BONDI BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES (Saturday 15 October, 2022) – George Pittar (North Manly) and Rosie Smart(Sawtell)have won the 2022 Australian Open of Surfing (AOS) Tour Bondi Open Grand Final, presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, in three-to-four foot surf at the iconic Bondi Beach.
The sun was shining and the waves were pumping for the third and final stop of the 2022 AOS Tour. It was an epic day of action as some of Australia’s best surfers battled to claim the $10,000 winners’ cheque.
The one-day finale showcased the top 16 men and women qualifiers from the combined two event series and local Bondi Boardrider Club wildcards. The Bondi Open was the first major surfing competition to be held at Bondi Beach in more than a decade.
The day started with the men’s quarterfinals and ran alternative divisions to conclude with the women’s final.
The men’s final was a hotly contested battle as anticipated between George Pittar (North Manly), Lennix Smith (Barrack Point) Grayson Hinrichs (Bondi Beach) and Dom Thomas (Swansea Heads). AOS standout performer, George Pittar put on a solid performance to narrowly claim the crown ahead of Lennix Smith by 0.10.
“I’m over the moon right now – so stoked,” said Pittar. “This is the most money I’ve ever won in a competition, and it’s going to be such a massive help to support my travel and qualifying campaign in 2022/23. This has been such a fun tour to be apart of and all of us surfers have really appreciated the opportunity to compete and win some solid cash.”
The women’s final was the last hoorah for the 2022 AOS Tour and did not disappoint, coming right down to the wire and providing plenty of action for thousands of spectators lining Bondi Beach to watch some of Australia’s best aspiring women surfers.
Winner of the Bonsoy Coffs Harbour Open Pres. by Gage Roads, Rosie Smart (Sawtell) took the winnings ahead of Raya Campbell (Coolangatta), Lucy Brown (Bungan), and Oceana Rogers (Shell Cove) respectively.
“I cant believe I just won $10,000, I’m so happy,” said Smart. “I had so much fun out there, the waves were good and I really enjoyed surfing at Bondi. A huge thanks to everyone for making this event happen and my Mum for bringing me down and supporting.”
The 2022 AOS Tour hosted by Surfing Queensland and Surfing NSW, inaugurated a non-traditional heat-format with surfers best single-wave score making up their final heat placing rather than two-waves. The tour also saw a huge prize pool of $50,000 cash, a significant amount provided to support professional and aspiring Australian surfers in their campaign to qualify for the World Championship Tour.
Surfing NSW Chief Executive Officer, Luke Maddensaid today was an exceptional finale to the 2022 AOS Tour and was stoked to see the event held at Bondi Beach.
“It’s been incredible to see the community get around the return of competition to Bondi in more than 10 years,” said Madden. “The goal of this tour is to provide more opportunities and prize money for Australian surfers aspiring to qualify for the World Championship Tour. The 2022 AOS Tour has been a huge success. We really appreciate the support from all the local communities, partners, and everyone who’s worked hard to make this tour come to fruition, from the Sunshine Coast to Bondi Beach. We look forward to watching the AOS grow for years to come.”
Surfing Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Adam Yates said the 2022 AOS tour has been rewarding to be a part of and a great collaboration with fellow state body, Surfing NSW.
“It’s been a great partnership with Surfing NSW, working together to establish the AOS as a prominent tour on the calendar with the inaugural single-wave format and a huge prize pool on offer,” said Yates. “The series has exceeded all expectations and we can’t wait to see a bigger and better tour to support Australian surfers next year.”
The AOS tour included two qualifying events, The Bonsoy Coffs Harbour Open presented by Gage Roads (24-25 September) and the Sunshine Coast Open (1 October), with the top qualifiers from the two events being invited to compete at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Bondi Open Grand Final.
The afternoon activities will continue across the road at the Bondi Beach Road Hotel from 2pm onwards to crown the champions and celebrate the conclusion of the 2022 AOS Tour.
The 2022 Australian Open of Surfing Tour presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is supported by Gage Roads, Bonsoy, Mad Mex (official webcast partner), Coffs Harbour Council and Waverly Council.
MEN’S FINAL RESULTS
- George Pittar (North Manly)
- Lennix Smith (Barrack Point)
- Grayson Hinrichs (Bondi)
- Dom Thomas (Swansea Heads)
WOMEN’S FINAL RESULTS
- Rosie Smart (Sawtell)
- Raya Campbell (Coolangatta)
- Lucy Brown (Bungan)
- Oceanna Rogers (Shell Cove)
2022 Australian Open of Surfing Tour, presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Qualifier One, Bonsoy Coffs Harbour – September 24 – 25, 2022
Qualifier Two, Sunshine Coast Open – October 1, 2022
Grand Final, Bondi Open – October 15, 2022
