Photos: Australian Open of Surfing 2012 - Manly Beach, Sydney

The Australian Open of Surfing is a new global event being held right now in Sydney, sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). From 11th – 19th February 2012 Sydney’s Manly Beach is home to a multifaceted youth and sporting event showcasing the best in surfing, skate, music, fashion and art with an expected spectator audience of 125,000. Widely known as the birthplace of Australian surfing, Manly was the location for the first World Surfing Championships held in 1964. Member for Manly, Mike Baird said the Australian Open of Surfing will reaffirm Manly’s position on the global surfing circuit.

Thanks to event sponsor Blackberry for facilitating my media photographer pass access 🙂

Tips

The Australian Open of Surfing is Alcohol free, Smoke free and there is no bottled water sold … but that’s for a good environmental reason! Please bring your own water bottle to refill free at one of the many rehydration stations.

Also don’t forget the obvious requirements for going to the beach: a hat, sunscreen and travelling there by public transport (bus or ferry) because parking is very limited.