Port Macquarie surfer Imogen Enfield places third in finals at inaugural Ride The Wave festival

Port Macquarie has put its strong surfing reputation on show during the inaugural Ride The Wave festival, presented by Make a Difference Port Macquarie from June 18-20.

The festival’s main event, a surf competition held in partnership with Surfing NSW, Port Macquarie Surf Board Riders Club, Mid North Coast Girls Surf Riders and Port Macquarie Surf School gave local boardriders a chance to shine in 25 hours of surfing.

Port Macquarie’s Imogen Enfield won the under 16s female final against Natalie Fenson, Leila Salt and Evie Conway.

She then advanced to the female open alongside Brodie Doyle and Laila Rich, but was beaten in the surf by Rosie Smart with two high-scoring waves of 8.75 and 9.50.

The open male field was won by Central Coast’s Byron Stapleton who propelled himself up the scoreboard with two 7.10 waves, against rivals Jed Fasso, Jimmi Hill and Eden Hasson.

Contest director Wayne Hudson said the competition experienced 23 hours of excellent and two hours of average conditions.

“Most divisions were full, we had some big names in the event and it ran really well,” he said.

“We had some experienced judges on the panel in the inaugural year and they were super stoked with the standard. We had Phil Courtney and Steve Evans to make sure it’s unbiased.

“Port Macquarie is a perfect competition area because between North Haven and North Shore there are waves that fit every situation. Hopefully there will be a few more surfing events coming next year because this received great community support.

“For these juniors this is a stand alone event, they can go onto bigger and more corporate events during the year.”

This article and images were first published on Cambden Haven Courier by Robert Doherty.