Parko pretty in pink and surfing for his beloved club, Snapper Rocks. Pic: Wes Lonergan
Wednesday the 22nd February is shaping up as Big Wednesday in Ballina with 120 of Australia’s best surfers contesting the opening round of the 2012 Jim Beam Surftag Australian Championships. Twenty four teams have qualified to the series decider with Boardriding Clubs from all over the country heading to Ballina to claim the title of Australia’s number 1 club.
Held outside of Sydney for the first time since the series began in 2001, the move north has been well received due to the high quality of beach breaks in the Ballina region. Local knowledge is sure to play a big part with Le-Ba (Lennox Ballina), Byron Bay, DBah, Kirra and Snapper Rocks relishing the opportunity to compete on home turf.
“It is one of the best beaches in Australia, moving the finals to North Wall at Ballina this year is a great decision as the past couple of years the conditions have been average in Sydney”, said world no.2 Joel Parkinson who is surfing for Snapper Rocks.
Coming of the back of the Australian Open of Surfing and moving on to the Quiksilver Pro, Parko amongst others finds himself in the middle of a heavy event schedule, and is feeling the pressure.
“It’s a busy month but the Surftag finals is always a big one. I feel more pressure to perform here than anywhere as I’m riding with my mates for my club, I can’t let anyone down and this time It’s close to home so the pressure is definitely on”, said Parko.
The move to Ballina has everyone excited and anticipating some really good waves.
“The Surftag format is always fun to watch, with so many good surfers competing and club pride thrown in the mix the standard will definitely be world class”, said contest Director Steve Harrison.
“With defending champions North Narrabeen already knocked out of the series and the opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the worlds best there is sure to be some special moments next Wednesday and Thursday at North Wall”, said Harro.
The National series is Australia’s largest team surfing competition featuring a combined prize pool of over $130,000 and gives club surfers an opportunity to compete with Australia’s best surfers. The Jim Beam Surftag Australian Series provides a national competition for over 80 boardriding clubs to determine Australia’s No.1 club.
Watch all the action LIVE at www.globalsurftag.com
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2012 Jim Beam Surftag Schedule:
October 21 – Surf Industry Challenge – Winners – O’Neill
October 22 – Trade Off – Winners – The Labourers
November 19 – WA Championships – Winners – Trigg Point
December 3 – VIC Championships at Gunnamatta – Winners – Phillip Island
January 7 – NSW North – Winners – Merewther at Newcastle
January 14 – QLD – Winners – Snapper Rocks at Duranbah
January 21/22 – NSW South – Winners – Bronte at Narrabeen
February 5 – Winners – North Narrabeen – Women’s Championships at Curl Curl
February 21 – Boardriders Cup at Ballina
February 22/23 – Australian Championships at Ballina
The 2012 Jim Beam Surftag Australian Series is supported by FCS, Tracks and www.theperfectwave.com.au
The 2012 Jim Beam Surftag Australian Series is a supporter of Surfaid International www.surfaidinternational.org
