It’s impossible to think of Manly without thinking of beach life culture – bare feet, tanned torsos, surfboards under arms and salty hair. And this week, Manly is securing its reputation as Surf City as it hosts the Australian Open of Surfing. So it’s not only bronzed bodies you’ll see tanning themselves on the beach this week, but also the golden men and women of the world’s surfing elite.
Its appeal is huge in Sydney and surrounding areas and not just because of the nation’s passion for the sport – there’s more to the Australian Open of Surf than surfing itself.
Artisan and Retro Street Food
If you’re a foodie, you only have to wander through the infamous Corso to Market Lane to get the vibes of a hipster cafe culture. And supporting the event at the beachfront you’ll discover an array of culinary options from retro styled coffees carts to Neapolitan wood fired pizzas straight from the back of a pimped up truck. Of course, organic, gluten free and artisan produce is to be expected in a town that lives and breathes health.
Become an Aussie Bodies Brand Ambassador
And if health and fitness is your thing, you’ll definitely want to get yourself to the Aussie Bodies marque. They’re proudly sponsoring the Women’s Pro surf comp and searching for a new brand ambassador during the event. There’s $5000 worth of prizes up for grabs along with the awesome benefits that representing the popular health and nutrition brand will bring (not to mention the opportunity to present the winner of the Women’s Pro!).
Join the likes of World Guinness Holder and Aussie Bodies Ambassador Marcus Bondi and Australia’s surfing darling Felicity Palmateer as they help search for a new ambassador to join the team. You can watch Felicity compete in the surf event off the back of becoming the Australia’s number one female big wave surfer. The artist and ocean conservationist broke the records as the only female surfer to ride a 30ft wave at Cow Bombie during a massive XXL swell. But you don’t need to surf to ride your own wave of success and become the next ambassador – all you need is a zest for life and healthy living with an Aussie Bodies attitude to get involved! So go say hello at the Aussie Bodies marque and see if you have what it takes!
Your Invite to a Free MTV Music Gig on the Sand
Also involved in the nine day event, which concludes with the championship surf final on Sunday 6th of March, is the music powerhouse MTV. Fancy dancing bare footed upon the sand to a free music gig? It’s here! Friday night sees Sydney’s west award winning indie rock band Cloud Control headline, while Saturday night welcomes the melodic tones of Australia’s favourite folk duo Angus and Julia Stone to centre stage.
Both music events start at 4 p.m with up and coming support acts, concluding with blinding beats from top D.J’s that roll on throughout the early evening.
Rocking and Rolling in the Skateboard Bowl
The GoPro Beach Bowl located right on the beach front will showcase the who’s who of the skateboarding supremacy. Worldwide competitors will turn up at the shore to compete in the legendary 12 feet deep bowl imported from America. It features grandstand seating to watch some of skate boarding’s biggest names while pumping beats accompany the action. And the best part – entry is completely free! Another reason to get yourself down to the beach.
Australia’s Biggest Beach Event
Despite all the great events going on during the course of the Australian Open of Surfing – the surfing itself takes centre stage at the epic setting of Manly Beach. Coined as the Surf City, top class surfers from all over the globe attend to chase the title and grace the waves of the infamous beach break. There will be thrills and spills, and plenty of action with the semi-finals and finals showcasing Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of March. Will the Aussies take the title this year or will it go to an international star instead? There’s only one way to find out! Grab your sunscreen and beach towel and head down to the welcoming sands of Manly.
