"Stay happy and you'll be perfectly fine" - Jack Norris

Wild Surf Co. Mattara – Surfing; 13 – 14 September 2008; Newcastle, NSW; Australia.

Ty Watson (Currarong, NSW) has a had a stellar 2008  thus far after a string of impressive performances on the Hurley NSW Championship Circuit. photo: Michael Tyrpenou/Surfing NSW
Ty Watson (Currarong, NSW) has a had a stellar 2008 thus far after a string of impressive performances on the Hurley NSW Championship Circuit. photo: Michael Tyrpenou/Surfing NSW

All steam ahead for Wild Surf Co. Mattara this weekend

Maroubra Beach, NSW — One of Australia’s longest running, and most prestigious, surfing events is back, as the Wild Surf Co. Mattara gears up for another great year.
 
As the fourth leg on the prestigious Hurley NSW Championship Circuit, the Wild Surf Co Mattara will once again see the state’s best Open, and junior men battling it out for precious ratings points and a $3500 prize purse.
 
Having already seen epic conditions and mind-blowing performances in the previous three Hurley NSW Championship Circuit events, anticipation is high leading into the Wild Surf Co. Mattara at Newcastle.
 
Dan Frodsham, president of Surfing Newcastle, was quick to point out the prestige surrounding the event, being one of the longest running surfing contests in the country.
 
“The Wild Surf Co. Mattara is one of the longest running surfing contests in Australia,” he said.
 
“It’s up there with Bells (Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach) for the duration of time it’s been running.”
 
So long has the Wild Surf Co. Mattara been running that even Frodsham was unable to put a number on the event.
 
“We (Surfing Newcastle) had a meeting last night and that question came up,” he said.
 
“I guess it’s been going long enough that no one really knows when it started,” Frodsham admitted. 
 
Featuring a new naming rights sponsor with local surf shop Wild Surf Co. coming on board, this years event is promising to be a great spectacle.
 
“We are really stoked with support of Wild Surf Co. who have been instrumental in getting this event off the ground in 2008,” Frodsham said.
 
“Hopefully this relationship can grow into a great partnership.”
 
Having seen the likes of Mark Richards, Nicky Wood and Wayne Lynch claim the prestigious Wild Surf Co. Mattara crown, the event has become an iconic part of the Newcastle social and sporting landscape.
 
“This event has been so good for the local community over the years,” Frodsham added.
 
“Some of the best Newcastle surfing talents have cut their teeth at the Mattara and hopefully this year will be no different.”
 
“It gives the people of Newcastle the opportunity to see some of the best surfers in the country competing on their doorstep.”
 
With a strong local contingent heading up the charge highlighted by Duncan McNicol (Caves Beach, NSW) and Ryan Callinan (Merewether, NSW), there will be some great athletes on show with reigning champion Nick Squires back to defend his title.
Hurley NSW Championship Circuit 2008 Schedule:
 
Saltwater Wine Surf Classic
, 10-11 May 2008 at Old Bar
Dripping Wet Pro, 23-25 May 2008 at Freshwater Beach
Triple Bull Pro, 31 May-1 June 2008 at Cronulla
Wild Surf Co. Mattara, 13-14 September 2008 at Newcastle
Zink Surf South Coast Open, 11-12 October 2008 at Werri Beach
Slimes Surf Classic, 1-2 November 2008 at Avoca