Local NRG team sponsored surfer qualifies for a shot at World Surfing Title

Online, December 22, 2009 (Newswire.com) - The 24 year old local surfer from Little Bay in Sydney has cemented his reputation as one of the world's top 44 surfers and will compete against current world champion Mick Fanning and surfing greats Kelly Slater and Andy Irons.

Challenging the world's best is the realisation of a life long dream for the local hero, "I've lived in Maroubra my whole life, there are a lot of good people down here who are excited because I'm the first local guy to make the tour in a long time; it almost feels like a lot of them have qualified as well" Blake said.

Fresh from his $50K win of the Cold Water Classic Series in South Africa, Blake joins a record number of Australian surfers who have qualified for the ASP Dream Tour including Owen Wright and Daniel Ross.

The NRG surf wear team surfer's recent success along with Mick Fanning's World Title win last week, have helped propel the reputation of Australian surfers to new heights. The recent domination of US surfers is coming to an end, and the latest success of Australian surfers has helped restore the reputation of the Australian surf culture in the eyes of the international media.

Blake rates his family as his biggest supporters and inspiration, alongside sponsors NRG surf wear and surfboard shaper Andrew Harris. When he's not competing, Blake judges Pro Junior surf comps, coaches surfing and trains hard for the next event.

Blake is a local hero and hopes to inspire young surfers in his local community; "I just hope this proves to all the young kids surfing down here that they can do it too".

Sponsors NRG surf wear have been proactive in building Blake's profile, featuring advertising campaigns in ASL (Australian Surfing Life) and ASB (Australian Surfing Business) magazines and displaying huge posters in surf stores across the country. Blake's pictures are also featured throughout the NRG catalogues and website.

NRG surf wear's brand manager Richard Ramsay said "We're stoked to support Blake, we couldn't think of anyone who would make a better ambassador for our brand. We wish Blake all the best in the upcoming ASP dream tour".

ABOUT NRG SURFWEAR
Since launching NRG surf wear in 1993, the Bronte Beach (Sydney) born and bred surf wear brand has sponsored local surfers. NRG surf wear started quietly with the goal of creating a brand that, like Bronte, offered something a little bit different to the mainstream. Great design and quality, good value and a close team working together has seen NRG grow steadily to a brand that is sold across Australia and New Zealand. NRG is currently in discussions with licensees in South Africa and North America to expand its distribution base internationally.

For interview opportunities or further information on Blake Thornton or NRG, please contact Bella Jakubiak PR and Marketing Manager at Krites Pty Ltd

Contact: Bella Jakubiak
Phone: (+612) 8339-8777
E: bellaj@krites.com