January 2022 Press Release

By Thomas Alexander

A new year has welcomed plenty of change and growth for the Noosa Festival of Surfing, proudly presented in 2022 by GemLife.

Though South-East Queensland was decimated by the recent visit of tropical cyclone Seth, the region’s surfers revelled in incredible waves up and down the coast. Kirra, on the Gold Coast, saw some of its best waves this decade, and Noosa’s points received five consecutive days of impeccable overhead conditions.

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The upshot of cyclone Seth’s impact beyond the swell is that sand is beginning to reform at First Point. Huge sand deposits have rendered the iconic point break dormant for many months, but with one more push in swell, festival organisers are confident that we will see a return of First Point’s familiar perfect, reeling waves.

The swell isn’t the only thing that has been surging. Competitor numbers are steadily climbing and, with just two months to go until the 31st annual Noosa Festival of Surfing, a well-attended event is on the cards.

“COVID has been a concern for us all in recent years,” says festival director Josh Allen, “but it hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm and stoke for the Noosa Festival. Competitors have gone to great lengths to attend and this year – with open borders and fewer restrictions – we are going to see some excellent competition from national and even some international competitors.”

With 250 surfers already registered, the perennial final push of entries should see numbers rise to eclipse 350 by the end of registration mid-next month. 

Australian surfers have been unable to travel overseas for several years now, so the Noosa Festival of Surfing is bringing the holiday vibes to the sand at Main Beach. “If we can’t go to Bali, then we’ll bring the Bali vibes to you” said Josh. With this year’s much-loved SolBar being inspired by the beach club atmosphere of the holiday island. Open daily between 12 and 8pm, the free-entry bar will be the perfect hang-out venue to catch all the First Point action over a cold beverage. With live music and events also taking place daily, there will be plenty of reasons to relax and unwind right on the sand.

On the subject of entertainment, a stellar lineup has been crafted for locals and visitors alike.

The surfing dogs are back once more, getting their paws wet on the afternoon of Saturday 5th March, and all your favourite divisions, including the second annual twin fin event, will be returning to the water.

Beyond the shoreline, Deus ex Machina will be hosting a film night, and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Morning of the Earth will also be hitting the screens presented by Tracks Magazine. Mark Matthews will be presenting his fascinating and inspirational keynote, Life Beyond Fear, helping others by using his incredible big-wave exploits as an example of the many benefits and rewards that come from facing our fears.

The festival is all about giving back, and this year, as well as proudly supporting Plastic Free Noosa, Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and other local initiatives, it will be hosting charity events for SurfAid International, International Women’s Day and for the first time ever, the Melanoma March presented by bakslap.

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In a year that has been fraught with challenges, the Noosa Festival of Surfing is exceptionally grateful for the amazing support it has received in its 31st year. GemLife, which joined the festival for the first time in 2021, has stepped up to take the mantle of this year’s presenting sponsor. The same could be said for the tireless support and efforts of John Finlay and the World Surfaris team. Glen Gower and his team at the Noosa Malibu Club has ensured that the 2022 Noosa Festival of Surfing continues to set the benchmark in surfing events internationally with not only a reputable surf contest but the greatest show in surfing all in Noosa for 10 days in March 2022.

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The 31st Noosa Festival of Surfing presented by GemLife takes place 5-13 March 2022. Discover more and keep up to date with further announcements at www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com

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