When Freshwater's Ash King moved from the south coast hamlet of Ulladulla to Sydney's northern beaches last year he had ambitions of launching a career as a professional surfer.

Twelve months on that dream is still alive but the process might not be as he had planned - the cost of living in Sydney, away from the comforts of home, drained his funds and forced him to put his ambitions on hold, possibly permanently.

Now he has been thrown a potential lifeline in the way of Jim Beam's innovative competition The Break, an online contest that will let one lucky male surfer ‘catch the break of a lifetime' - $50,000 sponsorship in cash and prizes to help in an assault on next year's World Qualifying Series tour.

"I came to Sydney to further myself as a surfer and save as much money as I could to follow my dream and surf professionally," King, 22, said.

"Then I got up here and found myself working on a building site and as a personal trainer just to pay the bills. It's like the chicken or the egg. I came up here to earn more money but when I got here I needed more to live.

"But having this contest is amazing and winning it would mean the world to me because having the chance to chase a dream that is slowly getting further from reach due to financial hardships is just awesome."

While forging a career at the highest level of surfing is every surfer's dream, King is prepared to take it one step at a time.

"The WCT was always the dream but my career goal is to have a solid crack at the WQS so I don't die wondering if I could ever match it with those guys," King said.

King, who finished fourth in the world VQS Championships as a junior, has a history of overcoming hardships having recovered from a sickening facial injury a few years ago when the nose of his board pierced through his cheek and lip leaving the affable goofy footer with a huge hole in his face that required 26 stitches and a stint in hospital.

The Jim Beam The Break competition has a distinct local flavour with former WCT surfer Dayyan Neve, surfer and budding TV host Paige Houden and surf contest organiser Steve Harrison amongst the judging panel.

Surfers (over the age of 18) that are unsigned to a major endorsement deal can register online now at www.jimbeamthebreak.com.au and have until the end of the month to submit a 60 second highlight package of their best waves as well as a short insight into their character out of the surf. From there 40 men and 20 women will be announced as semi finalists, going to public and judges' votes in online heats over two months before fifteen finalists will be selected to attend the Jim Beam The Break surf camp in January. The camp will feature free surfing displays, physical testing, media training and a marketing session before the overall winner is selected and awarded The Break of a lifetime. All thanks to Jim Beam - The Spirit of Surfing and their partners Rip Curl, Sanyo, Swellnet and Tracks.