Yallingup on the cards

Yallingup could play host to a world-class longboarding competition, after a proposal for a StandUp Paddle event was shelved.

A bid by Surfing WA on behalf of the SUP event promoters was approved by Busselton Shire Council last year but received little community support.

City of Busselton events coordinator Shane Walsh said early anecdotal feedback suggested the appeal of SUP was limited at this stage.

“However, it is a fairly new sport and it may well take-off,” he said.

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks said despite the SUP event being shelved, there were ongoing discussions with the City to hold a world-class competition, such as an ASP Longboard World Tour event, in Yallingup.

“Yallingup has always been seen as the little brother to Margaret River … (and) the home of longboarding,” Mr Majeks said.

“As it is now part of the National Surfing Reserve, we would certainly like to see something in the area.”

He said a world-class event in the area could result in the region being promoted on a national and international stage.

Mr Walsh believed the event would get the support of the local community, as longboard popularity was increasing among both mature and younger surfers.

He said the City would be seeking input from Surfing WA to estimate the economic impact of a world round event in Yallingup.

“The space and time (for the event) would need to be booked . . . (and) would need to be in line with the Surfing Events and Competition Policy,” he said.