Press Release
Ellie-Jean Coffey Wins Inaugural Lizzy Surf Series Round

Stop no.1 of 3 on this year's state series, the prestigious all-female tournament boasted a 70-strong field along with $2,000 in prize money.

Cementing her reputation as leading the Ônew guard' of surfing Ôgrom-mettes' coming out of Australia, the 13-year-old ace was in searing form in the wind-affected 0.5-1-metre beach break waves. But it was no easy win for the exciting goofy foot that had to defy an all-out attack by Maroochydore's Dimity Stoyle in the closing minutes of the 25-minute final to take victory. After sitting in fourth place for the majority of the final, Stoyle claimed the lead from Coffey with a heat high 9.23 to leave her opponent requiring a 5.6 for the win. With seconds remaining Coffey locked in a 5.67 to jag the win along with $1,000.

"I actually thought that Dimity (Stoyle) had won, so I'm stoked," said Coffey. "I thought I scored a five on my last wave but when I reached the beach the commentators repeated the scores and I realised that I had won. I can't believe it."

Coffey finishing with a final total of 13.34 to Stoyle's 13.23 (out of a possible 20). Sunrise Beach surfer Naomi Stevic and Coolangatta ripper Linda Fisher finished third and fourth respectively. Leaving Surfers Paradise, Coffey sits in the numero-uno position on 1000-points, ahead of Stoyle (860) in second with Stevic (730) in third.

Meanwhile, Cabarita's Brittani Nicholl upstaged a talented field of surfers to win the under 21 girl's division today. Surfing young gun Sarah Mason (Tugun) shredded her way to victory in the under 14 and under 16 divisions, while Stoyle (Maroochydore) won the under 18 division. Alex Headlands surfer Sharon Jackson secured victory in the Masters (Over 35) division, while Bel Hardwick (NSW) upset the applecart defeating Jackson for victory in the senior's (Over 28) division. But the all-female series isn't all about fierce competition.

The Lizzy Surf Series is designed to be a really social affair and is a perfect event for women and girls to have their first crack at competition surfing. Acting as a fantastic introductory series, the open women's division incorporated a social division for the opening event of the year. New Zealand ripper Wini Paul surfed away with the social division title, upstaging her Australian foes with a classy performance. The Lizzy Surf Series finalised with the finals of the open women's division as well as amateur divisions from the under 14's through to masters (over 35).

For all event updates please check out www.surfingqueensland.com.au or call the Surfing Queensland Office on (07) 5520 1165. Established in 1991, Lizzy is a global surfwear brand that produces and distributes quality surfwear, accessories and footwear in 27 countries.

Crescent Head's Ellie-Jean Coffey		Dimity Stoyle

Press Release
Gold Coast: Tuesday 22nd April, 2008:

The all-new Lizzy Surf Series will be the richest open women's series in Australia, incorporating three stand alone events with $6000 in prize money. "We launched Lizzy in Australia eight months ago and have been fast gaining momentum," said Lizzy Marketing Manager Mike Frew. "Lizzy is a fun loving brand rooted in the surfing lifestyle, so sponsorship of the series is something we are stoked to be involved with, especially with girls surfing seeing such huge growth".

Surfing Queensland CEO Andrew Stark is equally excited about the prospects of the inaugural series. "We are very excited to have Lizzy as the new sponsor of this year's female state series," said Stark."Women's surfing is certain to grow in the future and to be able to offer this opportunity for an all-female series event for Queensland surfers is fantastic."

Australia's next generation of surfing superstars including Airini Mason (Tugun), Rebecca Oakley (Burleigh Heads), Paige Hareb (NZ), Brittani Nicholl (Cabarita, NSW), Kirby Wright (Ulladulla) as well as Tiana and Bridie McNeven (Tugun) are expected to line-up for his year's series.

Adding to the already high stakes is the inclusion of a wildcard entry into the trials of the world tour event at Snapper Rocks in 2009 for the winner of this year's open women's division.

The all-female series hits the streets of Queensland on May 10-11 for the first stop of the three-event series, ahead of round two on the Sunshine Coast on June 21-22 before concluding on the Gold Coast on November 15-16.

The series also features U/21, U/18, U/16, U/14, seniors (O/28) and masters (O/35) divisions.

For all event updates please check out www.surfingqueensland.com.au or call the Surfing Queensland Office on (07) 5520 1165.

Established in 1991, Lizzy is a global surfwear brand that produces and distributes quality surfwear, accessories and footwear in 27 countries.