Tradies get on board for WorkSafe Surf Challenge

SMOKO on the Surf Coast on October 26 might go for a little longer than usual, with tradies gearing up to compete in the WorkSafe Tradies’ Surf Challenge at Jan Juc.

The event was launched at WorkSafe on Tuesday, with the state government body, Fagg’s Mitre 10 and Surfing Victoria joining forces to hold the competition on the Surf Coast.

Held at Jan Juc Beach on October 26, the event will bring together more than 60 of the top surfing tradies from around the state and include food trucks, coffee and giveaways from event partners, which also include Kings Cars, Coastalwatch, City to Surf Mobile Café and Rip Curl.

Open to all tradies, the Surf Challenge will feature male and female competitions with Open, Over-35 and Pairs event divisions.

WorkSafe director, social marketing and communications Melanie Rutley said WorkSafe was proud to sponsor the Tradie Surf Challenge to highlight the importance of all workers getting home safely.

“We all deserve to get home safe from work so we can enjoy the things we love to do,” Ms Rutley said.

“For many in this part of the world their passion is surfing and it’s great that WorkSafe can support the community and tradies in this event.”

Faggs Mitre 10 and Belmont Timber general manager Andrew Pitman said his company was also happy to be returning as a sponsor of this year’s Tradies Challenge.

“The 2018 event was such a huge success, the competitors had a great time with perfect weather and great surf.

“I’d encourage all our Faggs Mitre 10 and Belmont Timber surfing customers to get involved and register for the 2019 challenge.”

Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said both WorkSafe and Fagg’s Mitre 10 were “incredible” partners last year.

“It’s fantastic to bring this event back again with the help of WorkSafe and Fagg’s Mitre 10.”

Entries for the event are now open via surfingvic.com and all competitors will receive a branded t-shirt along with a heap of prizes.

In 2018 more than $4,000 worth of prizes were given away across the day.