Australian Open Of Surfing

The world’s top action-sports athletes are set to converge at the birthplace of professional surfing, Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia for the country's biggest-ever surf, skate and music event; The Australian Open of Surfing, presented by Hurley and Billabong. 

Sydney’s brand new global event The Australian Open of Surfing commences this Saturday at Manly Beach. The world’s top action-sports athletes will converge on Manly for the country's biggest-ever surf, skate and music event.

Around 100,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural nine day festival from 11 to 19 February. Destination NSW is a foundation partner in the event which is presented by Hurley and Billabong.

It is estimated that The Australian Open of Surfing will drive more than $6 million in new money into NSW and showcase Manly and Sydney to a global audience.

Destination NSW has been working on a range of promotions for the event such as: inclusion in the “IT’S ON!” campaign; international media visits; live broadcasts by Los Angeles radio station KROQ; social media activities; travel packages with GO Holidays in New Zealand; retail promotions with Hurley and Billabong; and a campaign in the United States with Virgin Australia.

The inaugural nine-day event will see an exciting mix of the world’s best surf athletes competing in 6-star men's and women's ASP-sanctioned surf contests, men's and women's pro junior star-events, a world-class skate bowl featuring the world’s best skateboarders and two live music concerts on the Channel [V] music stage. It's all happening from the 11th to 19th February, 2012 on Manly Beach, Sydney ... and it’s all free!

Working closely with Destination NSW and Manly Council, the event will showcase the best of Sydney’s unique beach lifestyle and vibrant youth culture via surf, skate, music and art. READ MORE

Tips n’ Hints

- The Australian Open of Surfing is a nine-day, free event, totally jam-packed with action and there are just a few basic things to keep in mind when you’re at Manly.

The Australian Open of Surfing is an Alcohol free and Smoke free event. There will be no bottled water sold … but that’s for good reason! This is because we’re all about minimising waste. So please bring your own water bottle to refill free at the event at the many Hurley H2O rehydration stations. Click here for more info on this cool initiative.

- The Sun is … Hot!

- Don’t forget to bring a hat! And sunscreen. And don’t forget to apply your sunscreen frequently throughout the day. Crew from “Reef” will also be handing out free samples during the event, so keep an eye out …

- If you’re cooling off in the water, swim between the red and yellow flags and obey any instructions from lifeguards.

- Lastly, parking is … limited. So it’s definitely worth considering public transport options to and from the event. In fact we recommend it. The best thing is there are plenty of options. Sydney Ferries from the city and harbour ports are ideal. Check the site for scheduling info: www.sydneyferries.info Sydney Buses from Northern Beaches and surrounds will get you right down, stepping off within a couple hundred metres of the event site. There are bus connections to Manly from all over Sydney.
For more information on public transport options visit the 131500.info site or call 131 500 or check the Parking & public Transport here

Australian Open of Surfing Fast Facts

Divisions:

- Men’s 6-star WQS (World Qualifying Series)

Winner receives US$25,000, 3,500pts

The WQS serves as a springboard to the elite ASP Men’s World Tour.

A surfer’s best 8 WQS results count towards their qualification for the ASP Men’s World Tour.

- Women’s 6-star WQS

Winner receives US$15,000, 3,500pts

A surfer’s best 6 WQS results count towards their qualification for the ASP Women’s World Tour.

- Pro Junior Men’s 4-star (Feb 11-12)

Winner Receives US$4,500, 1,000pts

- Pro Junior Women’s 4-star (Feb 11-12)

Winner Receives US$1,800, 1,000pts

Judging Criteria: 

Judges analyse the following major elements when scoring waves:

- Commitment and Degree of Difficulty

- Innovative and Progressive Manoeuvres

- Combination of Major Manoeuvres

- Variety of Manoeuvres

- Speed, Power and Flow

It is important to note that the emphasis on certain elements is contingent upon the location and the conditions on the day, as well as changes of conditions during the day.

Scale Utilised:

[0.0 – 1.9: Poor] [2.0 – 3.9: Fair] [4.0 – 5.9: Average] [6.0 – 7.9: Good] [8.0 – 10.0: Excellent]

Beach Bowl Skateboard Pro-am Fast Facts

Divisions:

• Juniors x 16 (amateur)
• Pro x 40
• Pro Masters (40 and over) x 20

Format/Judging:

• Jam format.
• Minimum five-minute heats.
• Heats consisting between four to six skaters.
• Five accredited World Cup of Skateboarding judge each skater’s performance out of 100 with the following elements taken into consideration – variety, style, creativity, amplitude, power, speed, degree of difficulty. Once you fall, the run is over!
• 12 skaters progress to final, split into two x heats of six riders each.

Dates:

Thursday 16th through 19th February.
2pm – 6pm every day

Total Prize pool: US$50,000 (Split across Masters, Pro & Best Trick)

Australian Open of Surfing

11-19 Feb 2012, Manly Beach, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia