Competitive surfing re-launched in Victoria

Surfing Victoria has advised that after a six month hiatus due to COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria, surfing events are returning this weekend.

The West Coast Surf Festival presented by Surfers Rescue 24/7 will be held on the Surf Coast and incorporating Round one of the Victorian Open Series and Victorian Teams Titles.

The Victorian Open Series is the key pathway to the Rip Curl Pro Trials and Australian Surf Championships and has seen surfers such as Nikki van Dijk, Adam Robertson, Nic Muscroft, Glyndyn Ringrose and India Robinson compete in the series.

Surfing Victoria Chief Executive Adam Robertson enthused “we are stoked to re-start competitive surfing in Victoria with the West Coast Surf Festival.

“The Victorian Open Series is a key part of our development pathway and the Victorian Teams Titles is a fantastic showing of the strength of our Boardrider Club system in the state. Good luck to all competitors!”

Surfers to watch over the weekend include reigning state champion Tully Wylie (Jan Juc), former Open Womens Champion Bella Wilson (Jan Juc), Qualifying Series surfer Sophie Fletcher (Phillip Island) and former Junior champion Codie Jeffery (Phillip Island).

The Victorian Open Series event will see a call made at 7.30am on Saturday at Bells Beach. The Victorian Teams Titles will be held on Sunday. Surfing Victoria's instagram page posts updates on times and locations.

The West Coast Surf Festival is presented by Surfers Rescue 24/7 and supported by Ramada Resort Phillip Island, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Surf Better Now, VicHealth, Play it Safe by the Water, and City to Surf Mobile Café.

Image: Qualifying Series surfer Sophie Fletcher (Phillip Island) will feature this weekend at the West Coast Surf Festival.