More than 50 junior surfers will descend on Birubi Beach this weekend for the start of the Port Stephens Toyota NSW Pro.
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The Port Stephens Open Women's Pro-Am and Kaos Surf PRD Cadet Cup will kick off on Saturday, serving as the opener to the Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) which will begin on November 8.
“The open women's pro-am and Kaos Surf PRD Cadet Cup will see a fierce competition ahead of the upcoming WSL QS divisions,” Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden said.
“It is important for Surfing NSW to not only support the elite tier of surfers but also get the grommets involved and showcase them to the world on the opening weekend of the Port Stephens Toyota Pro.
“A huge thanks goes out to the local community, in particular PRD and Kaos Surf for making this event become a reality.”
The main base for the pro-am and cadet cup, for under 12, 14 and 16 junior surfers, is Birubi Beach. Back up locations in case of poor weather or surf conditions are One Mile Beach and Fingal Beach.
Jasmine Sampson, 16, from Anna Bay and Elle Clayton-Brown, 16, from Corlette are set to surf in the pro-am.
Mike Clayton-Brown, 15, from Corlette will surf in the Cadet Cup alongside Port grommets Jimmi Hill, Isaac Sullivan and Taj Turner.
ALSO READ: Turner tearing it up
The Women’s QS6000 and Men’s QS1000 will be held at Birubi Beach November 8 to 13.
The NSW Pro will be launched at the Port Stephens Toyota dealership in Taylors Beach on Wednesday, November 7.
White Ribbon Australia is supporting the NSW Pro this year. An awareness walk and clean-up of Birubi Beach will be held from 7am on November 7.
The Port’s White Ribbon ambassador, Roger Yeo, said all members of the community are invited to attend.
“Join us, walk the beach with your favourite pro surfers, try to gather a bit of rubbish (we're hoping we don't find any) and perhaps enjoy a brief surf before work or school,” he said.
“What better way to start your day and to welcome the Port Stephens Toyota Pro to our shores?”
Other events being held around the NSW Pro is a WSL surfer signing at Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club between 5pm and and 6.30pm on November 8 and free community yoga at the surf club from 8am on November 11.
Janelle Gardner, Port Stephens Council's economic development and tourism coordinator, said it is fantastic to see the "world class’ pro event return to the area for a second year.
“We all know that Port Stephens is one of the most famed surfing spots in Australia, and I’m excited to share this by welcoming some of the world’s best surfers to our stunning region,” she said.
“This event presents a unique opportunity for our local surfers to compete at an elite level with some of the best surfers in the world, and also to showcase the talent we have living here in Port Stephens.
“With over 300 competitors plus many family, friends and spectators all here for a piece of the action, this is a perfect opportunity for us to show off our amazing beaches, National Parks and our valued Worimi Conservation Lands.
“Events like the Pro bring new visitors to our area and stimulate our local economy – supporting our many local businesses.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Surfing NSW and welcoming the Pro to Port Stephens for many years to come.”
