For nine years, the Jim Beam Surftag Series has been Australia’s premier surfing series for Boardriding clubs. Clubs from all over compete against each other with teams of talented surfers including seasoned veterans on the ASP Tour and up-and-coming talent waiting to hit the global scene. The event has grown considerably and this year NSW has to be split in two.

NSW North will involve Boardriding Clubs from the Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Mid North Coast. 2005 Jim Beam Surftag National Champs, Umina, have a secret weapon this year. Drew Courtney has been surfing ASP events in Europe and will be heading home to represent his local club. He feels it is important to give back to the local club that launched his professional career.

There will be 8 events in all including: Jim Beam Surftag Industry Challenge, Jim Beam Women’s Surftag, VIC Qualifier, QLD Qualifier, WA Qualifier, NSW North Qualifier, NSW South Qualifier, and the National Final. With more clubs than ever before competing, more teams will be involved in the final, and the level of surfing is expected to exceed previous years. The top four teams will qualify for the Nationals, so a total of 24 teams will compete in the final for the $100,000 of cash and prizes at stake. The winning team goes home with $13,000 cash.

The first event, The Industry Challenge, will be held on October 23, 2009 at Curl Curl Beach in Sydney. Last year’s winner, the Quiksilver Team, will have to out-surf teams representing 20 surf brands including Ocean and Earth, RVCA, and Aloha Surf.