Newcastle is set to make waves on the world stage by hosting a World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series event as part of Surfest 2027.
Newcastle Surfest is Australia’s oldest surfing festival and was elevated to the Challenger Series for the first time this year, the NSW Government says
The festival features grassroots, amateur and elite contests across Newcastle and the Hunter region with more than 80 male and 48 female competitors vypeting for a spot in the Challenger series for a chance to qualify for the elite WSL Championship Tour.
The event is expected to reach a global broadcast audience of more than three million viewers, the government says.
WSL Asia-Pacific President Andrew Stark says they are “extremely proud” to partner with the state government and the city to ensure Surfest is an International WSL Challenger Series event in 2027.
“We are warmly welcomed to the region each year,” he says.
“We look forward to continuing to build on the event’s success.”
‘BOON FOR NEWCASTLE’
NSW Premier Chris Minns says hosting a Challenger event in 2027 “reinforces” the city’s standing as an international surfing hub while Tourism Minister Steve Kamper says Surfest “is a staple” on the national sporting calendar.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley says securing the 2027 event “is a great win” which will result in visitors, more business and more jobs.
MP for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp (ALP) says bringing the Challenger Series to Surfest “gave the event a massive boost in audience”.
City Council Ceo Jeremy Bath says that council is a foundation sponsor of the event dating back to its start in 1985.
“Surfing builds on our reputation as a major events destination in what is an increasingly highly competitive market for the tourist dollar,” he says.
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