Recognised as Australia’s largest surfing festival, Surfest has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1985 as the BHP International. Now in its 33rd year (the festival was not held in 1991), the High Schools Team Challenge has become a major drawcard for both grommets and seasoned surfers on the festival’s calendar.
This year the Reflections Holiday Parks High Schools Team Challenge will see schools across NSW in both male and female divisions compete for the top wave over what promises to be a swell two days on the 15th and 16thFebruary.
Reflections Holiday Parks Acting CEO, Michelle Griffin, called surfing a major drawcard for Reflections guests travelling to the 28 coastal parks across NSW and said she was looking forward to supporting an event which will attract a whole wave of grommets and their families to the parks on their next coastal getaway.
“This sponsorship not only gives us the opportunity to give back to the NSW surfing community but to also showcase our parks as sitting on some of the best breaks across the State,” Ms Griffin said, “With our Head Office located in Newcastle it’s exciting to play a part in such a significant local event with a hugely positive effect on the city.
Surfest Coordinator Warren Smith said the team is excited to welcome Reflections Holiday Parks on board as a major sponsor this year, with over 700 surfers set to compete in 12 different surfing events.
“The Reflections Holiday Parks High School Teams Challenge promises to be a great two days which will bring together a number of NSW High Schools to compete in a style unique to this event,” Warren said. “Rather than being specifically focused on the individual surfer, teams of three will compete together to gain highly valuable bonus points within their heats. Two rounds will be held before the elimination rounds begin, though all teens competing will be considered winners by the surfing community. As with every other year, the High School Teams Challenge promises to be one of the highlight events of Surfest and we look forward to watching the high level of competition these school teams will produce.”
Ms Griffin said there was plenty of accommodation available at the Group’s Hawks Nest and Jimmys Beach parks for out of towners looking to attend the event and enjoy the surrounding region during their stay. “For those impressed by the National Surfing Reserve of Merewether Beach I also highly recommend they take a trip to our own Surfing Reserve found at Killalea,” Ms Griffin said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the future of Australian Surfing competing in the High Schools Team Challenge and wish all teens taking part the best of luck.”