Newcastle: The Mattara Surf Classic expands to celebrate surfing’s rich heritage

One of Australia's longest-running shortboard surf competitions, the Mattara Surf Classic, is expanding its horizons by adding Longboard and Kneeboard divisions. 

This move aims to celebrate surfing’s diverse history and provide greater representation for all styles of wave riding.

Originally set to debut last year, the new divisions were postponed due to weather conditions. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Port Stephens surfer Dave Turner, alongside classic surf brands Bennett Surf Co. and Platts Surfwear, and in partnership with Surfing Newcastle’s Tezza McKenna and main event sponsor Michilis, the expanded event is now set to make waves this year.

Exciting New Divisions & Competitions

The Mattara Surf Classic now proudly features:

* Women’s and Men’s Open Longboard and Log

* Juniors Open and Log

* State Kneeboarding Championship

Some divisions will offer prize money, and participants will also have the chance to win fantastic prizes, including a Bennett’s board raffle and other surf goodies.

To ensure the best possible conditions for the competition, organizers have secured access to multiple Newcastle beaches on the event date.

A Nostalgic Journey Through Surf History

Beyond the competition, both participants and spectators are invited to explore the Nostalgia Tent—an exhibition dedicated to 1960s surfing culture. Featuring vintage surfboards, classic posters, and rare surf memorabilia, this is a must-see for surf history enthusiasts.

Fun Fact: 

Kevin Platt’s mother, Jean Platt, made board shorts for Midget Farrelly when he competed in Hawaii—a small yet significant part of Australian surf history.

Building Towards the Future

“Our vision is to build the event so it contributes points to the junior longboard titles,” says event co-organizer Dave Turner. “In time, we’d love to turn this into a full-fledged surf festival.”

What the Sponsors Say

Micah Platt, Platts Surfwear:
“Australian board short pioneers are pleased to be a part of this event alongside Surfing Newcastle and Bennett Surf for the Michilis Mattara Longboard and Kneeboarding events.”

Tom Bennett, Owner & Director, Bennett Surfboards:
“Bennett Surf is more than stoked to come on board and support such an iconic event. We love grassroots community initiatives and have supported them for decades. It’s an honour to be involved in the Longboard Division alongside Platts Surfwear. We’ll be onsite with some of our boards for people to test ride, and someone will even take home a Bennett ‘66 Log from our raffle, with proceeds going towards running this fantastic contest.”

Event Details

WHAT: Mattara Surf Classic

WHEN: Sat 22 & Sun 23 February

Divisions: Longboard & Logger (Juniors, Women’s, Men’s), Australian Kneeboard Championship
Prize Money: Available for Longboard Juniors, Women’s & Men’s

Register Here: surfingnsw.com.au/events

Special Event: Classic Surf Movie Screening

Join us on Saturday night at Newcastle’s family-friendly Modus Operandi Brewery from 6 PM for a screening of a classic surf movie. RSVP: 0404 738 005 (for logistics). Free Entrance!

Get ready to celebrate the past, present, and future of surfing at this year’s Mattara Surf Classic!

 - Media Contacts: Tati Guedes 0404738005