From 8th-16th February 2014, more than 100,000 people are expected to visit Manly Beach to attend the second Hurley Australian Open of Surfing (HAOS). The event will celebrate and showcase surfing, skate, music, fashion and art for nine days at one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches.

The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing boasts the top-rated 6-star men's and women's ASP World Qualifying Tour surf contests, men’s and women's world junior star-events, and a world-class line-up of skateboarding talent.

The mammoth nine-day event will also include ARIA nominees Birds of Tokyo and electro masters The Presets who are headlining the Channel [V] stage for free, all-ages gigs, right on the sand at the birth place of surfing in Australia.

Among the world’s best surfers to hit the waves at Manly will be a powerful contingent of pro surfers from around New South Wales. With incredible beaches, reef breaks and world class waves, New South Wales is a surfing paradise and the birthplace of a number of athletes competing at the 2014 AOS.

In the men’s event, Matt Banting will return after winning both the Pro Junior and Star series titles in 2012. Also competing will be Tathra’s Kai Otton, Avoca Beach’s Adrian Buchan and Lennox Head’s Adam Melling.

In the women’s event, Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons will be returning after winning the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in 2012. Alongside Sally will be Laura Enever who grew up at the revered Sydney surf break of North Narrabeen, Newcastle’s Philippa Anderson and Gerringong’s Tyler Wright.

Surfing in New South Wales

With more than 1,300km of coastline dotted with sandy shores, New South Wales is tailor-made for surfing. The key to the state’s brilliant surf is the coastal topography: rather than uninterrupted miles of sand, the coastline is punctuated by headlands, cliffs, bays, coves, reefs and bomboras.

Each of the state’s main surf regions has its own distinct character, culture and natural surrounds.  From the glamorous beachfronts of Manly and Bronte in Sydney, to the surfing meccas of Lennox Head and Port Macquarie in the state’s north, to Wollongong, Batemans Bay and Merimbula in the south.

Sydney’s coastline links its famous beaches, from Narrabeen in the north to Bondi Beach in the south, where you can learn to surf or embark on a coastal walk to take in the scenery.

Laura Enever says, “I travel so much so when I get home to Sydney I just love being on the Northern Beaches. I love hanging at Narrabeen, I spend the whole day at the beach with my friends. It’s so close to the city, it’s only half an hour away yet it’s still a getaway. It’s my local spot, I’ve spent so much of my life at Narrabeen, it’s mellow and all the beaches close by are beautiful too.

Beginning at Newcastle, northern New South Wales features two distinctly different surf regions – the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers. The coastline is dotted with charming beachside villages and boasts unique surf breaks that are a favourite amongst the AOS athletes.

Hawaii team rider Conner Coffin says, "My favourite surf spot in NSW is the area of Forster. I love the place, the beaches are beautiful and the waves are super fun!" Evan Geiselman who finished second at AOS 2012 agrees, “The waves are amazing and it's such a mellow town I like to visit Foster whenever I'm in Australia.”

From Wollongong to Eden, the south coast surfing experience is characterized most of all by the natural environment. Deserted beaches are easy to come by and it’s not unusual for surf instructors to incorporate a little yoga and meditation with a surfing lesson.

Defending HAOS Champion, Sally Fitzgibbons says, “I have grown up on the South Coast so I really can't go past my favourite spots down here. I love the variety of different waves growing up, reefs, points, beachies and I feel that it has shaped me into the surfer I am today.  Gerroa, Ulladulla and around Wollongong are my go-to spots on the coast. There is something for everyone no matter what your ability.”

Surf Schools

With the action at the Australian Open of Surfing leaving many visitors inspired to pick up a surfboard but in need of a lesson, New South Wales has accredited surf schools at many beaches to teach budding surfers how to catch a wave.

• Manly Surf School focuses on teaching the skills of surfing and how to handle a surfboard in the ocean. Matt Grainger and his team of Surfing Australia qualified instructors, make it as fun and easy as possible. (http://manlysurfschool.com.au) 
• Salty Girls Surf School operate all over the Tweed Coast. Created for women by women, their instructors are there to get women up and riding waves in a fun, safe and educating environment. (http://in2surf.com.au)
• Located 15 minutes south of Batemans Bay, The Broulee Surf School caters to the needs of all surfers from beginners to advance. The school offers a range of surfing lessons and surf packages including female specific yoga and surf camps. (www.brouleesurfschool.com.au) 

Key surfing events

With NSW’s great reputation for surf, it’s no surprise that the state will host a number of surfing events in 2014, including:

• 25-26 Jan: Be The Influence Australian Boardriders Battle. The biggest grassroots, boardriding event in Australian surfing history. The two-day final will see Australian ASP World Championship Tour surfers represent their local boardriders club and compete with their club mates. www.australianboardridersbattle.com

• 8-16 Feb: The Hurley Australian Open of Surfing. Showcases the best in surfing, skate, music, fashion and art at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, featuring ASP events for men and women, Junior Pros for boys and girls plus skateboarding hosted by Nike SB www.australianopenofsurfing.com

• 18-23 February: Surfest at Merewether Beach, Newcastle. Features men’s & women’s ASP Star events and junior competitions; patron of the event is four-time World Surfing Champion and local Merewether boy Mark Richards (“MR”), a http://surfest.com

For more information go to Sydney.com or visitnsw.com

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