File:The Living End (6895625899).jpg

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING: The world’s best surfers and skaters, and hot Aussie musician’s, are set to converge at the birthplace of professional surfing, Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia for the country's biggest-ever surf, skate and music event; The Australian Open of Surfing, presented by Hurley and Billabong.

The first ever nine-day Australian Open of Surfing event will see an exciting mix of the world’s best surf athletes competing in 6-star men's and women's ASP-sanctioned surf contests, men's and women's pro junior star-events, a world-class skate bowl featuring the world’s best skateboarders and two live concerts on the Channel [V] music stage from some of Australia’s top musician’s. It's all happening from the 11th to 19th February, 2012 on iconic Manly Beach, Sydney ... and it’s all free!

Working closely with Destination NSW and Manly Council, the event will showcase the best of Sydney’s unique beach lifestyle and vibrant youth culture via surf, skate and music.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Surfing •Australian Open of Surfing Men’s ASP 6 Star event (14 – 19 February) •Australian Open of Surfing Women’s ASP 6 Star event (13 – 19 February) •Australian Open of Surfing Men’s Pro Junior ASP 4 Star event (11 – 12 February (heats), 18 February (finals)) •Australian Open of Surfing Women’s Pro Junior ASP 4 Star event (11 – 12 February (heats), 18 February (finals)) •BlackBerry BBM Music Power 50 Super Sessions (18 – 19 February)

Skate •The Beach Bowl at the Australian Open of Surfing Pro AM – Juniors (16 – 18 February) •The Beach Bowl at the Australian Open of Surfing Pro AM Pro (16 – 19 February) •The Beach Bowl at the Australian Open of Surfing Pro AM Pro Masters (16 – 19 February) •Best Trick presented by Sony (19 February)

Music •Two live music concerts on the Channel [V] music stage (17 – 18 February)

Other events and activations •Daily athlete appearances and signings in the Hurley and Billabong tent •Hurley H20 water station hydrating the crowd and raising awareness about global water issues •Australian Open of Surfing Scorecard allowing spectators to win a bunch of free stuff

BROADCAST:

•Live surf and skate webcast on <a href="http://www.australianopenofsurfing.com" rel="nofollow">www.australianopenofsurfing.com</a> (13 – 19 February) •Live surf and skate broadcast on Fuel TV (17 – 19 February) •Live music broadcast on Channel [V] from 4.30pm – 6.30pm (17 – 18 February)

KEY MESSAGES FOR SPECTATORS:

•Free spectator event •Alcohol free event •Smoke free event •In an effort to minimise waste, bottled water will not be sold at the event. Please bring your own water bottle to refill free at the event •Parking is limited so please take public transport to and from the event - Sydney Ferries from the city // Sydney Buses from Northern Beaches and surrounds •Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen and to apply frequently throughout the day

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on the event head to: <a href="http://www.australianopenofsurfing.com" rel="nofollow">www.australianopenofsurfing.com</a> Travelling to Sydney? Check out <a href="http://www.sydney.com" rel="nofollow">www.sydney.com</a> Transport and parking options: <a href="http://ww.australianopenofsurfing.com/manly12/event/parking-public-transport" rel="nofollow">ww.australianopenofsurfing.com/manly12/event/parking-publ...</a> Images available at <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cardinalspin/collections/">www.flickr.com/photos/cardinalspin/collections/</a>