Boss invites Barack

World surfing champ Mick Fanning is looking forward to teaching Barack Obama a few moves when he visits Australia in March.

Poll

Is the itinerary what you would suggest Barack Obama do in Tweed?

This poll ended on 12 April 2010.

Yes

66%

No

33%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

AN itinerary detailing what the US President could do during a visit to the Tweed is on its way to the White House.

Tweed Tourism emailed a grand itinerary to the president’s staff after a story in the Tweed Daily News about why Barack Obama should visit the area.

General manager Phil Villiers said after his light-hearted comments about bringing the president here during his Australian visit in March, his office decided to contact Tourism Australia.

“We thought she would have a good laugh but she responded, saying that she loves our enthusiasm and that our email has been forwarded to the US team who are coordinating the president’s visit,” Mr Villiers said.

“It’s all very much pie-in-the-sky but you never know.”

Reigning World Champion surfer Mick Fanning has also jumped on the bandwagon, stating he would offer Mr Obama surf lessons.

“I’ve actually seen photos of him on the net standing up on a surfboard so there’s probably some basic knowledge there we could build on,” Fanning told the Tweed Daily News.

“If he’s able to get to his feet okay I’d probably try and get him doing a couple of turns, maybe even get him working on an air-reverse or a rodeo flip.”

Fanning said he thought it would be fun to spend some time with Mr Obama.

“I’d like to meet the most powerful man in the world, plus he seems like decent bloke,” he said.

“It would be really interesting to get an insight into what his life is like now he’s the president.

“I’d have so many questions for him, so hopefully there would be plenty of time between sets.”

Being a “Tweed boy”, Mr Villiers said, the world-famous surfer could show Mr Obama a thing or two.

“Mick could take him to his secret surf spots along the Tweed coast.”

Tweed Tourism’s argument for bringing Mr Obama and his family to Tweed include the area’s branding as “Australia’s Green Cauldron”.

“It also straddles two states, thereby satisfying the NSW and Queensland premiers in one hit,” the email sent to the US said.

The itinerary

• Arrive at Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport.

• Scenic helicopter flight over Green Cauldron.

• Land at base of Mt Warning.

• Drive (6km) through the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests to Wollumbin (Mt Warning) National Park.

• Welcome by traditional owners.

• Interpretive walk through the rainforest, with indigenous and national park guides.

• Mavis’ Kitchen for lunch.

• Helicopter flight to Rainbow Beach for a surfing lesson with reigning World Champion Mick Fanning at the Snapper Superbank.

What do you think? Do you agree with the itinerary or would you suggest something else? Have your say - leave a comment below.