Surfing in 2008 was all about Australia. Forget Teahupo'o, we discovered waves that were the real deal right here in Oz!

In the beginning, Hawaii was the one and only location that had the WOW factor. But now the wow factor has spread all over the planet.

The tow-in phenomenon has blown down the door pretty well everywhere. It's allowing adrenalin-charged surfers into waves that were just a dream to surf. Australia, with it's prevalence of heavy-water slabs, has become a place where tow-in is very popular among the big wave surfers.

Serious tow surfing started at places like Shipsterns in Tasmania, Depot Bay on the South Coast of NSW, Cow Bombie in Western Australia and Ours in Sydney.

But Aussies are all over it now; our coastline is dotted with amazing breaks where the ocean pours out its power and creates some of the most unique and challenging surf spots on the planet.

The Australian Surf Movie Festival showcases this new chapter in surfing! It's all about going BIG and finding some of the most amazing waves on the planet - right here in Oz!

Over the next month ASMF will be rocking up in a town near you with a very special ensemble of surf films, live music and door prizes. It's a totally unique night and will stay with you for a long time.

This years tour is every bit of gold that I shot last year. Mark Mathews, Koby Abberton and Ryan Hipwood have proven themselves to be among the best big wave riders on the earth and ASMF shows them in all their glory.

Mark is captured riding the biggest wave of the year at Cow Bombie, winning $20,000 first prize in the recent Oakley Big Wave Awards. But the real deal is shot at another secret place in WA which creates some of the craziest barrels on the planet. Just have a look at some of the frame grabs to get the idea.

Simply the best bang for your entertainment buck - and we guarantee you'll be stoked.

Tim Bonython

Visit www.asmf.net.au for more details and a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

NSW DATES:

Randwick Ritz Cinema Wednesday 18th March 7.15 pm

Harbord Diggers Thursday 19th March 8 pm

Bondi Beach Surf Club Friday 20th March 8 pm

Palm Beach RSL Saturday 21st March 8 pm + Special featureof "all time" North Avalon from the swell on the 25th August

Cronulla Cinemas Sunday 22nd March 4.30 pm

Byron Bay Buddha Bar Friday 27th March 8 pm + Live Music by Band of Frenquencies

Newcastle Greater Union Cinema Sunday 29th March 6pm

Ulludulla / Milton Theatre Monday 30th March 8 pm

Avoca Beach Theatre Sunday 26th April 5.30 pm

QLD DATES

Noosa Bowls Wednesday 25th March 8 pm

Twin Towns Coolangatta Thursday 26th March 8 pm

VIC DATES

Melbourne The Astor Cinema Tuesday 31st March 8 pm

Geelong Barwon Club Wed 1st April 8 pm

The Esplanade Hotel Thursday 2nd April 8 pm

TAS DATES

Launceston Royal Oak Hotel Friday 3rd April 8 pm

Hobart Theatre Royal Hotel Sat 4th April 8 pm

SA DATES

Adelaide Mercury Cinema Friday 17th April 8 pm

WA DATES

Margaret River Resort The Knights Inn Bar Friday 24th April 8 pm

Astor Theatre Perth Sat 25th April 8 pm