Public invited to surf showdown

Cabarita Beach will be the venue for some of the best junior competitive surfing this Friday, May 13 as the students of Southern Cross University bring their finest surfers to northern New South Wales.

Students from the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses of Southern Cross University will compete against each other to be crowned winners of the official ‘King and Queen of the Campuses’ event, which is being coordinated by Diploma of Sports Management (Surfing Studies) students to gain experience in event organisation and management.

The public are invited to attend the family-friendly event, which will take place under the guidance of Surfing Australia and will include the chance for competitors to be selected for the Southern Cross University representative team in the National Surfing Championships on the Tweed Coast later in the year.

International student Mia Melamed, who left the north shore of Hawaii to study at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast, said she was looking forward to putting her studies into practice at the event.

“The Diploma of Sport Management (Surfing Studies) allows us as students to gain knowledge in all aspects of the surfing industry, which not only makes us well placed to achieve the careers we hope for, but also contribute to the future growth of the surf culture and industry,” said Mia.

“The ‘King and Queen of Campuses’ event will give me real-world experience as well as the chance to get advice from experts in the industry and form new relationships.

“Rivalry between the campuses is hot, with Lismore and Coffs Harbour students determined to break the Gold Coast’s winning streak, and some Gold Coast students even receiving training from the likes of the same team that trained Stephanie Gilmore.

“It’s set to be an exciting day and we encourage members of the public to come along and watch what will be some outstanding surfing.”
The ‘King and Queen of Campuses’ event will take place in front of Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Friday May 13 from 11am.

Media are invited to attend the ‘King and Queen of the Campuses’ event at Cabarita Beach at approximately 3.30pm for the end of the final heats and the lifting of the cup. Please contact before attending to confirm time and location.

Photo: Mia Melamed is preparing for the upcoming King and Queen of the Campuses surfing event (high resolution image available on request).

Media contact: Zuleika Henderson, media officer, Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Tweed Heads: 07 5589 3024 or 0408 644533