"The World Tandem Surfing Championships" (for tandem surfers) were brought to Noosa in 1999 and Stand up paddle surfing was incorporated into the Festival in 2007 with live entertainment and fundraising auctions also being held.In 2008, the festival, sponsored by Global Surf Industries and maintained and managed by USM Events, commenced with the traditional "Mixing of the Waters" ceremony led by Hawaiian waterman Brian Keaulana.