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The ECU Surf Challenge has been held annually in the South West Region since the inception of the course in 2002. it is run completely by ECU students as part of an assignment in the Bachelor of Science (Surf Science and Technology) course. The Unit is run by Rob Holt, Course Coordinator and Mike McAuliffe, legendary surfer and competitor. For the last few years the event has been held in Yallingup.
Alice Kilgour - Head of Marketing
Email: akilgour@student.ecu.edu.au
Telephone: 0447 124 442
Thea McDonald-Lee - Event Director
Email: theam@student.ecu.edu.au
Telephone: 0401 464 085
Rob Holt - Surf Science Course Coordinator
Email: r.holt@ecu.edu.au
Telephone: 0400 568 638
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Release date: 19 October: Best Challenge Ever
Release date: 22 September: The Challenge is on
Surf Challenge a Success
This year’s ECU Retravision Surf Challenge was a huge success; Epic ten foot swell coalesced with magnificent weather and a festive ambiance.
The junior boys launched the competition, exhibiting ability and skill beyond their age. Margaret River grommet, Creed McTaggart produced stand out manoeuvres to gain the title against Shaun Greene. The women’s division showcased consistent surfing with local surf star Mikaela Greene elevating her surfing to new heights despite relentless swell to confirm first place. Paul Paterson amazed spectators with critical turns on huge set waves, demonstrating to judges he deserved to take the open men’s title. Zac Ogram won “wave of the day”, Carly Lynch scored “best wipe-out” and the “encouragement” award went to Josh Armstrong.
Upbeat commentary combined with photographic displays and scrumptious catering contributed to a festive atmosphere for the day. Presentations and evening celebrations took place at Caves House in Yallingup where organisers, competitors and spectators relaxed over a few cold drinks after a successful day at the beach.
Event director Thea McDonald-lee said of the day, “All the planets aligned and we had a fantastic contest. Quality surf plus quality surfers equalled an amazing spectacle”. We extend a huge vote of gratitude to our gold sponsors for their generous support; Retravision, Bunbury Nissan, Creatures of Leisure, Al Bean (AB) Surfboards, Evolution Surf and Hillzeez Surf Shop. We have also had generous support from Samudra Yoga, the famous Yallingup Beach Holiday Park, Yahoo Surfboards, Busselton Shire and Surfing WA. Thanks also to Surf Science lecturers Rob Holt and Mike McAuliffe.
The ECU Surf Challenge is scheduled again for 2010, so don’t miss a great opportunity to test yourself in the heat of competition; “You’ve got to be in it to win it!”
Surf Challenge Date Announced
The Surf Challenge is an annual surfing competition organised and delivered by the Edith Cowan University Surf Science students. This iconic event, established in 2003, promotes a day of enjoyable competition and showcases local wave riding talents at Yallingup Beach. High quality surfing performance at the ‘Yalls’ amphitheatre provides a magnificent spectacle for families, tourists and spectators alike.
The 2009 Surf Challenge is scheduled for Saturday 17th October. Three short board divisions are intended for the day; Open Men, Open Women and Junior Boys. We are anticipating last year’s champions Zac Ogram, Michaela Greene and Shaun Green will return to the water to defend their titles against a host of contestants.
The festive atmosphere from previous years will continue with live folk music delivered by Caris Doyle, photographic displays by Post Sessions surf photography, fun beach activities and a scrumptious sausage sizzle.
Once again, the ECU Surf Challenge has attracted fantastic endorsement from many local businesses. Retravision return this year as our naming rights sponsor and Creatures of Leisure, Evolution Surf, Al Bean (AB) Surfboards, Hillzeez Surf Shop and Bunbury Nissan as Gold Sponsors. We have also had generous support from Samudra Yoga, the famous Yallingup Beach Holiday Park, Yahoo Surfboards, Busselton Shire and Surfing WA. We extend a huge vote of thanks to our sponsors for their continued support - without their valued assistance the ECU Surf Challenge would not take place.
With incredible prizes up for grabs and the chance to test yourself in the heat of competition; “You’ve got to be in it to win it!”
Entry forms can be found at local surf shops and on the website at www.ecusurfchallenge.com
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