Kiama to host international bodyboarding event

“I am delighted that the NSW South Coast Crusade will be held in Kiama,” Mr Ward said.”This international bodyboarding competition will showcase the South Coast’s world class beaches and unique attractions to a global audience.”

The NSW South Coast Crusade, which is the second event in International Bodyboarding Association’s GoPro World Tour, will be held from this Thursday 18th April to Wednesday 1st May.

Mr Ward said that the three beaches selected to stage the event include:

• Mystics Beach, Minamurra in Killalea State Park;
• Surf Beach, Kiama; and
• Kendells Beach, Kiama

The NSW South Coast Crusade will attract the biggest names in the sport including:

• Avalon-based 2013 Pipeline champion, and two times world champion, Ben Player;
• Ten times world champion Mike Stewart (Hawaii); and
• Three times and current world champion Jeff Hubbard (Hawaii)

As the Crusade is a mobile event, organisers will conduct the competition at the best bodyboarding locations, and on the best waves on offer, along the South Coast during late April.

Many world renowned bodyboarding beach and reef breaks are located on the NSW South Coast and the International Bodyboarding Association will deliver one of the most memorable bodyboarding contests in the GoPro IBA World Tour.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said: “The NSW South Coast Crusade is a terrific new event that will showcase the state’s world class beaches to a worldwide audience. It will also have a huge benefit to the local economy”.

“I’m pleased that the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is supporting the Crusade and I look forward to the start of a great competition,” the Minister said.

Mr Ward said that Kiama and the South Coast are famous for their ‘squeaky clean’ beaches, beautiful countryside and tremendous food and wine variety.

“The NSW South Coast Crusade will encourage bodyboarding fans to explore some of our best beaches and enjoy Kiama’s relaxed and engaging lifestyle,” he said.