The world's best surfers will display their talents in the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro this weekend which for the first time in 20 years, has been elevated to World Championship Tour status in both the men's and women's competitions.
Attending the event today, Premier Colin Barnett said a world-class field of competitive surfers would take to Margaret River's Surfers Point in an action-packed competition running until April 13.
"Margaret River is renowned by surfers worldwide for its stunning coastline and powerful surf breaks, which is one of the reasons this fantastic competition continues to thrive," Mr Barnett said.
The 2014 draw features the world's best 36 men and 18 women surfers, including current world champions Mick Fanning and Carissa Moore, local legend Taj Burrows and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater. The event marks the second stop on the Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour circuit.
The Premier has been invited by Surfing WA to present life memberships to four well-known Western Australian surfing identities and to also present the Grom Prix Awards to the State's best up-and-coming junior surfers.
Mr Barnett said the event brought many benefits to Western Australia.
"In addition to valuable international media coverage, it will be broadcast live on the internet via web-streaming and will also highlight our pristine South-West beaches and the whole Margaret River region to millions of people around the world," he said.
"This year, we are also excited to be able to use the new $6million upgrade of Surfers Point at Prevelly with its boardwalks, new event areas and improved car parking."
The Premier said this project had been made possible through the Margaret River SuperTowns Program and Royalties for Regions funding.
The State Government, through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions, has been a proud sponsor of the Margaret River Pro since 1985.
Fact File
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