As the best 120 age surfers in NSW battle it out over three days, from Friday until Sunday, the action is sure to be scintillating as competitors fight it out for a berth at the Australian Surf Festival in August.

According to Peter Hunt, Surfing NSW operations manager, the showcase of talent on hand at Port Macquarie will be nothing short of world-class.

“The NSW Surfmasters will see the state’s best male and female age surfers congregating in Port Macquarie for what should be three days of extremely fierce competition,” he said.

“The standard of surfing will be through the roof across all divisions.

“There is plenty at stake with nine prestigious NSW Titles to be crowned plus the chance to represent NSW at the Australian Surf Festival at Port Macquarie in August.

“The opportunity to compete at that event is not something that competitors are taking lightly.”

With surfers representing the length and breadth of the state, the NSW Surfmasters will also decide the NSW team, which will compete at the Australian Surfmasters Titles as part of the two-week Australian Surf Festival.

The local charge is led by current Australian champions Lake Cathie’s Wayne Hudson and Port Macquarie’s Mick Cain.

Hudson, the national over 28 years’ titleholder, is hoping to add another state crown to his trophy cabinet.

“I’m really looking forward to defending my Australian title, but it all starts with a good result this weekend,” he said.

A state victor in the open men’s division, Hudson is determined to obtain another in the over 28s.

“My aim is to have one in each category,” he said wryly.

“Last year I was coming off an injury, but I’m feeling good and ready to go this time around.”

Also competing in the over 28s is former ASP World Tour surfer Toby Martin.

Martin, who was a mainstay on the highest level of professional surfing for a number of years, will compete in his first state, amateur event for 15 years.

“It will be good to get out there, catch up with some of my mates I haven’t seen for a while,” he admitted.

“The camaraderie within these events is something I’ve missed during my years travelling with the tour, but with that said I’ll be still competing to do the best I can.”

Martin, who retired from the ASP World Tour in 2006, competes sporadically these days, however the fire still burns strong within.

After finishing third at the Central Coast Pro, a four-star rated World Qualifying Series (WQS) event, in March there is no question over his ability, despite his semi-retired status.

“There’s a level of expectation to maintain having been on the tour for a number of years,” he explained.

“While I’m not really thinking too hard about it, hopefully I can put on a good show and go on to represent NSW at the Aussie titles.”