Originally scheduled to be held at nearby Kiama, the World Surf League, Surfing Australia and Subway® Restaurants (SUBWAY) have coordinated the venue change to Wollongong, following last week's shark attack on one of Kiama's best up-and-coming surfers at Bombo Beach.
"WSL, Surfing Australia and SUBWAY have all come to the unanimous decision to move this weekend's event to Wollongong," said WSL Aust/Pacific Regional Manager Will Hayden-Smith. "The Kiama surfing community is going through a challenging time after one of their own was recently attacked by a shark.
With the safety of our athletes in mind and out of respect to the local community, we thought it would be best to move up the coast to Wollongong.
We'd like to thank Kiama and Wollongong Councils for their cooperation and support, and wish Brett Connellan all the best and offer any support that we can."
Surfers from Australia, Brazil and New Zealand will duke it out, with 64 males and 24 females set to participate in the event.
Ethan Ewing (AUS), who has taken out four consecutive WSL Australasia Junior Qualifying Series events in a row - including three Subway® Surf Series Pro Junior events - as well as the NIB Pro Junior at Merewether - is looking forward to heading south to Wollongong and having the opportunity to add another event win to his already stellar portfolio.
Ethan Ewing (AUS), who has taken out four consecutive WSL Australasia Junior Qualifying Series events in a row - including three Subway® Surf Series Pro Junior events - as well as the NIB Pro Junior at Merewether - is looking forward to heading south to Wollongong and having the opportunity to add another event win to his already stellar portfolio.
