The Thrive team was out in force as over 183,000 people descended onto Manly Beach in February for a mammoth nine days of world-class surfing, skateboarding, music and art at the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing. Some of the world’s biggest names in surfing and skateboarding were in town to compete in the 6-star ASP Men and Women’s, 2-star Junior Male and Female contests, and the Nike SB Classics Cup.
Not even the rain could keep fans away, as they gathered to watch Adriano De Souza (BRA) take the title of Men’s Australian Open of Surfing Champion, beating Australian Julian Wilson (QLD, AUS). Reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) was crowned as the Women’s Australian Open of Surfing Champion after taking on fellow Hawaiian, Alessa Quizon.
The Nike SB Classics Cup, a three-day bowl-riding event, attracted a field of 50+ international skateboarding legends including the likes of Renton Miller (QLD, AUS), Rune Glifberg (DEN), and Bob Burnquist (BRA). Ten-year old Hurley rider Keegan Palmer (QLD) also joined the line up, after gaining a wildcard entry into the competition.
Winners who took home prizes for the best tricks, included Sam Beckett (ENG), Ben Raybourn (USA) and Bob Burnquist (BRA), with Pedro Barros (BRA) winning the highest air, after scoring a height of 3.048m.
On the Channel [V] music stage, home-grown Aussie talents The Presets and Birds of Tokyo also headlined two days of music for free, all-ages gigs, right on the sand. Support acts included Animal Ventura, Art Vs. Science, ARIA urban-award winner Illy, and Melbournian rock outfit Delta Riggs.
The event was hosted by Hurley Australia, Destination New South Wales (DNSW) and Thrive client, IMG.
The Thrive team ran the event press office to secure widespread coverage on TV, print and online. While friends of the agency, including AFL star Buddy Franklin, stopped by to watch the action.