The largest surfing event to hit Port Stephens has been run and won.
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Following four thrilling days of competition which saw some of the best Australian and international surfers carve up One Mile and Birubi beaches, it was Johanne Defay (France) and Liam O’Brien (Burleigh Heads) who claimed the inaugural Port Stephens Toyota NSW Pro titles.
Defay defeated Hawaiian Tatiana Weston-Webb at Birubi Beach on Sunday to win the Women’s QS6000 and cement her spot on the Championship Tour.
“My last few events on the CT haven’t been great so I came here to surf some heats, get some scores and build my confidence,” Defay said.
“I’m so happy to come here and surf such great waves. It is a beautiful place.”
O’Brien beat Jacob Willcox (Margaret River) to win the Men’s QS1000. The November 2-5 pro attracted 114 competitors in the QS6000, 64 in the QS1000, 16 in the women’s challenge and 74 juniors.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer helped present trophies to the winners at Birubi Beach on Sunday. He took to the microphone to thank organisers.
“We’re trying to establish ourselves as a surf destination and this event is a great start,” he said.
“I truly believe Port Stephens over the next 12 months will cement itself as the number one surf destination in NSW. We’re very proud to support [the pro] and hope it is here for many years to come.”
Cr Palmer thanked Anna Bay resident and Destination Port Stephens board member Deb Stretton who lead the push to secure the NSW Pro.
Ms Stretton had been in talks with Surfing NSW since the start of the year to host a pro surfing event in 2018.
When the Sydney women’s pro was cancelled Ms Stretton put Port Stephens forward as an alternate venue.
She then helped to bring the relevant stakeholders and sponsors together to make the pro a reality – in just one month.
“Considering we had such a short amount of time [to organise] I think it went considerably well for the first time,” Ms Stretton said.
“We may not have had great weather, but we had the surf. Being the first time we’ve held this event, we didn’t know what to expect. But I think overall it has been really good.”
Janelle Gardner, Port Stephens Council’s tourism and events coordinator, said the NSW Pro combined with Tastes at the Bay, held in Nelson Bay on the weekend, provided a “welcome boost” to the economy.
“Events like Tastes at the Bay and the Port Stephens Toyota NSW Pro are fantastic for our region, bringing an economic impact of over $600,000 for Port Stephens, while promoting our beautiful home to a national and international audience.”
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
