Tenth anniversary Surfing Teams Challenge kicks off tomorrow

SURFING teams are gathering for a very special Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve tenth anniversary teams challenge on Saturday, February 21.

The competition with its unique approach was the brainchild of Geoff Owens, long-time Island surfer and one of the founding members of the Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve Working Group a decade ago.

The contest is a favourite on the annual surfing calendar due to its unique format which showcases different surfing styles and ages and allows everyone to take part in the exciting competition.

“This year’s event is extra special as surfers will become part of the rich history of Phillip Island’s surfing story. This year marks ten years since Victoria’s only Surfing Reserve was established and sixty years since Phillip Island Boardriders Club began,” said Event Organiser, Geoff Owens.

“It is perfect that our event will kick off the Festival of Surfing because a big part of the Surfing Reserve is celebrating the sport’s history and culture.”

The competition format includes all ages and styles and is a whole lot of fun – but there is also sure to be some fierce-competition as teams strive to have their name at the top of the honour board and be handed the coveted Dave Fincher Memorial trophy that honours a true Island legend.

Team ‘Islanders’, captained by Sandy Ryan, battled it out to win the trophy in 2022 and this year is shaping up to be another impressive display of surfing styles with teams featuring the Island’s and region’s top surfing stars registered and ready to go.

The event is scheduled for Cape Woolamai, although the final location will be determined by the swell on the day.

One thing is for certain – the Surfing Teams Challenge will take to the waves at one of the four Phillip Island quality beaches that make up Victoria’s only National Surfing Reserve: Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay.

The inaugural competition was held in 2014 and since then, the event has become a favourite on the surfing calendar because it reflects what surfing and the Reserve are all about – fun, family, community and great waves.

Once again, Phillip Island Nature Parks is presenting this popular surfing comp with strong support from Bass Coast Shire Council, Westernport Water, Phillip Island RSL, Newhaven College, Cape Kitchen, Ramada Resort, Rip Curl and Island Surfboards, among others.

With great prize money on offer and awards in each category, there is also a list of other accolades including awards and amazing prizes for best unsponsored surfer, team spirit, best emerging surfer, outstanding performance and highest scoring wave.

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since the Reserve was established to share, respect and preserve the Island’s world-class breaks and unique surfing culture,” said Geoff.

“We are so happy and blown away that the Reserve and this comp are still going strong and that so many local businesses are supporting this event and helping us celebrate the surfing culture of the Island.

“It is a community effort and provides a great boost for the young surfers of tomorrow - which is after all what the National Surfing Reserve is all about.”

Along with the surfing action, there will be a Welcome to Country to begin the day at 8.30am, food truck, information and stalls.

The presentation at Phillip Island Boardriders Club (from 5.30pm) is also not to be missed with the bar open, complimentary snacks and the all-important presentations including the Dave Fincher Memorial trophy.

Music legend Simon Curphy will be performing with his band to offer a perfect end to another great day of surfing and surf culture on Phillip Island.

See you there!

Follow for live updates throughout the day on Facebook @PhillipIslandNSR, Instagram (phillipisland_nsr)