Overview

The Australian Longboard Surfing Open started life as the ‘Malfunction’ in 1984 as an excuse to get together with like minded surfers. Back then the contest being designed for those that wanted to get back to having fun in the waves. The first event was won by surfing legend Jeff Hakman from the USA. There is no doubt that this was the start of something really big when it happened the first time. This original event brought legions of ‘legends from the 50’s and 60’s out of retirement and back into the limelight.

As with all good things there are changes to keep with the times so today the Malfunction is rebranded as the Australian Longboard Surfing Open. It is now a five day celebration of the surfing lifestyle which attracts the current crop of professional longboard surfing superstars like world champions Harley Ingleby, Josh Constable and Jen Smith. Together they rub shoulders with other professional as well as amateur surfers as well as those that identify with other aspects of the surfing lifestyle as they enjoy the waves, music, cars, movies, bikini parade and market stalls.

Object

• The promotion of surfing as a healthy and enjoyable sport for pleasure and competition
• To encourage international and interstate visitors and surfers to the Tweed Coast
• To highlight and promote Kingscliff as a world class, surfing destination
• The support the development and growth of business in Northern NSW
• To create awareness of the event nationally and internationally