The Novotel Newcastle Women’s Pro & Frame Promotional Products Men’s Pro, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2000 event, concluded at Merewether Beach with Sarah Baum of South Africa and Dane Henry of Australia taking home the coveted titles. The three-day competition, blessed with clean, offshore three-to-four-foot waves on Finals Day, saw fierce battles among the region’s top surfers.
Key Takeaways
- Sarah Baum secured her first Newcastle victory after multiple runner-up finishes.
- Dane Henry clinched his maiden QS win with a dramatic buzzer-beater.
- The event highlighted strong community and business support for surfing in Newcastle.
Sarah Baum’s Triumphant Victory
Sarah Baum, who calls Newcastle home despite her South African roots, finally broke her runner-up streak at the SURFEST, much to the delight of her local supporters. In a final against fellow Novocastrian Philippa Anderson, Baum showcased her aggressive backhand style to secure an early lead and maintain it throughout the heat. Her performance included the highest score of the women’s competition, an impressive 8.17 in the Round of 16. Baum expressed her elation, stating, "It feels so good to win here in Newcastle where I have so much support." This victory marks the eighth QS event win of her career and provides a confidence boost as she looks towards the Challenger Series.
Philippa Anderson, a veteran of over 15 years on the QS and a successful surf school owner, demonstrated her continued prowess, coming close to a repeat of her 2009 breakthrough win.
Dane Henry’s Dramatic First QS Win
Nineteen-year-old Dane Henry delivered a stunning buzzer-beater to claim his first-ever QS victory. Fresh off his Australia/Oceania Junior Champion title, Henry had already impressed with two 8.83 scores for aerial maneuvers earlier in the event. In a tense final against Mateus Herdy, Henry needed a 7.04 with mere seconds remaining. He delivered a spectacular performance, executing two sharp turns followed by an air reverse to score a decisive 9.14, snatching the win. "It’s pretty surreal, I’ve been coming to Newy since I was about this big," Henry shared. "It’s a really special one for me, my first QS win, and I really need the points too." This win propels him to No. 9 on the Australia/Oceania QS rankings, aiding his pursuit of a Challenger Series spot.
Mateus Herdy, a runner-up for the fourth time on the QS, used the event as preparation for the upcoming Newcastle SURFEST Challenger, a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Championship Tour.
Community and Legacy
The Novotel Newcastle Women’s Pro & Frame Promotional Products Men’s Pro, held from November 21-23, 2025, underscored the deep-rooted support for surfing in Newcastle. For four decades, the local business community has backed SURFEST, with over 30 businesses contributing through a crowdfunding campaign to make this QS 2000 event a reality. SURFEST Founder Warren Smith highlighted the significance of returning to Newcastle Beach nearly 40 years after the event’s inception in 1985, emphasizing the draw power of Newcastle in attracting elite surfers.
Sources
- Sarah Baum and Dane Henry Win Newcastle SURFEST QS 2000 Event, World Surf League.
- Region’s Best Surfers Descend on Newcastle Beach for QS 2000 Event, World Surf League.
