Aussie independent, family-owned brewery, Coopers has become the official beer sponsor of World Surf League Australia under a new three-year deal announced today.
The 160-year-old brewery’s sponsorship includes the four marquee Australian WSL events held each year.
Coopers beers will be pouring on site at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and The Margaret River Pro Championship Tour events, as well as The Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro and the Sydney Surf Pro Challenger Series events.
The partnership will include all Coopers products but with a particular focus on Coopers Pacific Pale Ale, the brewery’s summer-style beer.
“We’re excited to be supporting the World Surf League over the next three years, an organisation for which we share similar values,” said Coopers national marketing manager, Kate Dowd.
“As a proud Australian independent brewery, we have a strong appreciation for the Aussie coast and coastal lifestyle.
“Pacific Pale Ale’s refreshing, tropical flavour has resonated with the surfing community and we look forward to building this connection through the World Surf League.”
WSL Asia Pacific GM, Andrew Stark said the organisation was proud to be announcing this new partnership with one of Australia’s most iconic beer brands.
“An independent, family-owned Australian company, Coopers has an authentic passion for where they’ve been and where they’re going, which aligns fantastically with the ethos of the World Surf League,” he said.
“We thank Coopers for their commitment to a three-year partnership with WSL and look forward to working with them.”
Coopers also announced the winner of its inaugural ‘Real to Reel’ film contest, in Todd Barnes of Wollongong, who claimed the top $5000 cash prize, as well as slabs of Coopers beer and immortalisation from surf magazine, Stab.
The competition saw Coopers and Stab teaming up to find the country’s most authentic surf film makers.
“Todd’s reel was bursting with unique angles and offbeat storytelling, which really impressed our judges. His was the standout entry amongst a very high-quality field,” said Dowd.
“Coopers is proud to support the story of surfing in Australia and encourage film makers – from the amateurs to professionals – to pick up their cameras and capture our amazing coastlines.”