Tropicsurf Summit

The Tropicsurf Summit is a coming together of minds to discuss relevant issues affecting the surf industry today.  The summit is aimed at decision makers within their own company who have a passion and vision on the direction that they would like to see the surf industry take. Issues open to discussion include environmental impact, sustainable surfboards and a Q & A with the big 3.  Many current and past World Champion surfers will be in attendance to add to the discussions.

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Objectives

To discuss the future direction of the industry
Create an open and friendly forum
Lay the foundations for future successful Festival of Surf Summit

Major Program Components & Activities

The Summit Program acknowledges a lot of companies are strong supporters of a whole range of greener technologies and are constantly looking for a better way to conduct business. The Summit aims to help open the doorway a little further locally for discussions on topics which many companies want to address.

Sustainable Surfing is one topic sure to be raised at the summit. Surfboard manufacturing is not one of the most environmentally friendly industries, and when you consider pro surfers average 150 – 200 of these per year, then factor in the wider surfing public world wide, it’s easy to see there can be a lot of good achieved by discussing more sustainable alternatives.  Key speakers include Kelly Slater, Mark Richards and GSI’s Mark Kelly in discussion with leading manufacturers.

Minds in the Water documents the journey of travelling professional surfer Dave Rastovich, from an ocean minded admirer to an ocean activist.  Through the charismatic journey of Dave’s life witness an adventure spanning the globe from Australia and the Galapagos to Tonga, Alaska and Japan.  Rabbit Bartholomew, Shaun Tomson, Peter Townend and Mark Richard head a panel of discussion, followed by Dave Rastovich and friends’ presentation of ‘Minds in the Water’

Meet the press puts the spotlight on some surf industry leaders, as they face a panel of inquisitors including surf editors and authors - Tim Baker, Phil Jarratt, Keith Curtain and Nick Carroll.

In addition to the planned summit components outlined below, there are a range of optional activities that are offered to all summit delegates; golf, standup paddlesurf/waterman clinic, learn to surf, advanced surf adventures.  All water sports and instruction are courtesy of the Summit sponsor - Tropicsurf. 

Timetable

Thursday March 6
from 12noon		Delegate registration at South Pacific Resort, 179 Weyba Road, Noosaville.
1:00-5:00pm		Golf with Pat Rafter at Noosa Springs
1:00-4:00pm		Stand up paddle clinic with the Tropicsurf team
6:00-8:00pm		Welcome Cocktail Party at South Pacific Resort Includes a Tropicsurf surf adventures presentation by Tropicsurf Director Ross Phillips – “Explore, Dream, Discover”.
8:15pm		NOTE: Shaun Tomson’s Bustin’ Down The Door premiere at Noosa 5 Cinemas, tickets $15.
Friday March 7
8:00-9:30am	Breakfast of Champions at South Pacific Resort Enjoy a spirited conversation with the greats of surfing over the bacon and eggs or muesli and fruit. Champions panel includes Mark Richards, Layne Beachley, Rabbit Bartholomew, Shaun Tomson, Damien Hardman, Peter Townend. Moderated by Phil Jarratt.
10:00-12noon	Ocean activism with Dave Rastovich and friends Soul surfer and leading ocean activist Rasta takes us on a rich and rewarding journey through his personal fight to save cetaceans. Supported by leading lights from Sea Shepherd and Surfrider Foundation, and a special showing of  Fuel TV’s Rasta’s First Hand. Moderated by Tim Baker.
12noon-1:00pm	Lunch
1.00-4.30pm 1:00-2:30pm     2:45-4:15pm 4:30-4:45pm	Surf Industry Supersession Surfrider Foundation presents Towards a Sustainable Surf Industry Sustainable surfboards – fact or fantasy? This is a presentation by graduate student, surfer, boatbuilder and environmentalist Sean Sullivan, whose thesis “Sustainable Surfboards” was recently published by Coastalwatch. Followed by a forum of the world’s leading surfboard manufacturers, shapers and consumers, including GSI’s Mark Kelly, Hot Buttered’s Terry Fitzgerald, Bob McTavish, Mark Richards, Kelly Slater, Layne Beachley and many others. Chaired by Surfing Australia’s Norm Innis. The Big Three meet the press Quiksilver, Rip Curl and Billabong jointly control more than 50% of the $10 billion dollar surf industry. In the past twenty years they have grown into vast global corporations. Are they relevant to surfers any more? What exactly are they doing to green their companies and protect our surfing playgrounds? Are they sharing the wealth that surfing has bestowed upon them? A panel of surf journalists, including Nick Carroll, Tim Baker, Phil Jarratt and Australian Surf Business editor Keith Curtain will quiz the head honchos of the Big Three. Rip Curl will be represented by Australian CEO Steve Kay, global marketing chairman Neil Ridgway and Australian Marketing Manager Nick Russell. Billabong will be represented by global CEO Derek O’Neill and marketing manager Shannan North. Quiksilver will be represented by global brand manager and Asia-Pacific president Craig Stevenson and global brand ambassador Bruce Raymond. Chaired by Norm Innis. Bringing the industry together SIMA Report by past president Peter Townend.
6:00-7:00pm	Noosa Heads Motel Legends Under Lights - Night Surfing at First Point The biggest names in world surfing strap on the Shark Shield and pull out the big moves under lights.
7.30 for 8.00pm 8:00pm 8:00-8:30pm 9:15-10:00pm	Charity Fundraiser Dinner at South Pacific Resort Entertainment by The Beachniks Seating for dinner, prepared by award-winning Sunshine Coast chef, Matt Golinski - view menu Pat Rafter speaks on surfing, being green & giving back Presentation by Disabled Surfing Association representative Nick Carroll Presentation by Frangipani Dreams founder Moy Sweetman Presentation by Sea Shepherd's International Director Jonny Vasic & patron Dave Rastovich followed by a preview of Minds in the Water movie Charity auction of World Champions and special items including a Tropicsurf Maldives trip
Saturday March 8
Breakfast at leisure
9:00-noon	Corporate Teams Challenge at First Point Noosa 12 teams from the corporate world with 12 world champions sitting in. Handicap scoring, serious surfing, company credibility at stake! Each corporate team has to have won a world champ at Friday night’s auction. No champ, no start! Confirmed teams:                   Confirmed champions: Rip Curl                                     Mark Richards Quiksilver                                  Layne Beachley Billabong                                   Mick Fanning Global Surf Industries               Steph Gilmore Hot Buttered                             Josh Constable Young Guns                              Shaun Tomson USM Events                              Tom Curren ASP                                           Rabbit Bartholomew Surfing Australia                        Peter Townend Coastalwatch                            Kelly Slater Bombora Productions                Tom Carroll Tropicsurf                                  Bonga Perkins Hawaiian Airlines                       Damien Hardman
1:30-2:30pm	Presentation Lunch at Sails Restaurant Noosa (competitors only) NOTE: Tropicsurf instructors will organize surf, paddle or other activities for delegates not surfing in the Challenge.
7.00pm	Major Music Concert featuring The Vasco Era, Tim Gaze Band, Band of Frequencies with Dave Rastovich, Pico and The Brown Birds from Windy Hill (each delegate has 2 x complimentary passes).

About Tropicsurf

Commenting on the reason why his company sponsored the Summit, Tropicsurf CEO Ross Phillips said, “We all have a crucial role to play in the industry whether it is reducing our carbon footprint, implementing sustainable practices or greener technologies that can be applied to business across the board in both the short and long term. It is important for corporations to be responsible and recognise their environmental obligations and find a balance between business and the environment”.

Phillips also stated “Tropicsurf offers a diverse range of surfing experiences that truly capture our ‘Explore, Dream, Discover’ philosophy. Delegates of all abilities are welcome to join us in a Waterman course, Perfect Wave surfari or Ride Clinic. This can be a real highlight of their summit” 

Tropicsurf is offering all Summit Delegates the chance to experience their unique method of instruction.

Explore and find the real surfer within.  The Tropicsurf Ride Clinic will turn that wobbly cutback into the stylish carve you’ve always wanted with video analysis and expert personalised instruction.

Dream Experience: Allow us to share with you an endless world of possibilities and introduce you to surfing.

Discover - The Perfect Wave: The surfer’s ultimate dream is to find and ride perfect waves with only their friends. Join us for your ‘perfect day’.   A personalised guide to the best waves in the region.

Stand Up Paddle/Waterman: The history of the Hawaii Beachboy is defined by a passion and respect for Mother Ocean. Come discover the hidden Waterman (or woman) in you.

Tropicsurf are world leaders in organised surf holidays or ‘surfari’s’; conducting surf trips to Noosa, Indonesia and the
Maldives.  With a Tropicsurf experience all your dreams can come true.  Desirable destinations, uncrowded perfect waves, expert tuition and an overall wellness you haven’t experienced for a long time.  

For more information about Tropicsurf please visit www.tropicsurf.net

Booking

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Contact & Bookings:

Andrew Saunders
Corporate Development Manager - USM Events
andrew.saunders@usmevents.com.au
Ph: 07-5449-0711 or 0412 929 536

Ross Phillips in the boardroom
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