Stab High Is Coming To Melbourne On March 21st

Vans Stab High presented by Monster Energy is back, but this time we’re venturing far, far away from Waco, Texas.

On March 21, 2020, Vans Stab High presented by Monster will take place at Melbourne, Australia’s URBNSURF facility. As always, spectators are encouraged to attend, but there will also be a live broadcast on stabhigh.com for those with crippling social anxiety or an extreme moral bent. 

That’s because all pay-per-view and ticket sales will be donated to Greening Australia, a group who specialize in treeplanting and carbon offset initiatives. It’s our small contribution after the devastating fires that hit Australia the past few months.  

The ethos of Stab High is simple: a fun, progressive, and brutally honest surfing event that doesn't take all day. This year, Stab High will run from around 12 pm to 6 pm AEST. 

Not only will we be on a different continent for Stab High 3.0, but we’ll also be in a different wave tank. URBNSURF uses Wavegarden’s Cove technology, which is completely different from the technology employed in Waco, Texas. This means a totally new, never-before-seen ramp will be on display in the event. 

And who created this novel launch pad? Well, that would be the 2019 Stab High winner, Chippa Wilson, our bowl-headed pal, Harry Bryant, and the original chlorine don, Dion Agius (with the help of Wavegarden’s crack engineering team).

This brings us to our competitors list. For the time being, we’ll only be listing five official names: Harry Bryant, Noa Deane, Matt Meola, Eithan Osborne, and Dion Agius. The rest of the surfers will be revealed as we get closer to the event date.

And lest we forget everyone’s favorite flygirls, the valiant Ladybirds, who will be making their return in Melbourne, hosted by Vans ambassador Hanna Scott. The first Ladybirds event winner, Sierra Kerr, will also be there to defend her title against yet-to-be-named she-pilots.  

We’re proud to announce that Vans is coming back as the headline sponsor of Stab High in 2020. This means a return of the Vans Acid Drop, hosted by Nathan Fletcher, in which surfers attempt to jump from the top of the pool’s concrete wall straight onto a wave. This year, with a smaller wall, it’s more tech tricks than car crash antics. 

On Friday, March 20th, the night before Stab High , Vans will be premiering Wade Goodall’s critically-acclaimed surf film, ‘Pentacoastal’, in Melbourne. Stay tuned for details. 

Monster Energy has also continued their support of Stab High, and keeping tradition from last year’s event, they’re adamant that we penalize surfers for claiming. Winners must also forfeit all prize money to a charity of their choice if they’re chaired up the beach. 

Monster will reward the highest air of the event with the “Monster Air” award, which includes a check for $20k. The winner of the event will take home $25k.

This year’s event will be judged by a team of high-profile, not quite over-the-hill aerialists, with Stab’s resident surf nerd Michael Ciaramella acting as head judge. We’ll also be implementing our simple, whole-numbers-only style of judging again in 2020. 

This brings us to the judges’ harshest critics: the commentators. The court-side chatterbox will once again be occupied by Vaughan Blakey, Todd Richards, and several colorful mystery guests. 

Speaking of color, German artist Stefan Marks will be adorning URBNSURF with all kinds of creative oddities, including the competitors’ jerseys, the concert venue, and the pool's retaining wall. He’ll also join us for the event! 

Food, drinks, and exclusive event merchandise will be made available for our Melbourne event-goers. All ages are welcome and you’re allowed to surf during the event, too! Not the main wave with our competitors, but the reform is definitely worth your time. 

Tickets and pay per view details will be live shortly. 

We hope to see you there. Buy tickets here

About Vans:

Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans. www.vans.com

About Monster Energy: 

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.au