The Novocastrian surfing community will turn its attention to Port Stephens next month when Merewether’s Phillipa Anderson competes in the final event of the women’s World Qualifying Series.
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The tournament, set to be held at Birubi Beach as part of the 2017 Port Stephens NSW Pro, is a culmination of a year of international competitions in the World Surf League.
Aiming to finally make it to her ‘dream tour’, Anderson is shooting for direct qualification to the 2018 elite Championship Tour.
“This is the last QS6,000 event of the year so it is super important,” Anderson said. “There are only six events of this size in the season so a solid result at a couple of them is essential.”
“There are a handful of girls all needing a big result here, so it is sure to be exciting.”
The natural footer’s dream nearly became a reality in 2016 when she just missed the qualification cut-off.
Now, on home soil, her dream is close to becoming a reality.
“Having the final event of the year in Australia is great, but the fact that it is so close to my home is amazing,” she said. “I surf at Birubi a bit and it can get really good.”
“It’s a great setup for a contest and it will be awesome to see the world’s best out there. I’m really glad this event has come together and can’t wait for it to get underway.”
Two Port Stephens juniors will also surf alongside Anderson and some of the biggest names in the sport.
Elle Clayton-Brown, from Corlette, and Jasmine Sampson, from Anna Bay, both 15, are expected to surf in the four-day pro event.
The teens said they are looking forward to surfing their home break alongside the world's best female sufers.
“It's about time we get a QS [pro event] here,” Elle said. “Newcastle have Surfest and there's all different comps up and down the coast but we have such good waves here [Birubi].”
“I want to draw a heat with a world tour circuit surfer – that would be the best experience ever.”
Three-hundred surfers from 15 countries are expected to compete in the four-day event, the last opportunity for the women to qualify for the World Surf League pro tour.
A two-time winner on the QS this year, Anderson will warm up for the decisive events at the 56th annual Mattara Surf Classic at South Bar Beach on October 21 and 22.
The 2017 Port Stephens NSW Pro will run from November 2–5.
Isaac McIntyre
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
