Reflections adds to surf calendar with the Cadet Cup

The hottest teen surfing talent in Australia will meet on the NSW Mid North Coast this weekend to compete in the inaugural Reflections Holiday Parks Cadet Cup, an event that will lift the development of the nation’s surf talent and the region’s tourist economy.

The 2024 Reflections Holiday Parks Cadet Cup - a partnership between Reflections, the largest holiday park group in New South Wales, and Surfest, the biggest surfing festival in Australia – will draw boys and girls competing in Under 14s, 16s and 18s categories in competition at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills, on February 10 and 11.

The Minister for Sport, Lands andProperty, the Hon. Steven Kamper, said the Cup collaboration between Reflections and Surfest was a milestone in nurturing and growing the talent pool of young surfers in NSW, and would boost the region’s tourist economy.

“Reflections is an experienced Crown Land Manager whose core focus is to preserve Crown Land for the enjoyment of the people of NSW and visitors, and its partnership with Surfest, a renowned community and sporting organisation, will draw many surf enthusiasts to Bonny Hills and its surrounds,” Mr Kamper said.

Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the Cadet Cup was an exciting initiative that would support youth through thrilling surf competition, and encourage people to get outdoors to enjoy the event, which will include food trucks and a chill-out zone.

“One of Reflections’ mottos is that ‘Life’s Better Outside’ and this is a fantastic partnership and event that will encourage people to be surf-side, watching all the action,” he said. 

Peter Chapman, General Manager of Marketing and Sales at Reflections, said it was a natural fit for Reflections and Surfest to partner on the Cadet Cup after Reflections sponsored the two-week SurfestcompetioninMarch, 2022, in Newcastle.

“Reflections is dedicated to connecting people with the natural beauty of regional New South Wales while promoting tourism in the area and we are delighted to introduce the ground-breaking initiative of the inaugural Reflections Holiday Parks Cadet Cup,” Mr Chapman said.

Surfest director Warren Smith said the Reflections Cadet Cup would allocate a prize purse of $3,900, with additional prizes for the finalists in all divisions.  

“The event will offer points that determine the Surfing Australia ranking system, and its format will ensure no competitors will be eliminated in the first round,” Mr Smith said.

The Surfest founder said that the extended partnership between Surfest and Reflections underlining the strong bond that has developed between the two organisations. “Reflections has shown remarkable confidence in Surfest, having played a pivotal role in our two-week surfing competition in Newcastle, and this latest collaboration underscores the shared interests and values of both Reflections and Surfest,” he said.

“We applaud Reflections Holiday Parks' dedication to preserving the natural landscapes and waters of New South Wales and look forward to showcasing the exhilarating world of surfing to their visitors."

Bonny Hills Reflections Holiday Park will host a family night for competitors and their families on Saturday, February 10, and everyone is welcome to attend. There is a 15% discount for competitors at both Reflections Holiday Parks at Bonny Hills and Reflections North Haven. Get your event entries and park booking in early as the Reflections Cadet Cup offers a limited number of entries in all divisions. 

Entries can be found via the Surfing Australia event website and searching for Reflections Cadet Cup.