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July 12, 2026
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Wilkinson set for five-metre waves predicted for WSL

By The Echo

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Wilkinson set for five-metre waves predicted for WSL Crystal Cylinders Byron Bay’s Matt Wilkinson is heading into the second event of the 2017 WSL tour at Margaret River this week in WA as number two in the world after his runner-up finish at Snapper Rocks. The event is forecast to get some big surf with waves up to five metres predicted at the peak of the swell. Wilkinson has drawn Miquel Pupo and Jack Freestone in his first-round heat. Board meeting The Board Meeting Surf Charity held their third event at Lennox Head over the weekend with the Lennox Gelato and Coffee team winning the event. Local northern rivers businesses entered teams of four surfers who took to the fun 1m waves. The competition featured young, old, amateur, pro, male and female surfers. It is run by volunteers and supported by local business and surfing communities, and raises much-needed funds for families. PNG goes pro The first ever professional surfing event was held on Papua New Guinea soil and Taylor Jensen and Chloe Calmon were crowned the inaugural Kumul PNG World Longboard Champions. Local organisers initiated a powerful and innovative campaign to raise awareness about issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment, using surfing as the tool to get local communities active through the so-called Pink Nose Revolution. Big Wave Tour Peter Mel has announced the transitioning of his role as WSL Big Wave Tour Commissioner to legendary big-wave surfer Mike Parsons. Mike Parsons will transition into this position for the 2017 Big Wave Tour season, which will kick off on May 1. Parsons’s experience as a big-wave surfer and former professional surfer on the WSL Championship Tour, relationship within the big-wave community, and technical knowledge of swell systems and forecasting make him the perfect candidate to lead the BWT. ‘I am excited to focus my attention on helping create a clear path for young, up-and-coming big-wave surfers,’ he said.
Matt Wilkinson at Snapper Rocks. Photo: WSL/Cestari

Crystal Cylinders

Byron Bay’s Matt Wilkinson is heading into the second event of the 2017 WSL tour at Margaret River this week in WA as number two in the world after his runner-up finish at Snapper Rocks.
The event is forecast to get some big surf with waves up to five metres predicted at the peak of the swell.
Wilkinson has drawn Miquel Pupo and Jack Freestone in his first-round heat.
Board meeting
The Board Meeting Surf Charity held their third event at Lennox Head over the weekend with the Lennox Gelato and Coffee team winning the event.
Local northern rivers businesses entered teams of four surfers who took to the fun 1m waves.
The competition featured young, old, amateur, pro, male and female surfers.
It is run by volunteers and supported by local business and surfing communities, and raises much-needed funds for families.
PNG goes pro
The first ever professional surfing event was held on Papua New Guinea soil and Taylor Jensen and Chloe Calmon were crowned the inaugural Kumul PNG World Longboard Champions.
Local organisers initiated a powerful and innovative campaign to raise awareness about issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment, using surfing as the tool to get local communities active through the so-called Pink Nose Revolution.
Big Wave Tour
Peter Mel has announced the transitioning of his role as WSL Big Wave Tour Commissioner to legendary big-wave surfer Mike Parsons.
Mike Parsons will transition into this position for the 2017 Big Wave Tour season, which will kick off on May 1. Parsons’s experience as a big-wave surfer and former professional surfer on the WSL Championship Tour, relationship within the big-wave community, and technical knowledge of swell systems and forecasting make him the perfect candidate to lead the BWT.
‘I am excited to focus my attention on helping create a clear path for young, up-and-coming big-wave surfers,’ he said.

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Editorial

Plastic not so fantastic

Aslan Shand - 0
There is nothing healthier than drinking some water – or so I’ve always told my kids. It doesn’t contain sugar or colour additives – as one person used to tell us as children, ‘it’s sky juice’! What could be better?
Read more
Local News

Ballina courthouse windows smashed, man charged

The Echo - 0
Police say a man will face court today, charged after 12 windows were allegedly smashed in Ballina last night.   Police say, 'About 10.35pm (Thursday 9 July 2026), police were called to Martin Street following reports of a man smashing windows'.
Read more
Local News

Alleged native tree removal continues in Lennox, says councillor

The Echo - 0
With a government agency now investigating the alleged clear felling of natives on a large private block in Lennox Head, Ballina Greens councillor Kiri Dicker has told The Echo that contractors were felling trees all morning, ‘trying to get the job done’.
Read more
Local News

Ocean Shores man charged with advocating terrorism online

The Echo - 0
Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.  
Read more

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire