Australian surf legend Barton Lynch is calling on Port Stephens groms to enter one of the world’s largest junior surf festivals – the Hurley BL’s Blast Off.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Founded by the former world surf champion, Lynch said the Blast Off gave up-and-coming surfers a chance to “ showcase their sickest shredding skills”.
He added that this year there were a number of innovative additions to the program, including more coaching and a “grom summit”.
“Post-heats we’re going to have a full debrief,” he said.
“Both of the heats are going to be filmed by the Hurley Surf Club.
“After the heat, you’ll [grom] will be taken to the Hurley Surf Club van with a coach, go through your session.
“The other group will go into a debrief tent with a coach and go through the notes from the heat and have them explained to you.
“It’s a fantastic innovation that’s going to take the coaching element of the Blast Off to the next level.”
The Blast Off, in its 12th year, is scheduled to be held at Whale Beach, near Sydney, on September 26-29.
Backup locations are Palm Beach and Avalon Beach.
The final location is determined by surf conditions on the day.
There is just 350 spots available in the Blast Off making it a “first in, best dressed” kind of event.
The Blast Off attracts some of the keenest young surfers from around Australia.
It is open to boys and girls aged 14 years and under who have some surfing experience.
Entrants must be able to paddle into and catch waves for all divisions except for the 6 and under.
To further inspire young surfers, the event sees participation from some of surfing’s all-time-greats – from ex-world champions Layne Beachley, Tom Carroll, Rabbit Bartholomew and Damien Hardman, to former World Masters champ Terry Richardson, and Hurley young-gun Cooper Chapman.
Register at blbastoff.com.au.