Curl Curl local buzzing for a new challenge

FOLLOWING a six-year hiatus, ­competitive surfing returns to ­Freshwater Beach this Sunday in the form of the Stowaway Pro.

Harley Ross-Webster in action at Curl Curl Beach.

FOLLOWING a six-year hiatus, ­competitive surfing returns to ­Freshwater Beach this Sunday in the form of the Stowaway Pro.

It is the third event on the Bacardi Surf Tour, and has attracted a ­cracking field, including Curl Curl’s Harley Ross-Webster.

Despite growing up five minutes down the road, the gun teenager has never competed in a pro contest at the famous beach around the corner from Queenscliff.

“It is always fun surfing somewhere new, especially in front of family and friends,’’ Ross-Webster said.

“I just got back from a trip in ­California and head off to Portugal for the ISA Games on Monday, so it will be good to take on some strong competition before I go.”

Occy Gromfest surfing contest at Duranbah Beach - Harley Ross-Webster.

Maroubra’s Blake Thornton and Avoca’s Dane Atcheson loom as Ross-Webster’s main rivals.

Others to watch this weekend are former WCT surfer Dayyan Neve, Wollongong’s Nic Squiers, Bondi’s Perth Standlick, North Narrabeen’s aerial specialist Jordy Lawler and ­explosive Curl Curl goofy-footer Matt Bemrose.

Ross-Webster has been in scintillating form this year, winning the Wollongong Pro Junior and finishing second on the Australasian Pro Junior Ratings behind Queenslander Ethan Ewing.

Sunday’s winner will receive $1000 as well as ratings points and prizes from Bacardi, G-Shock and Swellnet.

The overall tour victor receives an additional $2500, with heats starting at 7.30am.