Every year, the Cricks Noosa Festival of Surfing likes to launch its ‘8 Days of Pure Stoke’ with a celebration of all things surf, and 2015 is lining up to be bigger and better than ever before.
Traditionally, the festival’s official opening ceremony, a ho’okupu, or Hawaiian mixing of the waters, has taken place on the first Sunday, but this year Saturday 7 March will host a superb line-up of festivities, competition, celebration and music.
Starting at 7am, the day’s events will include early heats of the stand up paddle divisions, including both surf and race disciplines, as well as two divisions appearing for only the second year on the festival’s calendar.
The Deus Womp Comp bodysurfing competition was a resounding success last year, and word has spread around the world, an international contingent is lining up to take up the challenge against inaugural champion, Harrison Roach.
Last year’s launch of the new Jeep Waterman Challenge was witnessed by few, taking place far up the beach at Double Island Point, but this year the multi-discipline event (shortboard, longboard, finless and body surf) will be held at Noosa’s First Point for the first time.
The afternoon’s activities will be for the spectators, with a selection of the world’s surfing greats from the past 40 years taking to the water for the spectacular Legends Exhibition. This will be followed immediately by what has become one of the festival’s most popular happenings: the VetshopAustralia.com.au Wave Dog Master Class. Yes, Rover and friends are back on their boards once again, and the surfing dogs are sure to delight.
The traditional ho‘okupu takes place at sunset, with competitors from around the world invited to bring water from their own patch of ocean for this centuries-old ceremony to give thanks and bless the festival and all its participants. This will be followed by the paddle-out, again open to all who wish to participate, in memory of fallen comrades.
Welcome to Country has become an important part of the festival’s opening festivities. Recognising the local Indigenous Gubbi Gubbi community, Welcome to Country is an appreciation of history and acknowledgement of respect for the true Noosa locals.
Illuminating the evening with their funky, surf-ska beats, the Cheap Fakes will take to the stage for the opening night’s musical entertainment. The Brisbane six-piece, who have been performing their infectious vibes across Australia over recent months, are on the verge of the release of their third studio album, ‘Modern Vintage’. Visit our website at www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com for all the information and timetables of events and join us live at Noosa’s First Point for the Cricks Noosa Festival of Surfing from 7-14 March 2015.
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