Kingscliff is set to once again be the focal point of the Tweed when the Coastal Village plays host to the Australian Longboard Surfing Open from March 21 to 25.
Top longboard surfers from all over Australia and the world will take part in the five-day event which rounds out five weeks of sporting action.
Starting in late February with the Kingscliff triathlon, the town has played host to four major events from the triathlon and junior surf lifesaving to the senior/masters titles last weekend and now the longboard surfers.
The Longboard event, formerly known as the Malfunction, is more than just a surf contest.
“All aspects of the surfing lifestyle will be on display in the Lions Park at Kingscliff from March 21 during the five day celebration of the Australian Longboarding Surfing Open,” event director Sean McKeown said.
“It’s great having all these other activities that are part of how we live our lives as surfers,” Mr McKeown said.
The event will feature world champion professional longboard surfers competing in the three star ASP LQS, amateur surfers, tandem surfing display and historical boards being ridden.
“There is also the opportunity for spectators and those that identify with other aspects of the surfing lifestyle to come together to enjoy other aspects besides just the waves with music, art, cars, movies, bikini parade and market stalls.”
Mr McKeown said there would be a new aspect to the event this year with Cinemax Arthouse Cinema getting involved in Open for the first time.
The Arthouse Cinema will get the event off to a flying start with a Longboard film festival on the Wednesday night from 8pm
The Cinema will screen a trio of films, Belong, Sewn and Koala Kronicle. .
“They will feature an exclusive screening of the upcoming film ‘BeLong’ by Luke Sorenson featuring never before seen snippets and vision of surfers from around the local area,” Mr McKeown said.
The fastest growing discipline in surfing, stand up paddling (SUP), has also been added.
For those wanting to find out more about how to master a SUP there will be free coaching clinics on Saturday from 9.30am.
To keep the children entertained the Kallalu Art Kids tent will operate on Saturday and Sunday.
“There is a vast array of talented local musicians and bands performing live at the event on Saturday 24 from 2pm to satisfy all music tastes too,” he said.
The ride to the beach has always been important for surfers and in keeping with this tradition there will be a Surf Vehicle Shoe & Shine. Classic car lovers will pack Kingscliff as classic surf vehicle go on show on Sunday, March 25.
The display will showcase many different varieties of the finest surf vehicles at the Lions Park in Kingscliff from 9.30am.
Entries from previous years have ranged from a V8 Kombi, to old American Woodies, Holden panel vans and the classic old Kombis that have provided transport and accommodation for surfers over the last 50 years.
