More than being a showcase for some of the world’s best boardriders, Surfest is set to feature wine as well as water, and rock performers will be making sound waves.
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The 34th annual surfing festival begins on Saturday, with events being held for six weeks. Surfest is expected to attract more than 1000 competitors from at least 22 countries.
Yet for spectators, the attractions won’t be all in the water.
At Surfest’s 2019 launch, held out of sight of any breakers at the former Newcastle railway station on Friday, it was announced there would also be a festival celebrating Hunter food, beer and wine.
Called Barrelled, the festival will be held on March 16 and 17, the final weekend of the surfing competition.
And on that Saturday, a rock concert, The Drop Festival, will be be staged in King Edward Park, with Angus and Julia Stone headlining.
Surfest coordinator Warren Smith said organisers had been working for a couple of years to make the event more diverse.
“We realise surfing is a niche sport, and to get more people interested in the event and come and be a part of it all, we have to broaden the appeal,” Mr Smith said.
Barrelled will be held at Jefferson Park, just across from Merewether Beach, the venue for the main surfing contests.
Organiser Gus Maher, from Hunter Valley Events, said Barrelled should attract not just out-of-town visitors but also locals.
“A lot of those who live nearby drop in for a quick look at Surfest, but now there are more things to keep them there,” Mr Maher said.
Surfest has also spread geographically through the years.
A sign on the old railway station wall may spell out where it all began – “Newcastle. Home of Surfest”. But these days, events are also held at Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie beaches.
“We’re just spreading the love around, ” said Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser.
“It’s great for the economy, it’s great for the region, and it showcases all of our beautiful beaches.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Surfest brought in millions of dollars.
“You have not only destination tourists coming to Port Stephens, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, staying here for multiple nights, you have the athletes and their families,” said Cr Nelmes.
At the launch were three local hopes for Surfest: Ryan Callinan, Philippa Anderson and Jackson Baker.
Baker, recovering from an ankle injury, said he was looking forward to being back in the water, riding the swell of support at his hometown event.
“Just use it as positive energy,” Baker said. “Everyone in Newcastle wants you to do well, especially flying the home flag.”
