Surf’s up for open

Rhys Bombaci can’t wait to get into the water for the 2007 South Coast Surfing Open, which will start on October 12. Organisers hope this year’s event will include a 96-man draw. Pic is called Surf’s up

ALEXANDRA LoSURDO

The ZINK SURF South Coast Open returns to Werri Beach on October 12 after its successful debut in 2006.

The event is tipped to become an important part of the Surfing NSW calendar.

It is hoped the tournament will expand to a 96-man draw this year after a 64-surfer event in 2006.

Around 40 per cent of entrants will be local South Coast talent, event organiser Todd Prestage said.

“There is so much surfing talent down here, but not much opportunity for exposure,” he said.

“This event is a great chance for the local guys to prove themselves in our own backyard.”

It certainly is, with the South Coast Open already the largest event south of Sydney and attracting several international surfers.

“It is an event on a much broader scale than the Werri Slash,” said fellow organiser Dave Hunt.

“It’s already attracting top surfers.

“It’s the people who don’t make the WCT, who don’t have the funds to travel all over the place surfing.

“If people realise they can stay home and surf locally, that’s great.”

The event will also form the final event of the NSW Hurley Championship Circuit.

Not only will the South Coast Open Champion be crowned on the day, but the day will also decide the NSW Surfing Champion for the 2007 season.

“We were the second-last event last year,” Mr Prestage said.

“But with the waves we had on the day and the organisation of the event, we have been made the final event this year.”

The event is backed by Kiama’s ZINK SURF store, as well as associate sponsors bellachara boutique hotel, Kiama Council, Tourism Kiama and Odyssey 20/20.