Greg Noll Returns

The month-long Surf Retrospect celebrations planned to mark the 60 years of surfing progression in October is set to be bolstered with the return on Greg Noll.

It was 60 years ago  when Australian Surf Lifesaving held a pre-Olympic surf titles at Torquay, inviting several countries to compete against Australia.

It was on November 18, 1956 and included in the US team were boardriders Tom Zahn, Mike Bright, Tad Devine and soon to be legendary big wave waterman Greg “The Bull” Noll.

The United States team turned up with two styles of surf craft, a surf kayak and a Malibu surf board never seen before in Australia.

In a little known fact, Cronulla was the first to see them when several lifeguards did a surfing demonstration at Cronulla Point in front of thousands of spectators who had only ever seen the ungainly “Toothpicks” style of surf craft. Surfing was never the same again as every young surfer made the switch to surfboards that could ride the waves.

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MOB Big Wave Awards

The MOB Big Wave Awards, initiated by Blake Johnston and part of Surf Retrospect 2016, are attracting some great entries. Here are just a few:

“The concept is to embrace and showcase the local big wave community and the world class waves in the Cronulla region. By doing so we will create camaraderie between the surfers who share a passion for big heavy waves and make it a safer environment by doing so,” Johnston said.

There are seven categories headed by the ‘Ride of the Year’ which can be with paddling or towing in. The surfer has to complete the drop to at least the bottom of the wave to qualify. Awards including tube of the year, best wipeout, performer of the year, rookie performer of the year, move of the year and photo of the year will all be voted on by the CBWA panel and selected surfers.

Cash and prizes will be awarded for the surfer and photographer of each winning category. The event will culminate with the M.O.B store hosting Sydney’s biggest ever surfboard demonstration day held at Dunningham Park. The public will also be able to trial a huge range of the world’s best gear.

Entry details here>>

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Surf Retrospect “Invitational” Heritage Surf Contest

Entries are now available for the Surf Retrospect “Invitational” Heritage Surf Contest – presented by Purnell Motors. At this stage local boardriders club presidents, have the first options on places for their members, in the various divisions. If your keen to enter please contact your club president. Following that open entries will be called for the remaining places.

The aim of the event is to celebrate “60 years of Progression” since the first “malibu” style surfboards were surfed in Australia (at Cronulla). Surfing Sutherland Shire seeks to showcase the best local surfers in each of the various divisions of the event.

Divisions will include; Open 9′ Men’s Longboard, Open 8′ Women’s Longboard, Open Logger, Open Bodyboard, Open Shortboard, Junior Shortboard, Open Women’ Shortboard, Open Retro Board, Open Kneeboard.

In line with the reflection on the first “malibu’ boards surfed at Cronulla Point, we aim to hold this event at that surf spot. The competition will, however, be mobile to capture the best available conditions dished up on October 2-3, 2016.

You can also access the entry from via the CBNSR Facebook Page.

 

Purnell Motors Supports Surfing Sutherland Shire

Purnell Motors was pleased to be represented at the recent launch of the Sydney International with Land Rover Ambassador Sally Fitzgibbons.  The Sydney International Beach Festival will form part of the areas “Surf Retrospect” celebrations, being held in Cronulla throughout October, with the Sydney International set for November 2-5

The launch also highlighted a new sponsorship agreement between Surfing Sutherland Shire and Purnell Motors – Jaguar/Land Rover. Founded in 1951, Purnell is a family owned business built on a philosophy of commitment, excellence, and expertise. The Purnell team is focused on product knowledge, p
roduct dedication and delivering outstanding value to our customers. Our success is built around repeat and referral business.

They are excited to be the major sponsor of Surf Retrospect 2016 and are looking forward to supporting our local surfing community during the event window. jaguar-cars-logo-emblem

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Cronulla announced as destination for the final women’s QS6,000 of 2016 Season.

Sally Fitzgibbons is set to host the Sydney International Pro, which will form part of an inaugural International Beach Festival at Cronulla from 3 – 6 November, 2016. The four-day event which will showcase our iconic lifestyle where sand meets sea. As host, Fitzgibbons wanted to offer an holistic beach lifestyle event which heralds healthy living alongside surf. To spearhead a new beach culture cross-over the festival will include a WSL Women’s (Qualifying Series) QS6,000, plus a fun run, ocean swim, Ironwoman Invitational, beach fashion exhibits, live fitness workouts, kids zone, organic markets and an open-air cinema.

“This is a great opportunity for women’s surfing, we will have some of the best female surfers in the world here along with local boardriders, a girls junior comp and a Pro Assist for groms, it’s only fitting that we bring them together in a nostalgic setting like Cronulla Beach. It’s a fantastic chance for Sydney to get behind women’s surfing and be part of an amazing beach culture festival where we have something for the whole family.”

WSL Deputy Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer is over the moon about the inclusion, and the planned lifestyle activations surrounding the event.

“This event will be a fantastic addition to the QS as one of the biggest women’s events in Australia, and I’m excited to be finalizing the Women’s CT qualifiers in Sydney,” Miley-Dyer said. “It will be hugely important in deciding the overall rankings for the 2016 Women’s Qualifying Series. The Sydney International will also be a celebration of women’s sport and will include plenty of activities to involve the whole community in what is sure to be an action packed weekend.”

Australia’s beach culture isn’t more proud than that of our Aussie female surf stars, and The Sydney International is expected to attract a high quality field as it will be the last chance for athletes to secure points before the final Championship Tour event of the season in Hawaii.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Carmelo Pesce is proud to have the first Sydney International take place in Cronulla. “This is a great opportunity to showcase to the world what Cronulla has to offer, in the surf, on the sand and in the streets, shops and restaurants. We’re really proud to be hosting the International Beach Festival and the world class women’s surfing event. Women’s surfing in Cronulla dates back to the Kurranulla Wahinies in the 1960’s and continues to this day with the strong local club, the Cronulla Girls Boardriders.”

The first of the International Beach Festival’s major partners announced is Jewel Residences, a multi-million dollar residential development project being built by the Wanda Ridong Group. The Director of Sales and Marketing Lucas Wilson said, “We’re proud to be an inaugural partner and play a part in establishing this exciting, world-class event that provide a platform for emerging female athletes to be celebrated and to own the limelight.”