With over 2000km of sandy coastline, New South Wales is a favourite destination for surfers from all over the world. From the scenic surf spots in Byron Bay to the surf beaches of Thirroul and Corrimal Beach on the South Coast, hoards of surfing fanatics frequent the state to catch some waves and enjoy the surf culture.
If you're planning the hit up some surfing events in 2023, New South Wales is the place to be. With a jam-packed schedule lined up, surfing enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in the coming months with a range of surfing tournaments, festivals and training days taking place throughout the year.
Here are some of our favourite surfing events happening in New South Wales in 2023.
Her Wave Teams Classic
Surf's up, ladies! Some of Australia’s top female surfers will be back in Central Coast for the return of the Her Wave Teams Classic competition.
The tournament was developed to increase participation and support females in surfing and will see over 350 female surfers from across Australia participate in the 2-day event, which is running in two NSW coastal regions, North Shelly and Jones Beach.
On top of the surf line-up, event-goers will have the opportunity to attend a range of workshops and technical skills sessions.
For a full list of the Her Wave Teams Classic event schedule, click here.
Dates: 11th – 12th March 2023
Locations: Shelly Beach, Central Coast and Jones Beach, Kiama.
Ride the Wave Junior Pro
Town Beach, located within walking distance of Port Macquarie, is set to host this year’s Ride the Wave Junior Pro competition. This surfer’s paradise boasts legendary surf breaks and, thanks to the fantastic waves, has been the training ground for many talented surf champions over the years.
In a joint collaboration by Coastline Credit Union and Inner Vision Surf N Skate, Ride the Wave Junior Pro will see young surfers battle it out for a much sought-after placing in the annual RTW Pro.
The 3-day festival has a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly events including all-ages live music, market stalls, food vendors and some of the region’s best junior surfers showcasing their skills.
For more information on Ride the Wave Junior Pro and to see what other events are taking place during the event, visit www.ridethewavefestival.com.au.
Dates: 28th – 20th April 2023
Location: Town Beach, Port Macquarie
Surfers Rescue 24/7 Course
In many cases, surfers are the unsung heroes of many beach rescues in New South Wales, so it’s important to be ready for emergency situations in the water.
Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free course offering board rescue and CPR training for surfers of all abilities throughout New South Wales. The training participants will receive will ensure they are prepared when faced with a potential lifesaving scenario including knowledge of surf awareness, rescue operations and resuscitation.
You can sign up for the free Surfers Rescue 24/7 course in Ballina at www.surfersrescue247.com.
Date: April 29th
Location: Ballina Lighthouse Beach
Time: 9am-12:30pm
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles NSW Surfmasters Titles
If you are looking for the best surf action, lots of crowds and plenty of activities to do, then you will want to make your way to the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles NSW Surfmasters Titles.
Sponsored by Moby's Beachside Retreat, the popular surfing event is set to mark its twelfth year running on Boomerang Beach, which offers surfers an unforgettable experience thanks to its famous waves that attract surfers from all over the world.
Over the course of five days, you will get the chance to see over 150 competitors compete to secure an NSW shortboard title with past competitors including some of the top names from the World Surf League Championship Tour and Australian Champions.
For more information on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles NSW Surfmasters Titles visit www.surfingnsw.com.au.Â
Dates: 31 May 2023 - 4th June
Location: Boomerang Beach
Port Stephens Surf Festival: NSW SUP State Titles
The Port Stephens Surf Festival will return from the 27th until the 28th of April with 200 surfers set to flock to the area for a full week of state title tournaments.
This event held in Port Stephens is a remarkable spectacle for anyone watching with surfers of all skill levels showcasing their talent against the stunning backdrop of Birubi Beach.
As one of New South Wales’ most famous surfing spots, the area’s east-facing beaches are well-known for producing incredible conditions for surfers to display their immense talent so attendees are in for a treat!
Register for the NSW SUP State Titles event here.
Date: 27th – 28th April 2023
Location: Birubi Beach
Speaking in Colour Women’s Pro
Merewether Beach is one of the most iconic locations in New South Wales and is a paradise for beach tourism. It is also one of the most attractive surfing spots in Australia and is set to be the location for this year’s Speaking in Colour Women’s Pro tournament.
The 6-day women-only event will be held as part of Newcastle Surfest with many world-class surfing professionals competing for the AU$50,000 prize money.
Over the course of the event, you can also participate in a range of cultural experiences and check out some locally made woven products, thanks to the Speaking in Colour team.
You can find out more about the event and the work done by Speaking in Colour at www.speakingincolour.com.au.
Dates: 20th - 26th March
Location: National Surfing Reserve, Merewether Beach
Get surf ready with the Best Surfboards and Accessories from Slimes Boardstore Newcastle!
Traveling to surfing competitions can open your eyes to how amazing the sport is. Once you experience the atmosphere, chances are you will find yourself hooked. If watching the surf action has tempted you to try it out yourself, then you’re going to need some equipment to get started.
Slimes Boardstore Newcastle has been operating in the NSW area for over 10 years and stocks a wide range of surfboards, wetsuits, accessories and apparel. Drop by 496 King Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300 after the events to see what you can pick up!