The nine-day event will run from 7 to 15 February 2015 and showcase the world’s best surfers and skateboarders alongside a stellar music and art line up at Manly Beach.

Mr Baird said the event had been secured with assistance from the NSW Government and this year’s event is expected to attract an audience of more than 175,000.

“It’s great to once again welcome back a world surfing title to Australia’s birthplace of surfing – Manly,” Mr Baird said.

“Manly is the perfect location to hold this ASP six-star Qualifying Series (QS) event and the first major contest of the 2015 ASP season in Australia for men and women.

“The best surfers and skateboarders from around the world will be in Manly, including a powerful contingent of pro surfers and skateboarders from across NSW.

“International events like the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing put Sydney and Manly on the world stage and prove not only do we have some of the best beaches and surf culture anywhere in the world, but also a vibrant music, art, food and wine scene,” he said.

Mr Stoner said the Australian Open of Surfing at Manly Beach is a signature event on the NSW Events Calendar.

“This event is one the NSW Government is very proud to support and we can’t wait for its return this summer,” he said.

“With incredible beaches, reef breaks and world class waves, NSW is the number one state in Australia to host surfing events.

“I encourage those who love surfing and skateboarding to visit Sydney in February 2015.”

Former world surfing champion Barton Lynch joined Mr Baird and Mr Stoner at today’s announcement.

“I grew up surfing at Manly so I love what the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing brings to the area, the vibe and way the event has been embraced is brilliant,” Mr Lynch said.

“To have some of the biggest names in surfing in an ASP rated competition so close to the city is quite incredible.

“The event isn’t all about the surfing. I can’t get enough of the skating and when I sit on the beach watching the technical tricks and air game of the skateboarders I see the future of surfing in what they’re doing.”

Chairman and Founder of Hurley Bob Hurley said: “Having spent a lot of time in the area and experiencing two hugely successful Hurley Australian Open of Surfing events I’m really excited about what 2015 will bring. The Hurley brand is based on a love of the ocean, as well as music and art and the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing is the perfect embodiment of all these elements.”

IMG Director for Events Vice President Simon Corkill said: “The benchmark was set with the inaugural event in 2012, and this year the second Hurley Australian Open of Surfing smashed all expectations. Each year the event evolves and grows as we add new offerings, and we’re excited about what 2015 will bring.”

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