Team NSW bodyboarders charged into the weekend’s action, launching themselves into perfect swell (with a side of drizzle) as the Australian Bodyboard Titles wrapped up in style.
For the first time, the event and a national title was held in a wave pool. A stage that demanded innovation, with every ride a chance to push limits, thread barrels and stamp unique style. And our team delivered.
The waves were pumping and NSW turned it on, producing a blockbuster finale at URBNSurf Sydney.
In the U18 junior men’s final, it was an all-NSW affair, with our promising junior talent on show. Jaxon Cruickshank came out firing with clean rails, posting a solid 8.17, locking in a 15.84 heat total to hold off Kai Sauge and claim the win.
The U16 cadet open final then came down to the wire, with Hardy Fletcher finding the pocket on his last wave and rolling into a 8.33 to steal the win off brothers Archie and Ollie Williams. Fletcher wasn’t done yet, backing up his U16 win with another victory in the U14 grommet open final. Not bad, not bad at all.
It was a family affair for a number of our team, including the Williams, Leayrs, and Menzies. In the U14 grommet final, Aj Leayr took to the tub, while his dad, Jimmy Leayr, competed in the drop knee final, both finishing an impressive third in their disciplines. Jimmy, stoked, commented, “It’s next level. I’m just so proud to have my son competing alongside me at the Aussie Titles. Best thing ever.”
Lloyd Ogden led the charge in the open men final, dropping a 8.67 and a 9.33 for an 18-point total, leaving the other states in the rearview mirror.
Whilst in the open women final, Mariko Menzies showed grit, scoring a super impressive 7.27 on her last wave. Despite her late push, Ebony Schell (WA) edged ahead for the win. As Mariko reflected, “It was great not having to expend energy chasing waves and worrying about priority. I could just really focus on the technical side of the manoeuvres I’ve been working on and really test my limits, and managed to get second in Australia. Can’t wipe the smile off my face normally, but now…lol ”
The O35 masters men final was a showcase, with Queensland’s Liam O’Toole dropping not one, but two perfect 10s across the event, finishing with a 19-point total in the final. NSW stood strong, with Shaun Cooper posting a 8.5 and Mitch Wallace a 8.33. Excellent scores for both Shaun and Mitch in what was turned out to be a thrilling final full of progressive manoeuvres, airs and rolls.
The O45 men final was a nail-biter, as Wade Boeree dug deep to post a 8.17 on his last wave, clutching the win from teammate Nathian Davis by just 0.08. A huge result for both Wade and Nathian, with NSW surfers also locking in a top-four finish.
History was made with the first-ever drop knee national final, which provided fireworks. Aaron “Azza” Glossop set the pace early with a 9.07, lighting up the lineup all event. In the end, Dane Pope (VIC) found just enough to edge him out, taking the win by 0.53.
For all results hit LIVE HEATS and for the behind-the-scenes action.
From juniors to masters, the Blues once again showed our depth, tight-knit community spirit and innovative edge. We’re proud of every surfer who pulled on the NSW jersey. Proving once more why our state is a powerhouse in Australian bodyboarding.
A quick reminder for our community: book a private session at URBNSurf Sydney (both sides of the pool) any Monday to Thursday in August, September or October and get 10% off your club booking. Enquire today.
