Built different. The depth and talent in our surfing community was showcased at the Surfing Australia Shortboard Titles, leaving rival states searching for answers and NSW taking home our 10th overall Aussie title.
Competitors were treated to 3 to 5 foot silky waves, conditions that left surfers in awe and set the stage for a high-performance surfing on the opening day at McCauley’s Beach, Thirroul. A drop in swell size for the rest of the week, after changing conditions, with the strong offshore westerly winds easing after a night of gale-force gusts that we all felt. This opened the door for some standout performances across multiple divisions.
Christo Hall (above, Courtesy of Surfing Aus) emerged victorious in the O40 men’s division, scoring an impressive 8.33 on a clean runner that secured both the Australian Title and a coveted spot at the ISA World Championships. The second semi to get into this final delivered fireworks as Christo Hall claimed victory, and Paul Snow and Jye Gofton (QLD) were sent to face off in a re-surf for the last place in the final, where Jye edged out Paul by 0.23.
In the O40 women’s category, Ellen Northy delivered a standout performance with an 8.17, clinching the win and earning her place with The Irukandji’s.
Paul Parkes dominated the O50 men’s final, showcasing his experience and skill to claim the Australian Title. Meanwhile, Belinda Koorey continued her winning streak in the O50 Women’s division, taking home her second national title and solidifying her status as a top competitor.
In the O55 men’s final, Christian Lock then edged out local favourite Michael Callender in a tightly contested heat, walking away with the win.
Susan Levett commanded the O60 women’s final with confidence and poise, adding yet another title to her growing collection.
All the while, Rod Baldwin made history in the O60 men’s division, securing his 14th Australian Title – A remarkable achievement that speaks to his enduring legacy in the sport.
To top off the day, Mark Gobbe broke through in the Over 65 men’s category, earning his first Australian Title and marking a memorable milestone in his surfing journey.
A move to Austinmer Beach for Saturday found contestable waves and settled the women’s O30s final, Serena Brook (QLD) claimed the title, with Brittani Nicholl and Talina Wilson finishing second and third respectively after showcasing some incredible surfing.
Dean Bowen then dominated the men’s O30s final. Opening with a commanding 8.17 ride, he maintained his lead throughout the heat and couldn’t be caught earning him the over 30’s Australian Champion.
For the final day of competition, the relocation to the iconic Sandon Point payed off, with swell picking up throughout the day and greeting the concluding heats and open finals with flawless 2 to 4 foot waves and light offshore winds.
Fresh off his O30s victory, Dean turned in the highest single-wave score of the day with a 9.67, securing his place in the final with undeniable momentum.
However, in a storybook ending, local surfer Jed Ashton, who resides just across the road from Sandon Point, claimed his first Australian Title with a dominant final performance. Jed’s local knowledge proved invaluable as he put on a clinic, earning a 15.17 combined total score and thrilling the vocal home crowd. He edged out fellow NSW teammates Eden Hasson, Koda Killorn, and Dean Bowen in a tightly contested final.
Equally as thrilling, the open women’s final saw Keira Buckpitt and Lucy Darragh go head-to-head, where Lucy demonstrated poise beyond her years, however, Keira overcame a slow start to post an impressive 9.0 ride, later backing it up with a 5.0 to take the win and remarkably claim the rare double – both the NSW State Title and the Australian Title.
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3 of 5 Aussie title events have been completed this year, all of which Team NSW have taken out the overall championship. The only Australian titles yet to be decided are the Aussie SUP Titles and Aussie Junior Shortboard Titles. Stay tuned.