The GSI Noosa Festival of Surfing is set to rack up another in a long line of firsts when the 16-year-old event debuts the Tropicsurf Summit next March. Conceived as a forum for leaders from within and outside the fast-growing surf industry, the three-day Summit will offer a mix of good times in the surf, stimulating guest speakers and the opportunity to support some worthwhile charities.
Tropicsurf CEO Ross Phillips is one corporate executive who is happy to see surfing take an accountable and responsible approach to future initiatives, “We all have a crucial role to play in the industry whether it is adopting carbon neutral frameworks, sustainable surfing options or greener technologies that can be applied to surfing”, said Phillips.
The Summit is another development for the festival since USM Events accepted the management role earlier this year and one that they hope will bring about a new awareness and understanding not merely to the surfing community but reach the greater public on a whole, “This really is something that we feel very proud of initiating, a lot of companies are strong supporters of a whole range of greener technologies and are constantly looking for a better way to conduct business. USM is one of them, GSI another as are Tropicsurf. This summit opens the doorway a little further locally for discussions on topics which we know many want to address”, said USM’s Garth Prowd.
Sustainable surfing is one topic on the agenda for the summit. Surfboard manufacturing is not one of the most environmentally friendly industries, and when you consider pro surfers average 50 to 100 boards per year, then factor in the wider surfing public world wide, it’s easy to see there can be a lot of good achieved by discussing more sustainable alternatives.
“As the largest producer of surfboards around the globe, we have a true obligation of finding a better way. Our company mantra – Life is better when you surf – is one part of it. Trying to find the recipe for a green board is another. We haven’t got it yet but it is on our wish list”, said GSI Director Mark Kelly.
Surf industry veteran Phil Jarratt who has run the Festival of Surfing in previous years knows the importance of putting together such a gathering of the fray. “Obviously Noosa is a very attractive destination for any type of conference but when it comes to surfing – the location fits perfectly and it didn’t take too much arm twisting to get people involved. The possibility of catching some great waves with friends was the ace up our sleeves and hopefully we can establish a summit with a long and bright future”, said Jarratt.
The Tropicsurf Summit commences Thursday 6 March 2008. While there are topics of serious consequence listed on the agenda, the three days will also offer some fantastic activities for delegates/attendees to participate in. “Tropicsurf offers a diverse range of surfing experiences that truly capture our ‘Explore, Dream, Discover’ philosophy. Delegates of all abilities are welcome to join us in a Waterman course, Perfect Wave surfari or Ride Clinic. This can be a real highlight of their summit”, said Tropicsurf’s Ross Phillips. Optional activities also include golf, tennis, spa and tours.
Tropicsurf Summit Program:
Thursday March 6
Register from 12 noon at South Pacific Resort
Golf, surf, stand-up paddle lessons, relax. Equipment and instructors
available for all beach activities.
6.30pm Welcome cocktail party South Pacific Resort
Live music, Tropicsurf Presentation – “Explore, Dream, Discover”.
Friday March 7
Friday’s Breakfast of Champions will see Rabbit Bartholomew, Shaun Tomson,
Peter Townend, Mark Richards and Layne Beachley head the panel followed by
Dave Rastovich and friends presentation of ‘Minds in the Water’ – one
surfers quest about ocean activism from 10am-12noon.
Then the surf industry super session (2-3pm) has the likes of Kelly Slater (8 time ASP WCT Men’s World Champion), MR – Mark Richards and GSI’s Mark Kelly address the sustainable surfboard topic with leading manufacturers.
Big 3 Meet The Press (3-4pm) has the leaders of Quiksilver, Ripcurl and Billabong face a panel of inquisitors including Tim Baker (author ‘High Surf’, Rabbit’s biography), Phil Jarratt (author ‘Quiksilver story – ‘The Mountain and the Wave’), Keith Curtain (Editor Surf Biz magazine) and Reggae Ellis (Tracks, Radio and TV personality).
6-7pm: Night surf – watch legends of surfing under lights at First Point.
7.30 for 8pm: Charity dinner at South Pacific Resort.
Keynote speaker TBA
Minds in the Water preview with Rasta
World Champions Calcutta
Live music
Saturday March 8
9am-12 noon: Corporate Teams Surf Challenge
12h30pm: Presentation lunch Sails Restaurant
7pm: VIP marquee at Festival Village for Major Music Concert
Contact USM Events on 07 54490711 or
info@usmevents.com.au
for further summit information and delegate registration details.