The event began on the Central Coast last year and has attracted a strong following in 2016 with an expanded program of events.

The focus was firmly on the juniors – the event’s mantra was to evoke the glorious 70s and its groundswell of support for budding talent.

“It was a magic weekend, with the appearance of the sun and the swell,” Kaos Surf owner and naming-rights sponsor Tony Bainbridge said.

“We had perfect summer weather over both days and a clean one metre swell.

“Entrants came from as far as Queensland to compete for $6,400 worth of prizes and money, handed out to the winners.”

Elle Clayton-Brown continued her stellar year in the surf.

The Corlette native was the best-placed Port Stephens competitor placed second in the Under 14 girls.

Anna Bay’s Jasmine Sampson used her home break knowledge to finish fourth in the same age group.

Mr Bainbridge said the event wouldn’t have been a success without the support of sponsors and the community alike.

“We would also like to thank the competitors for putting on an amazing show of surfing over the two days,” he said.

“Also a big thanks to the parents and spectators that were there to cheer and support the competitors throughout the event.”

This year’s expanded platform brought the event not only to Birubi but Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Kiama.

There’s been four events in total (counting the Central Coast) with crowds of 400 people common at these events.

Given the success of the event’s first year at Birubi, spectators can expect a bigger and better event in 2017.

“Next year there will be six events on the calendar that will form a series competition with an overall event winner at the end,” Mr Bainbridge said. 

The event had fueled some big expectations not just in the surf community.

“Events like these certainly reflect our Port Stephens way of life,” Destination Port Stephens marketing manager Danny Eather said in the countdown.

“We’ve got some great surf beaches and rolling sand dunes that make a cracking backdrop for magazines and TV.”

Attention now turns to the surf life saving series, Summer of Surf, at Fingal Beach on November 26 and 27.