Courtney takes surf classic

Drew Courtney of Umina Beach has capped off a remarkable few weeks winning the Slimes Surf Classic on November 1, and taking out the Hurley NSW Championship Circuit at Avoca Beach.

As the winner of the Hurley NSW Championship Circuit, Courtney also received $1500.

The sixth and final leg on the prestigious Hurley NSW Championship Circuit saw the state's best surfer's tearing up Avoca Beach in a see-sawing battle for the overall series title.

However it was Peninsula local and newest member of the World Tour, Courtney who blew his rivals away.

"I'm so stoked," Courtney said, claiming his second circuit event of the year - and third overall circuit victory of his career.

"To come home and surf against quality opposition like this is awesome for my confidence going into Hawaii."

In a final that would make most international World Qualifying Series event's blush, which showcased the best surfers in the state, Courtney was just too strong.

"The level of surfing throughout the entire circuit has been really high," Courtney said.

Having all but qualified for next year's Association of Surfing Professional World Tour after 12 years of hard work and toil, Courtney showed to all at Avoca why he will be joining the world's best next year on the "Dream Tour".

"I'm that excited to get to Hawaii and get some good results to cement my place for next year," Courtney said.

"To make the tour is like a dream come true.

"I've been trying to qualify for over 10 years and I'm so close to fulfilling my lifelong dream."

Press release, 1 Nov 2008 Michael Tyrpenou, Surfing NSW