City drops Summer Smorgasboard

A surfboard and two skateboard decks branded with Newcastle's colourful tourism logo are up for grabs at three exciting events backed by Newcastle City Council over the next two weeks.

The three best social media pics taken at the Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle, Surfest and the Australian Bowl Riding Championships will earn the "Newcastle See Change" boards.

Merewether surfers Philippa Anderson and Jackson Baker, who will judge the winners with Newcastle's first pro skater, John Bogart, and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, joined local skaters at Bar Beach today to launch the NCC Summer Smorgasboard promotion.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes (centre) inspecting the specially made surfboard with Merewether chargers Philippa Anderson and Jackson Baker.

"Can I enter?" Anderson, a former Surfest winner, asked, eyeing off the colourful 5'10" Jye Byrnes Anchovy quad fin.

"This will be a super fun summer board for the winner. I wouldn't recommend it for anywhere heavy, but it'd be sweet for the waves around Newy at this time of year."

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council would help showcase Newcastle to prospective domestic tourists and the world over the next two weeks.

"Our support for these big events and Council's efforts to revitalise the coastline through the Empire Park Skate Park and Bathers Way are paying dividends," the Lord Mayor said.

"Our coast from Merewether to Nobbys is fast becoming the envy of the world. Merewether Beach was recently named Australia's best city beach, and more plaudits are set to come as the final stages of the Bathers Way are rolled out."

The Lord Mayor with local skating legend John Bogart (centre), Newcastle See Change logo designer Josh Andrews (right) and local skaters Max and Angus Owens and Jayde Perry.

Council is backing the Australian Boardriders Battle at Newcastle Beach this weekend, then Surfest at Merewether and the Australian Bowl Riding Championships at Empire Park Skate Park the following week, with $110,000 in funding plus value-in-kind support.

The Board Riders Battle attracts 24 Australian clubs for the often-fiery national final after 60 clubs contest eight state rounds.

Surfest, international surfing's first second-tier tour event for 2018, will see images of Newcastle showcased to 380,000 households worldwide via the event's weeklong webcast.

Local shaper Jye Byrnes putting the finishing touches on the Newcastle See Change board.

The Australian Bowl Riding Championships coincides with Surfest's finals and welcomes skateboarders of every skill level and age to compete for cash and prizes.

To enter the NCC Summer Smorgasboard, share a photo from one or more of the events on our social accounts or tag us. Winners will be announced Monday 26 February.

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