Surfies, Foodies and Beach-Lovers, it’s time to shake your shakas, the Australian Open is back.
Foodies, summer is officially over. Thinking back on those hot days just passed, it seems we’re in need of a little beachy booster. And we have just the thing! From 25 February till 5 March, The Australian Open of Surfing (AOS) will transform Sydney’s iconic Manly Beach. Once a lazy beach location, this spot is now a buzzing hive serving up world class surfing, and other entertainment, food and lifestyle needs. Come stroll the streets of surf culture surrounding this renowned competition.
More than just a surf comp, the 2017 AOS is oozing foodie desires. For all you food truck fiends, Cantina Movil serves up classic Mexican mains (burritos, nachos and tacos), and fulfils your suppressed summer guilty pleasures. As that bikini body is about to be locked up over the winter months, treat yourself to a scoop of chilli chocolate, or churros and vanilla bean ice-cream. Further satisfying your sweet tooth, Doughnut Time have lent their services to the AOS this year, creating a limited edition doughnut – comprised of honeycomb and biscuit sand, blue cream glaze sea and sour straps.
Be sure to leave time for Nonna’s Piadas to tell you a story of rags to riches, as this ‘poor man’s bread’ now exists as an Italian Street Food delicacy. Freshly baked and filled with a selection of traditional, meat-loving and vegetarian options, Nonna welcomes all. However, just because Nonna’s watching don’t refrain from taking a walk on the wild side with 2 Smoking Barrels’ three American barbecue roll options.
To go from shabby to chic, meet your suave and highbrow needs with Australia’s first ever pop-up beach club – Beach Club at Manly – a beachside lounge, lined with idyllic blue and white striped umbrellas. Entrance may be free, but the schedule will make you think otherwise:
Wednesday 1 March
$1 Oyster Hour plus a film screening of surf film ‘Don’t Crack Under Pressure’
Thursday 2nd March
Say bye to Bob and hello Frieda’s Boss as you get down and funky with ‘Rum + Reggae’. With live entertainment starting at 6pm, free entry and $8 BATI Rum cocktails, you’ll struggle to remember the last time a night out was so cheap.
Friday 3rd March
Sip fresh coconut cocktails and treat yourself to some Hawaiian Poke in preparation for when local DJ’s Thomas Lisse and Alex Mac transport you to the beach clubs of Barcelona from 6pm.
Saturday 4th March & Sunday 5th March
Wake up either Saturday or Sunday morning and release your inner yogi. This free session begins at 8am in front of Beach Club, courtesy of Power Living.
Saturday 4th March
From 6pm, Wet Beats at Beach Club at Manly will feature local Audopaxx DJ’s, Squeef, Rich Penny and Amastro, amping up your weekend antics.
Sunday 5th March
Head to the Beach Club for a serenading afternoon with the sounds of Adam Harpaz at 3pm followed by Tim Boffa and Brenny B-Sides at 7pm.
Providing more entertainment out of the water is Vans Park Series and Vans BMX Pro Cup. Are you tired of watching and think you’ve gained some killer amateur skills from a few moments of observation? Rockstar are offering free goodies, major prizes, and a mechanical surfboard for your chance to shred. Adding some heat to the occasion F45 Training will be putting Sydney’s fittest and finest to the test, competing to complete ten fitness stations in ten minutes with the F45 Playoffs. However, if your vibing the beachside tranquillity, take a stroll along Manly Beach and discover live sand sculptures.
After all this gorging, you’ll be relieved to stumble upon Girls Make Your Move (GMYM) – the official sponsor of the 2017 AOS Women’s Pro. GMYM are holding two free daily surf lessons run by Aussie surf goddess Laura Enever. Laura will also be holding two free well-being workshops over both AOS festival weekends at the GMYM marquee. Here you’ll also find the relief to your summer sun-dried hands at the pop-up nail art bar. Ladies, fancify those fingertips!
For the first weekend of Autumn, The Australian Open of Surfing (AOS) has lined up acts of festival royalty alongside MTV with Hermitude (4 March), The Jezebels (5 March), plus more. How much is entrance you ask? Well, it’s absolutely free! There are many different ways to fill your weekend days at the AOS. Cancel all prior plans this weekend, we’ll see you at Manly Beach for the 2017 Australian Open of Surfing.
For more information on the Australian Open of Surfing, head on over to the official website here