More than 150 of Australia and New Zealand’s top surfers will hit Avoca Beach on March 14-19, when the Vissla Central Coast Pro and Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro completes a huge World Surf League (WSL) Qualification Series (QS).
The elite six-day WSL QS 3000 rated event is the final stop with the most points available for surfers on the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series.
The event will also feature a pool of talented up-and-coming athletes who have had a taste of success across the series so far.
The four-event NSW Pro Surf Series has been made up of three QS 1000 rated events (Maroubra, Great Lakes and Port Stephens) and one Men’s and Women’s QS 3000 (Central Coast).
Each event gives surfers the opportunity to increase their Australia/Oceania Regional QS rankings.
The Central Coast Pro is made up of two events: for the men, the Vissla Central Coast Pro; and for the women, the Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro event.
Former World Championship Tour surfer and hometown local and 2021 runner-up Macy Callaghan (North Shelly) is looking forward to competing at home in an effort to earn the points to get her back on tour in 2023.
“It’s really good to have this calibre (of) event returning to the Central Coast,” Callaghan said.
“Surfing is such a big part of the community here on the Coast and for the kids to have the best surfers in the country here to watch and inspire them is pretty special … I remember it so well.
“I also love competing at home, having everyone around you that might not get to come to other events is so nice.”
Minister Tourism and Sport, Stuart Ayres, said the Vissla Central Coast Pro would ensure a stunning conclusion to the 2022 NSW Pro Surf Series.
“We are incredibly blessed in NSW with some of the world’s most spectacular coastline for hosting major surfing competitions like the 2022 NSW Pro Surf Series, which will give competitors and fans the opportunity to explore a variety of breaks and the culture of our unique surfing communities,” Ayres said.
“The series will take competitors from the Great Lakes to Port Stephens and Maroubra, before a fitting finale on the beautiful Central Coast.
“These competitions provide a welcome boost to the visitor economy in our coastal communities and enhance NSW’s reputation as the nation’s premier surfing destination.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, is looking forward to the return of the world-class event to the region.
“With hundreds of competitors and spectators expected to descend on Avoca, this six-day event will boost our local businesses, accommodation, restaurants and retail following what has been a really difficult two years.”
Primary information source: Media release, Mar 2, 2022 Surfing NSW