Manly to attract world’s best surfers as host of first World Surf League Challenger Series
Manly has secured an exciting new surf series which will attract the best surfers in the world. Professional surfers have reacted to the news.
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Manly has been named as the host of an exciting new international surf series that will attract the world’s top surfers and is expected to boost the economy by $3.7 million.
The brand new World Surf League Challenger Series will exist as part of the overall Qualifying Series, and will be the “ultimate battleground for surfers to showcase their talents and qualify for the elite-level of competition”.
Manly will also have the honour of being the first venue to host the Qualifying Series 10,000 event in March next year and which is open to both male and female surfers with equal prize money.
Destination NSW confirmed it has secured the event for Manly until 2022.
It will replace the Sydney Vissla Surf Pro, which was a Qualifying Series 6000 event.
Cooper Chapman, 25, of North Narrabeen, said, having the event in his own backyard was special.
“It’s a chance to surf in front of my family and friends who don’t get to watch me compete in person all year,” he said.
“The northern beaches community has such a rich surf history and some of the best surfers in the world so it gives us a platform to show what we can do.
“It’s been years since we’ve had an event of this scale.
“Fingers crossed for some waves.”
WSL Asia Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark said he was thrilled that one of Australia’s most iconic beaches will be a part of this exciting new series.
“Manly has such a rich history in Australian and international surfing,” he said.
“Holding the inaugural WSL Challenger Series event here will continue this lineage of historical surfing moments which WSL is really excited about.”
Others premium venues announced so far include Piha, New Zealand’ Ballito, South Africa; Huntington Beach, USA; Pantin, Spain; Ericeira, Portugal; Phillip Island, off Melbourne; Haleiwa, Hawaii and Sunset Beach, Hawaii.
A further venue is yet to be announced.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the event positioned NSW and Manly firmly on the map for the enthusiastic world surfing fraternity.
“The WSL Sydney Surf Pro will be the first event of the Challenger Series, so fans and athletes worldwide will be sizing up the competition as the action unfolds at Manly,” Minister Ayres said.
He said that over the next three years the Sydney Surf Pro will deliver $3.7 million in interstate and overseas visitor spend for NSW from more than 4,000 visitors and over 25,000 visitor nights.
Manly MP James Griffin said the event was a step up to the top tier of surfing events globally.
“Manly staged the first-ever world championships in May 1964, and in March this year our iconic four-kilometre beach attracted 11-time world champion Kelly Slater to compete,” Mr Griffin said.
“I made a commitment that not only would we retain a pro surfing event, but would grow it to ensure Manly had a diverse calendar of events that locals are proud of and we showcase our beautiful part of the world.”
He said it proved that Manly could host other big events such as Sculptures by the Sea which Northern Beaches Council would like to secure.
The new comes after a shock decision by Destination NSW to cut all funding for another major sporting event in Manly, VolleyFest, which immediately followed Sydney Vissla Surf Pro.
Athletes said the last minute decision by Destination NSW had left athletes fearing they may not qualify for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.