Day one action at the main events of Surfest was called off on Monday as high south-easterly winds battered Merewether beach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A call on the start of the week-long men's and women's 5000-point World Surf League qualifying series contests was initially delayed until 11am.
However, with winds in excess of 40km/h predicted to continue until at least 2pm before easing slightly, organisers decided to call off day one.
A 3.30pm Legends Expression Session featuring Pam Burridge, Jodie Cooper, Pauline Menczer and Rebecca Woods was still going ahead.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast cloudy conditions on Monday with a high chance of showers and strong winds southerly 25km/h to 40km/h to turn southeasterly to 15km/h to 25 km/h in the evening.
IN THE NEWS:
- Paramedics 'at their wits' end': vow to leave non-urgent patients at hospital
- Six bushwalkers extracted by helicopter near Barrington Tops
- Housing crisis: experts warn social and affordable housing must be a national priority
- Trash or treasure: mixed reaction to council's plan to scrap bulky waste pick-up
- Newcastle Knights ponder shopping for props after Daniel Saifiti injury
- Jackson Baker back to defend Surfest title after late entry
To see more stories and read today's paper download the Newcastle Herald news app here.
Craig Kerry
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
