The World Surf League (WSL) have descended Cabarita Beach with Day 1 of the inaugural Tweed Coast Pro kicking off today.
Joining the field of 144 of some of the best male surfers on the planet will be Cabarita local and aerial specialist Chris ‘Chippa’ Wilson who scored himself a wildcard through Cabarita Boardriders Club. Wilson, who isn’t known for competing in WSL events hopes he can use his knowledge of the waves to progress deep into the draw.
‘It’s awesome to see an event like this on my doorstep,’ said Wilson.
‘I know a lot of the local guys from the around the area have been looking forward to it and the opportunity to compete against some of Australia’s best. Hopefully the waves turn on over the four-day window.’
Gold Coaster Ellie-Jean Coffey has spent her fair share of time surfing the pristine waves of Cabarita and is excited at the prospect of competing in familiar surroundings
‘I’m feeling good leading into this event,’ Coffey said.
‘I’ve been training quite a bit lately which helps with confidence and fitness. I have surfed in a number of contests at Cabarita and have always done well so hopefully I continue my form there. It’s such a good place, really beautiful and great waves.’
Coffey is hoping to continue her form from the Burleigh Pro, which she finished Runner up, at the Telstra Stores Tweed Pro and through the rest of the New South Wales Pro Series.
‘I’ll be doing all of the QS events, it’s so good there is more this year. The more contests you do you get into a good routine and a good mental space. It’s really awesome for all the up-and-coming surfers to gain this experience in competitions.’
The Telstra Stores Tweed Pro will run from February 1 to 4 and will be broadcast live at www.worldsurfleage.com on the final day.
The NSW Pro Surf Series was developed for Australian and international surfers to gain ranking points and prize money on the WSL Qualifying Series. The Series also creates a NSW coastal road trip for all to explore the variety of waves, visit local communities and enjoy NSW surfing culture.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
