Surfing Waves

So I'm thinking about going to Manly NSW to attend the Challenger Series this week but it's a long drive for me.
Can anyone who has actually attended one of these recently, advise on their experience.
Mostly I want to know if there is more to the event than just watching the surfing? Like are there gear tents/displays, corporate stuff; boards wetsuits, accessories and food.
Also is it free to watch?

https://hellomanly.com.au/listing/sydney-surf-pro/ ...nothing here.

thanks

I have never attended a WSL event and so not sure if the Challenger series of events are different from the World tour events but in general I would imagine the amount of other stuff available is related to who is sponsoring the event and how much they are willing to spend on it. The only pro surf event I went to was on Kauai in the late 50's early 60's and they put up a bleacher so you could have some elevation and a comfortable seat to watch the event from. That was the only thing different from watching surfers on normal days LOL

Years ago I went to WSL event. You just have to watch it from the beach. There wasn't even real seatings. It's free and I guess it's for fans to meet their celebrity. Honestly I was more interested in catching some waves than watching JJF or Slater scoring a 10.

Thanks BaNZ yeh which is why it isn't so hyped as an attendee event.
I'm with you, rather surf than watch..don't mind the replays at home though.
So today I didn't go to Manly just took the Mini-Mal out at Avoca in small, clean waves in beautiful clear, warm water.

all the best, thanks for the replies.

Go hit Forresters for a big swell hit!