Newcastle Beach will host the 2020 National Final on February 15 and 16 next year, welcoming approximately a dozen interstate boardriders clubs to compete for the national title.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the ongoing partnership between the NSW Government, via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, and Surfing Australia reinforced the state’s reputation as the country’s home of surfing.
“New South Wales has hosted the final of the Australian Boardriders Battle since 2014, and we are delighted that it will remain here through the 2022 event,” Minister Ayres said.
“The World Surf League-sanctioned event is the biggest grassroots boardriders competition in the country, with 24 clubs in the national final, and the participation of WSL athletes draws international attention from surfing fans around the globe.
“Over the next three years the Australian Boardriders Battle finals will generate an estimated $1.2 million in visitor spend for NSW, while simultaneously profiling our spectacular surf beaches.”
The series involves eight state events leading up to the national final in which clubs and fans enjoy the large-scale event experience and team competition.
Adding to the high stakes of the 2020 National Final, will be the two-day live broadcast on Fox Sports and livestream via their OTT channel, Kayo Sports.
Surfing Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Mater said Newcastle is the perfect backdrop for the action-packed finals since 2017 and would deliver again in 2020.
“Newcastle’s main beach is made for the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series Final and both staff and competitors love being in town for the three day club surfing spectacle. The waves are always good and the terraces are ideal for spectating. Surfing Australia thanks City of Newcastle for hosting our flagship event in our flagship series.”
The state events are underway, and NSW will host three qualifiers: NSW North at Coffs Harbour on Oct 13, NSW South at Kiama on Oct 26 and NSW Central at North Narrabeen on Nov 2.
The new three-year agreement between Destination NSW and Surfing Australia also ensures three state rounds will be held in NSW each year.
