BEFORE it became synonymous with Surfest, the Wandiyali ATSI Indigenous Classic was a low-key surfing competition at Nobbys beach.
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It wasn't until Surfest organiser Warren Smith got involved about 11 years ago that the classic began to attract Australia-wide interest.
What began as a "bunch of blokes coming down from the coast" according to 2012 entrant and contest organiser Stan Moylan from Toronto, has turned into a national competition.
Attracting competitors from as far afield as Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland, Moylan believes 2012 will be no different.
Defending champion Russell Molony, ranked inside the world's best 225 surfers, is no stranger to securing the premium piece of silverware at the event.
Another surfer who is becoming accustomed to standing on the winner's stage at the contest that gets Surfest rolling is Newcastle's Ginaya Henare.
The classic has an open, as well as women's and junior divisions.
It is sponsored by Wandiyali ATSI Inc, a Lake Macquarie and Newcastle organisation that supports indigenous people aged from 14 to 25-years-old.
CEO Steve Kilroy said Wandiyali was involved because Surfest was a great community-based event and the participants got a lot from it.
"Everyone gets together, people come from everywhere and yarn and make friends," Mr Kilroy said.
"Out of the water it's [the contest] just really relaxed."
Entries for the the Wandiyali ATSI Indigenous Classic close today, March 7.
Go to surfest.com.au for entry forms.
