LUCKY BREAK

Local wave to host world surf event

SIX million people around the globe will soon tune in to watch live as the world’s best big wave surfers take on Tasmania’s famed Shipstern Bluff wave.

Three-time world champion Mick Fanning heads the list of big wave surfers set to compete in this year’s Red Bull Cape Fear contest.

Tourism boss Luke Martin said the level of international exposure would be “enormous” as it would put the beautiful Tasman Peninsula scenery up in lights.

MILLIONS of surfing enthusiasts around the world will be watching Tasmania’s coastline when top big wave riders take on the raw power of Shipstern Bluff.

Three-time world champion Mick Fanning heads the list big wave surfers invited to compete in this year’s Red Bull Cape Fear contest after the renowned Tasmanian break was selected as this year’s location.

Organisers estimate more than six million spectators will watch the live stream of the event on Red Bull TV, which has about 52 million subscribers.

Big wave surfer and event creator Mark Mathews said the contest was an “amazing opportunity” for Tasmania.

“I think for the community and for surfers … the exposure is such a great progression tool,” he said.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the level of international exposure was “invaluable” to Tasmania’s tourism industry.

“It won’t have a huge direct impact in terms of people coming down to watch the event, but the indirect exposure could be enormous,” he said.

“You need these kind of gem events that come up every so often that have the ability to put Tasmania up in lights as something that’s different and unique.”

According to Red Bull, 20 of the best big wave surfers in the world “from international professionals and underground Tasmanian chargers” will take on one of the deadliest waves in the world.

“This will be the first-ever live broadcast event held in the heaving cold water slab, and the challenge will be un- like any other,” Red Bull said on its website.

The line-up includes the 2016 Australian Cape Fear winner Russell Bierke, recently retired Aussie legend Fanning and Hawaiian chargers Jamie O’Brien and Nathan Florence.

“Surfing a wave like Shipstern Bluff gives a sense of satisfaction and relief, but it’s a whole different ball game in an event like Red Bull Cape Fear,” Fanning said.

“Last time the event ran I watched every second. I was in awe of the athletes and their performances.

“To test myself against the