The next generation of surf sports superstars are no longer just the opening act with the Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf and Race One Surf Craft teaming up to give the u15 and u17 competitors the best race day experience in the sport.
The Race One junior arenas at this summer’s 10,000-point events have undergone a full revolution which will include over $26,000 in prizemoney, two brand new areas with finishing arches, independent racing schedule, photographers, an expanded program, their own dedicated commentary team, a series point score and bonus prizes as well as what could be the biggest gamechanger in the history of the Summer of Surf – THE GOLDEN TICKET.
But for Shaw and Partners Co-CEO Earl Evans, the support is not just about cash and prizes for the athletes, rather it’s about ensuring the future of the sport.
“Live for today sure and enjoy but plan for the future. It’s so important to give the kids of this sport something to aspire to, train and plan for. Hence the investment Race One is making in the juniors is for today, but building for the future,” he said
“We at Race One Surf Craft want to go on the journey with these kids as they become young adults and bring this sport to life. They are the future of this sport, and we will continue to give back and put into this sport from a financial, product and energy perspective.”
Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf, Head of Marketing, Ben Cochrane echoed his statement and committed to making it the best racing experience in the sport.
“We really wanted to elevate the junior racing experience this summer and we’re so grateful to have both Race One Surf Craft and SLSQ on board to make this a reality,”
“These are the next generation of superstars, and we know how hard they train and they deserve to be on the biggest stage possible.”
In past seasons, the racing was compressed to allow the athletes to race in the main arena; instead, this summer, the athletes will have the same rockstar experience of a finishing shute, commentators and being the star of the show for every single race.
“We can’t wait to show off this new look racing experience in just over three week’s time at the Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Surf Classic,” Cochrane said.
Although the biggest impact for the u17s could be THE GOLDEN TICKET – where the winner of the u17 Iron gets an automatic start in the open Iron final later that day. While we have seen some u17s jump into the open finals in the past in Summer of Surf events – Conner Maggs, Grace Otto, Lily Finati and Jasmine Rayward – This will be the first time they get a direct line to racing their heros AND a shot at everything that comes with it.
2023/23 Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf RACE ONE Junior Series
U15 / U17 SPECIFIC ARENAS
In 2023/24 Junior competitors will have 2 arenas specifically for their events only – they will not be dictated by open timelines ensuring all events will be run and won (within reason) at all carnivals. The aim will be to still have the juniors finished by 1pm at each 10,000pt event.
THE GOLDEN TICKET
For the first time ever, u17 Iron competitors will have a direct chance to take on the world’s best with the GOLDEN TICKET.
The winner of the u17 Irons will automatically get a place on the start-line in the open Ironman and ironwoman final at that round.
Could we be witnessing the birth of a surf sports superstar before our very eyes.
RACE DAY PRIZEMONEY
Every single Junior Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf 10,000 point round has $4,900 prizemoney with a bonus of $6,700 at the Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic.
That’s a total of $26,300 in just the RACE ONE JUNIOR ARENA and breaks down to $200, $100, $50 for the podium of each induvial event in the u15 & u17s.
To put this in perspective, this was more than the open prizemoney for the 2010/11 Summer of Surf……. WOW
RACE ONE IRON POINT SCORE
Major sponsor Race one, has also generously added to the Iron prize pool with winner of each overall series receiving close to $10,000 worth of Race One craft. This includes both the u15, u17 AND u19* Series:
1st place: Race One Ski, Race One Board and Race One Paddle
2nd place: Race One Board plus Race One Paddle
3rd place: Race One Paddle
*u19 Pointscore will be taken off the open event.
FINISHING ARCH
The days of “finish between the two green flags” are officially over, every single u15 & u17 final will finish under a Race One finishing arch; the champions will get the opportunity to salute the crowd and break the tape like their heros.
DEDICATED COMMENTARY & PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
For the first time ever, the RACE ONE Junior Arena’s will have a dedicated commentary team to call every action-packed moment of their finals AND to capture the memories Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf will have area specific photographers to capture every single moment – with these photos made available to the athletes – so they’ll be doing it for the gram.
EXPANDED PROGRAM
For the first time board relays will be run at all 10,000 point events this summer.
While the u15 and u17 Taplin relay formats have been modified to be:
u15 – Swim, board & 1 runner of both run legs.
u17 – Swim, Board & Ski
(order will be drawn at each event)
SHAW AND PARTNERS SUMMER OF SURF PACK
Every single junior athlete who enters the Shaw and Partners Summer of Surf will also receive a shirt, hat and race rashie; plus, plenty of freebies and bonuses throughout the summer.
The opening round of the Race One Surf Craft Junior Series will be at the Shaw and Partners Hayden Kenny Classic on December 2nd. Get your entries in quick!
