Varberg Longboard Open was arranged in the autumn of 2021 as an initative by Sara Bjurbäck. As an newly graduated Event Manager in the middle of an pandemic the job oppertunities was (easily said) limited, so Sara decided to build her portfolio and alongside make a passion project come true.
The groovy and non pretentious surf competition filled up the spots (16 ladies and 16 gentlemen) in less then 2 hours. During the event day the competitors and crowds where blessed with sun, chilly winds and great sized (for being at the geographic place we were) waves all day long.
The first edition of VARBERG LONGBOARD OPEN was arranged 2021.10.16 as a non profit event organized by volontairy initiatators. Without the help from Idécentralen, students from Campus Varberg, volontairs (also called; Stoke Masters), photographers, supporting surfer friends and local businesses the event would not have been executed the way it was.
Poster made by Sofia Parker
Thropies made by Bevan Cuthbertson
The original idea (and core value) of the event was to highligt and embrace the local surf community of Varberg. The event welcomed first times debutants as well as experienced ISA world game riders. To our big surprise, old and new surfer friends decided to show up from all around Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Winner Ladies
1. Sanna Hörvallius
2. Linn Birnbo
3. Sofia Soori
Winner Gentlemen
1. Love Berggren
2. Peter Sahlberg
3. Albin Nilsson
Winner Stoke Awards
Most stoke - Tove Martinsson
Best Wipeout - Linnea Birnbo
Best Groove - Peter Sahlberg
The biggest of thanks to Varberg Longboard Opens eminent judges; Hans R. Lindborg, Ulrik Kursten, Amanda Blomqvist och Tuva-Lisa Arkemar.
Participants of VLO
Photo by Carl Storckenfeldt / @surfddude. Surfer Love Berggren.
"VLO has shown, or maybe even started, something, a feeling of a creative, positive and strong longboard community in Sweden." — Visitor
”"VLO has shown that there are at least, if not more, stoked and talanted girls as guys along our coasts, in our mostly onshore windy conditions! I'm proud to be a part of our growing community." - Participant
"This was the best surf contest I have been involved in, for a lot of years in Sweden. Let's do this again next year please!" - Judge
Mentioned in press
Our partners
Accievements
32 avaliable spots in total (women & men).
70 registrated surfers in one day.
17 stoked volontary workers during the event.
979 followers on Instagram with an engagement rate of 20,22 (high!!).
1455 unique visitors at our instagram stories during the event.
150 visitors counted during the same time, many more coming/going during the event. Estimated visitors AT LEAST 500+.
10+ Press articles about the event (Wave Lenght Surf Mag, Nordic Surfers Mag, Hallands Nyheter, Surfers Varberg etc.