlon Festival - 16 - 18 March
· A-League - Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar - 17 March
If it's on, it's on www.visitnsw.com/Newcastle
For media inquiries, contact Warren Smith on: 0412 127 525.
Quarterfinalists Decided at the CHIKO Pro Junior
10/3/2012
Conditions were once again favourable for day three of the CHIKO Pro Junior at Newcastle's Surfest as the field was culled to just eight men and eight competing for the CHIKO Pro Junior title. Most of the surfing action occurred 150 metres to the north of Merewether Point, with 1.5 - 2 metre peaks on offer. Seven nations will be represented in Sunday's Quarterfinals - Australia, Brazil, Mauritius, South Africa, New Zealand, France and Portugal.
Matt Banting (AUS) remains one of the event's major threats, taking down some big names on the way to his Quarterfinal berth. The Port Macquarie local will now face Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) of Mauritius when competition resumes tomorrow.
"It was a bit tricky out there today," Banting said. "I watched the heats and was thinking the lefts were the best, but when I got out there, I ended up surfing the rights. You have to make your decisions according to the conditions."
Jordin Watson (AUS), currently sitting in 9th position of the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series ratings, is the only other Australian left in the men's draw after the internationals took the rest out in an exciting day of competition today. Watson progressed to the Quarterfinals by eliminating some of the events top performers Brazilian Filipe Toledo (BRA) and South African Michael February (ZAF).
"The Brazilians sat on top of each other a bit and I was keeping clear of that," Watson said. "The lefts looked like better scorers and that was the way it unfolded - it was a bit unlucky for (Filipe) Toledo now he's out of the comp. The move he made in the earlier heat was probably the best thing I have ever seen in surfing."
Toledo had the crowd, his fellow competitors and the judges in awe earlier in the day after launching two massive backhand air-reverses on the same wave - earning the third perfect 10-point-ride of the 2012 CHIKO Pro Junior. Toledo followed that wave up with a 9.1 to record the event's top heat score of 19.1 (out of a possible 20). Although he's been eliminated you can expect to see Toledo back next week to compete in the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro.
The Australian contingent is better represented in the CHIKO Pro Junior Women's event, where six of the eight surfers are from the hosting nation.
Philippa Anderson (AUS) is the only local surfer left in contention, and will meet Ellie-Jean Coffey (AUS) from Crescent Head in tomorrow's Quarterfinals. Anderson is currently ranked 2nd on the ASP Australasian Pro Junior Series and is the 2011 Series Champion.
"We haven't had good waves around here for a while so it's great to score some for the CHIKO Pro Junior!" Anderson said. "To show the world that the waves here at home are great is special. It feels great to be into the Quarterfinals, I want to do well on the Pro Junior Series again this year, and a good result here is also a big confidence boost for next weeks ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic."
Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info www.surfest.com
UPCOMING MEN'S CHIKO PRO JUNIOR QUARTERFINALS:
QF 1: Matt Banting (AUS) vs. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)
QF 2: Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) vs. Johnny Hicks (NZL)
QF 3: Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA)
QF 4: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) vs. Jordin Watson (AUS)
UPCOMING WOMEN'S CHIKO PRO JUNIOR QUARTERFINALS:
QF 1: Naomi Stevic (AUS) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
QF 2: Joanne Defay (FRA) vs. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)
QF 3: Kirsten Ogden (AUS) vs. Audrey Styman-Lane (AUS)
QF 4: Ellie-Jean Coffey (AUS) vs. Philippa Anderson (AUS)
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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) who 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.
Surfest Set For Massive Week With World Best Surfers At Merewether
12/3/2012
Surfest's headlining events the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro and the ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic launched in style today at Merewether beach, Newcastle. A press conference featuring a crop of the world's best surfers kicked off proceedings as the opening Rounds of the men's and women's competition got underway in wedgy three foot (1.5 meter) peaks.
Taj Burrow (AUS), current No. 1 on the ASP World Championship Tour, after taking out the opening event on the Gold Coast this month, is thrilled to be back in Newcastle to compete for the Mark Richard trophy.
"It feels good to be on the podium," Burrow said. "It's what we all do this for and I'd love to roll that into another win here. It's great to be in Newcastle, there's so much history with this event and it's good to be a part of it. Now that it's a 6-Star there's a lot more big names in it like Joel (Parkinson), so it's going to be bit harder to win and more action packed for the spectators."
Joel Parkinson (AUS), last year's runner-up to the ASP World Title hasn't competed in Newcastle for over a decade, but is looking forward to getting reacquainted with the Merewether lineup.
"It would be a blessing to get that trophy," Parkinson said. "With the field we've got here it's going to be a tough event to win. I think I made the Quarterfinals last time I was here I'd love to do better this year. We have events all over the world that are well known for their special trophies and this one is special because of its heritage, it would look great at home in my house!"
Carissa Moore (AUS) reigning ASP Women's World Champion is in Newcastle for the first time and is excited to be competing at an event without the pressures of a World Title on her mind.
"I love Newcastle it's beautiful," Moore said. "I'm really enjoying the coastline, the surf and the people have been great. I'm having a blast. I won my World Title seven months ago and I still don't think I'm used to the title 'World Champion'. There are also different pressures and expectations that I'm not used to, but that's why I'm here to relax and have some fun."
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), last year's runner-up to the ASP Women's World Title, finished equal 3rd at last year's event. Fitzgibbons won the last ASP 6-Star event in Manly last month and is one of the favourites coming into the Hunter Ports Women's Classic.
"I've been coming here since I was 11-years-old and I love it," Fitzgibbons said. "Last year Coco (Ho) got the better of me in the Semifinals so it would be great to get up towards to the pointy end of the comp again this year."
Luke Egan (AUS), the former Merewether local has been awarded a wildcard into the Burton Toyota Pro and will face Taj Burrow in heat 1 of the Round of 96. Egan retired from full-time competition at the end of 2005 after 18 years on tour, and currently competes in just one or two events per year.
"I like to come back to Merewether as much as I can," Egan said. "I spent 10 days here over Christmas and it's where I come from so it's nice to come back. I'm just hoping for some good waves so I can use some local knowledge, put on a good show and have fun. I still surf and train as hard as I did when I was on tour. This is a measuring stick for me so I can see how I go at the age of 43."
The Burton Toyota Pro than the first 18 heats of the Round of 144 with Gabriel Villaran (PER), Manuel Selman (CHL), Krystian Kymerson (BRA), Jay Thompson (AUS) and Sam Wrench (AUS) the day's top performers. The Hunter Ports Women's Classic completed the Round of 60 with Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) and Dominic Barona (ECU) the standouts.
Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info www.surfest.com
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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 ASP World Champion Mark Richards (1979-82) who 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.
Big Scores Posted in Challenging Conditions at Newcastle's Surfest
13/3/2012
Today at Newcastle's Surfest competitors were greeted with small but clean 2 foot (1 meter) surf for the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro and the ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic. The last six heats of the Round of 144 of the Men's competition were run, followed by the Round of 48 of the Women's at Merewether beach, with competitors forced to be selective in the tricky conditions.
Sage Erickson (USA) posted a massive two-wave heat total of 17.30 (out of a possible 20) in her dominant Round of 48 hit out today. Ericson is in her rookie year on the Elite ASP Top 17 ASP Women's World Championship Tour.
"Newcastle reminds me of California with these white sand beaches and a lot of wave choices," Erickson said. "I feel at home here. I'm enjoying the scenery and the clear water. The surf is smaller today, but there's a couple of fun peaks coming through. It went my way in that heat and I'm excited for my next one."
Carissa Moore (HAW), reigning ASP Women's World Champion won her opening heat at the Hunter Ports Women's Classic. The young Hawaiian's smooth and powerful surfing saw her clock two excellent score to easily advance to the Round of 24.
"I had a really good time in my heat," Moore said. "I watched it for about an hour before to make a plan of where to sit. I've been working with Adam Robertson, he's a great guy to have around. I've also got a good board shaped by Matt Biolos that's a bit wider and lighter than my normal board."
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), runner-up to the 2011 ASP Women's World Title also got her Hunter Ports Women's Classic campaign off to a great start with a big Round of 48 performance.
"Consistency is key to keeping the momentum going," Fitzgibbons said. "With the number of events we have in a row you want to not just have the same performance at each event, but step it up and up. There's a great talent pool in this event and I'm looking forward to the next round."
Philippa Anderson (AUS), the local Merewether surfer advanced to the Round of 24 after finishing 2nd to Elite ASP Top 17 ASP Women's World Championship Tour competitor Paige Hareb (NZL). Anderson snared a last minute left-hander and executed a number of sharp backhand turns, netting a score that would see her advance into the next round.
"That was a close one so I'm stoked to get through," Anderson said. "I just tried to get two quick ones, but I fell off a few at the start. I didn't get that many waves compared to the other girls, I was just lucky that left came through at the end. You just have to be sharp out there when it's small."
Lakey Peterson (USA) went ballistic in the small but rippable surf at Merewether today, posting the highest single wave score of the event thus far - 9.67 (out of a possible 10) and backed that up with a 8.67.
"It's really small but there's a good one every once in a while," Peterson said. "This is a lot like the surf at home in summer, so I'm used to it. I've been away from home for a month now, it can be draining, but it's also a lot of fun."
Jack Freestone (AUS), the 2010 ASP World Junior Champion posted the highest heat total of the Burton Toyota Pro so far in his Round of 144 heat today. Freestone mixed airs and snaps to impress the judges and advance to the next round where he'll face Mitch Crews (AUS), Granger Larsen (HAW) and Bruno Rodrigues (BRA).
"That heat was alright because the waves were fun," Freestone said. "When I woke up this morning and checked the surf it looked kind of bad, but it pulsed in my heat and it was fun. I surfed my little groveller board for doing airs. It was a close heat so I'm happy to get through it."
Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info www.surfest.com
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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 ASP World Champion Mark Richards (1979-82) who 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.
Burrow Buoyed by Strong Start at Newcastle's Surfest
14/3/2012
Merewether once again played host to an array of the world's best surfers as the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro hit the water for the Round of 96, the Round that sees the top seeds enter the draw. The surf was in the 2 to 3 foot (1 - 1.5 meter) range with some nice walls and rippable sections on offer.
Taj Burrow (AUS), current No. 1 on the ASP World Championship Tour, continued his devastating run-of-form from his win on the Gold Coast into his Round of 96 heat at the Burton Toyota Pro. Burrow picked a number of small runners and launched into a series of his signature airs and fins free snaps to amass two scores in the 8-point-range (out of a possible 10) to easily advance to the Round of 48.
"I'm pretty happy with those scores," Burrow said. "They felt like good turns, but I didn't know I'd get scores that big. I'm stoked they rewarded them. The two sections I got were sick for throwing your tail out, it was pretty fun. It was hard to get up for the early start, but I woke up when I hit the water."
Nic Muscroft (AUS) blitzed his Round of 96 heat today, banking the highest single wave score 9.27 (out of a possible 10) and the highest heat total 17.27 (out of a possible 20) of the Burton Toyota Pro thus far. Muscroft's lethal backhand power snaps were easily some of the best turns of the day with the judging panel rewarding him accordingly.
"I just tried to find the good waves out there," Muscroft said. "I was lucky enough to find two decent waves that allowed me to open up. I've been coming to Newcastle for years and I love it. It's a cruisy town with lots of waves. I always have a good time here."
Filipe Toledo (BRA) has had Newcastle talking for the past week after what the locals are calling 'the best wave ever ridden at Surfest' during the CHIKO Pro Junior. Toledo impressed again today with some clean aerials and smooth carves.
"That was so hard," Toledo said. "Shaun Joubert, Glenn Hall and Cesar Aguiar surf so good. The Pro Junior was a great warm-up for this 6-Star. I'm just trying to stay relaxed and enjoy my surfing. Newcastle has been really fun. It's my first time here and I'm enjoying traveling and surfing with my dad and friends."
Jay Quinn (NZL) used his stylish rail and aerial game to post some excellent scores and advance to the Round of 48. Quinn will now face Krystian Kymerson (BRA), Shaun Joubert (ZAF) and Alan Donato when competition resumes.
"I've been here for four days and that was my first surf," Quinn said. "It took me while for me to get a good wave, but it all worked out for me in the end. It was a pretty good heat for me. This is a good place to have an event because it rarely goes flat at this time of the year. Even when it is small you can still fit in a couple of turns."
Tom Whitaker (AUS), former elite ASP World Championship Tour campaigner, posted an impressive heat win at Merewether today. Whitaker finished runner-up at last year's Burton Toyota Pro and has returned this year battle for the coveted Mark Richards trophy once again.
"I've never been a good hassler," Whitaker said. "Those guys hammered me at the start and I just got out of there and paddled down the beach. I'm washed up, so I'm just cruising at this event and helping a few of the Oakley kids. It's not do-or-die for me anymore, I just drove up from Sydney to surf some heats and have some fun."
Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info www.surfest.com
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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 ASP World Champion Mark Richards (1979-82) who 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.
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Freestone Flies, Parkinson Eliminated and Sally Soars at Newcastle's Surfest Today
15/3/2012
Merewether beach, Newcastle once again pumped out small but shapely 2 - 3 foot (1 - 1.5 meter) surf for the ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro and the ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic. The Men's event finished the Round of 96 and got through eight heats of the Round of 48, while the Women's event completed the Round of 24.
Jack Freestone (AUS) and Mitch Crews (AUS) both progressed through their Round of 96 heat today placed 1st and 2nd respectively. The young Australian pair used their ultra-sharp aerials to eliminate Granger Larsen (HAW) and Bruno Rodrigues (BRA).
"I was looking at the results at which heat I would go into and I saw that I either had Mitch (Crews) or Parko (Joel Parkinson)," Freestone said. "So either way I knew I had a tough heat on my hands. That's the first heat I've had with Mitch for a long time and it's awesome that we both got through. We're great mates, we travel together and we're moving into the same house soon too."
Taj Burrow (AUS), current ASP World Championship Tour ratings leader had a tight tussle with Filipe Toledo (BRA), Jesse Mendes (BRA) and Michael Dunphy (USA) in their Round of 48 encounter. The lead changed multiple times between Toledo and Burrow, but it was the West Australian Burrow who's airs and carves received the highest praise from the judges.
"I knew it was going to be a tough heat," Burrow said. "Those guys are all energetic in small surf like that. They all rip. Last year I felt good here and had an unfortunate interference in the Quarterfinals and I lost. That's always disappointing, but that was my mistake and I'll never do that again. I'm hoping to do better than the Quarters this time. My board feels great and I feel great so there's no reason why I can't go all the way."
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), runner-up to the 2011 ASP Women's World Title, posted the highest heat total of the day 18.03 (out of a possible 20) in her Round of 24 clash. Fitzgibbons' wave selection and surfing was superb, as she mixed smooth carves and sharp snaps to easily advance to the Round of 12.
"I'm pretty stoked with that heat," Fitzgibbons said. "There was a lot of waves in that heat and it was lots of fun. My first heat I was trying different equipment and trying some things out and that work paid off. With events like this it's good to really get to know your boards and try different heat strategies heading into ASP Women's World Championship Tour events. We've got Bells coming up which I'm excited about and this is a stepping stone towards that."
Dimity Stoyle (AUS) locked in a solid heat win at the Hunter Ports Women's Classic today. The young Sunshine Coast surfer put her power surfing to work, earning some solid scores to advance to the Round of 12.
"I'm so excited to get an 8-point-ride," Stoyle said. "It feels good to get a big score in the small surf. Just trying to get big scores is pretty hard on a day like this. This event is so important. This year my focus is on the ASP 6-Star events and try to qualify for the ASP Women's World Championship Tour."
Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), winner of the CHIKO Pro Junior at this year's Surfest, is continuing her winning form in the blue ribbon ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic.
"Five minutes before my heat I had no idea where to sit," Buitendag said. "So I went out there and followed the other girls and just tried to find a few waves. The surf has been small but it's been really fun too. I'm loving Newcastle this year, it gets better every year I come."
Joel Parkinson (AUS), runner-up to the 2011 ASP World Title suffered a shock loss at the Burton Toyota Pro today. Parkinson finished 3rd in a tight heat, and was left only chasing a small score, but couldn't find the wave required.
Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info http://www.surfest.com
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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 ASP World Champion Mark Richards (1979-82) who 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.
Competition Intensifies at Newcastle's Surfest
16/3/2012
The field of more than 200 competitors has been culled to just 28 at Newcastle's Surfest. The ASP 6-Star Burton Toyota Pro is down to the final 16 and the ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic decided the Quarterfinalists in 2 foot (1 meter) surf at Merewether today.Adrian Buchan (AUS) today established himself as one of the front-runners for the Burton Toyota Pro crown after posting the highest heat total of the event thus far - 18.50 (out of a possible 20). Buchan blew up in the small left-handers, using his power carves to easily advance to the Round of 16 where he'll face Evan Geiselman (USA).
"When you win like that it's good for your confidence," Buchan said. "Over the last few days I've felt good without positing big scores, so I knew it would come. I spend most of the year going right on the ASP World Tour, so it's refreshing to go left. It's a fun wedgy little left and I seemed to be in the right spot for two good ones. It was a stacked heat with Matty (Banting) and Tom (Whitaker), it was a good one to get through."
Taj Burrow (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS) and Jay Quinn (NZL) battled it out in the heat of the day and finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. All three surfers held the lead at different stages of the heat, but it was Burrow who locked in a 6.97 (out of a possible 10) at the end of the heat, to see him jump into first position.
"I was struggling out there for sure," Burrow said. "None of us felt safe with the lead changing over and over. We were all posting mid-range score so it was there for the taking the whole heat. I'm glad to get through that one because I don't like the three and four man heats. It's man-on-man from here on out and I'm looking forward to it."
Paige Hareb (NZL) posted the highest wave score of the day 9.27 (out of a possible 10) in her Round of 12 battle at the Hunter Ports Women's Classic. Hareb took advantage of the rippable lefts on offer, executing two massive gouging turns and a massive lip-line floater on the end section.
"We were paddling in the rip for a while," Hareb said. "I tried to get the inside position and then a really good one came through. I was a little bit lucky because it went all the way to the beach. I was feeling pretty relaxed out there. I was looking at the draw and the top half is all ASP Women's World Championship Tour surfer, so it's going to be tough from here on."
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), runner-up to the 2011 ASP Women's World Title continued to impress at the Newcastle's Surfest today. Fitzgibbons posted a 9.10 and an 8.33 (out of a possible 10) to advance to the Quarterfinals where she'll face Alizee Arnaud (FRA).
"The surf is about the same size as yesterday," Fitzgibbons said. "But the waves have less power so it's pretty tough out there. In those three man heats it's good to get an early lead and leave the other girls to hassle for 2nd. I think the swell is expected to be a bit bigger tomorrow, so I'm excited for Finals day."
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia

The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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) who 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.
Surfest is also part of Destination NSW's It's ON in Newcastle and the Hunter campaign. On the final weekend of Surfest the region will host a spectacular array of events including:
· CMC Rocks the Hunter - 16 - 18 March
· NRL - Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos - 16 March
· Newcastle Regional Show - 16 - 18 March
· Sparke Helmore/NBN Television Triathlon Festival - 16 - 18 March
· A-League - Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar - 17 March
If it's on, it's on www.visitnsw.com/Newcastle
Sally Fitzgibbons Wins Hunter Ports Women's Classic at Newcastle's Surfest
17/3/2012
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) has won the ASP 6-Star Hunter Ports Women's Classic over Malia Manuel (HAW) in 2 foot (1 meter) surf at Merewether beach, Newcastle today. The Final was a fairly one-sided affair with Fitzgibbons dominating the wave selection and execution, this is her 2nd ASP 6-Star win in a row after taking out the Australian Open in Manly in February.
Fitzgibbons, runner-up to the 2011 ASP Women's World Title has been a standout performer at Surfest all week, posting 4 of the top 10 single waves scores of the Hunter Ports Women's Classic. In today's Final Fitzgibbons was clinical in her attack, executing fins free turns, perfectly timed snaps and smooth carves.
"Today was a bit of a struggle to find the good ones," Fitzgibbons said. "I just had to pick the eyes out of it to find the best waves. The competitive rhythm is back and it's all feeling good. The first few events this year have gone really well for me. I finished 3rd on the Gold Coast which is good, but also tough not to make the Final. There are things I've learned and I'll use them at Bells. As a 13-year-old we had a Pro Junior event here at Merewether and I was just a little grommet and I took it out, so Newcastle is a special place for me."
Manuel started the day on a high by eliminating the reigning ASP Women's World Champion, Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Quarterfinals. In the Final however she was unable to find the open faced waves that offered up sections to execute the impressive moves she performed earlier in the day.
"I'm really happy to make the Final and rack up some points," Manuel said. "I'd really like to stay in the top five. I'm really happy right now. I wish I could have caught a couple more waves, but either way 1st or 2nd is great for me. I'm enjoying Australia and looking forward to the rest of my time here."
Sage Erickson (USA), 2012 elite ASP Women's World Championship Tour rookie finished equal third place after bowing out in her Semifinal against Manuel. Erickson eliminated Paige Hareb (NZL) earlier in the day in the Quarterfinals but couldn't match Manuel's smooth style in today's shifty conditions.
"The conditions are much more tricky with the southerly winds," Erickson said. "There were some good little lefts, but I couldn't find a good back-up score. Malia (Manuel) got those two good waves and surfed really consistent in that heat."
The Men's Burton Toyota Pro will finish tomorrow with competition expected to start at 7:30am. Newcastle's Surfest will run from 8 - 18 March 2012. More info www.surfest.com
HUNTER PORTS WOMEN'S CLASSIC FINAL RESULT:
1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.70
2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.00
HUNTER PORTS WOMEN'S CLASSIC SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.20 def. Sage Erickson (USA) 12.17
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.04 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.00
HUNTER PORTS WOMEN'S CLASSIC QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Sage Erickson (USA) 14.93, def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.93
QF 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.66 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.17
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.34 def. Alizee Arnaud (FRA) 10.37
QF 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.84 def. Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 10.50
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men's ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women's Classic (Women's ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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 ASP World Champion Mark Richards (1979-82) who 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.
Willian Cardoso Has Taken Out The Burton Toyota Pro at Newcastle's Surfest
18/3/2012
Willian Cardoso (BRA) takes home the coveted Mark Richards trophy after winning the Burton Toyota Pro over Filipe Toledo (BRA) at Newcastle\'s Surfest today. Overnight the surf increased to 4 foot (1.5 - 2 meters), giving the surfers plenty of opportunity to battle it out. Cardoso has joined the elite winner\'s list at the Burton Toyota Pro, and is only the third Brazilian to claim the title following in the footsteps of Adriano De Souza (BRA) who won in 2008 and Neco Padaratz (BRA) who won in 2006.
During the Final Toledo was penalised with a priority interference after dropping in on Cardoso without holding priority. The surfer who has priority gets to take any wave of their choosing and has unconditional right of way on their chosen wave. Under ASP rules when a surfer receives a priority interference only one score is counted towards their heat total and their opponent counts two. Toledo still held the lead until the dying minutes thanks to a monster air-reverse that scored a 9.50 (out of a possible 10), until Cardoso\'s power gouges saw him earn a heat total of 10.61 (out of a possible 20) and surpass Toledo to claim victory.
"I\'m really, really happy!" Cardoso said. "I was here and came 5th when Adriano (De Souza) won. This is so amazing for me! I was really, really nervous when Filipe (Toledo) scored the interference. I only needed a small score and I kept falling. Then I got that 7-point-ride and I knew that I had won and I was so happy."
Toledo who posted the event\'s only perfect 10-point-ride in the Semifinals, scored a near perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10) in the final, but was overtaken by Cardoso\'s top two rides. Toledo has built up a name for himself at this event, with competitors, judges and spectators in awe of the young Brazilian\'s aerial skills.
"I didn\'t see him there when I got the interference," Toledo said. "It\'s disappointing, but I\'m happy to get 2nd in an all Brazilian Final. It\'s good for my seeding because I want to do more ASP Star events this year. I really like doing airs, I\'ve been training a lot and it\'s working for me."
Chris Friend (AUS) and Mitch Crews (AUS) were the highest placed Australians, both took home equal 5th place finishes after bowing out in their respective Quarterfinal battles. This is the highest Friend has finished at an ASP 6-Star rated event and he was thrilled to collect the valuable 1560 ASP World Tour ratings points.
"This is by far my best result in a 6-Star," Friend said. "I wanted to rack up a few points in the Aussie leg so I can get into J-Bay and some ASP Prime events later in the year. A 5th is great, but I still would have loved to go all the way. I\'ve felt really relaxed all week and I\'ve got some good boards under my feet. I\'m feeling confident and comfortable and I think it showed with some big heat scores. I had a rocky start to the year so this is a confidence booster going into the next event."
Photos and video highlights - www.surfest.com
BURTON TOYOTA PRO FINAL RESULT:
Willian Cardoso (BRA) 10.16 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 9.50
BURTON TOYOTA PRO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.00 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 12.07
QF 2: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 14.40 def. Hizunome Bettero (BRA) 11.27
BURTON TOYOTA PRO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.34 def. Nat Young (USA)
QF 2: Gabe Kling (USA) 15.67 def. Evan Geiselman (USA) 12.37
QF 3: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 14.90 def. Chris Friend (AUS) 14.40
QF 4: Hizunome Bettero (BRA) 16.16 def. Mitch Crews (AUS) 15.76
About the 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia
The 2012 Surfest Newcastle Australia features the Burton Toyota Pro (Men\'s ASP 6-Star) and the Hunter Ports Women\'s Classic (Women\'s ASP 6-Star), along with eight supporting events. The event is made possible with the support of Burton Toyota, the Hunter 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 ASP World Champion Mark Richards (1979-82) who 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.
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