Surfing NSW’s 2023 Port Stephens Surf Festival presented by Okanui concluded yesterday with an incredible display of talent and sportsmanship. The event which included the SUP State Titles and Longboard State Titles, saw surfers from all over NSW compete for the chance to secure their place at Aussies, which will take place later this year.
The Port Stephens region is an iconic stretch of the NSW coastline, and the event was held at two of its most beautiful beaches – One Mile Beach and Birubi Beach. Depending on the swell, Surfing NSW hopped between the two locations to set up the day’s event, ensuring athletes had the best possible conditions to showcase their skills.
The Longboard State Titles spanned across five days (29th April – 3rd May) where the promising east coast swell consistently delivered sets from 2-4ft daily. This allowed the longboarders to show off their stylish manoeuvres on the waves and provided a challenging but rewarding experience for all the participants.
This event attracted longboard lovers of all ages, from groms competing in the Junior and U18 divisions, up to competitors in the Over 70 division whom the majority have competed in Surfing NSW events for decades, and all share the same sentiment that a few days surfing in Port Stephens, catching up with old mates, will always be on the cards.
“We are stoked with the success of the 2023 Longboard State Titles and Port Stephens Surf Festival presented by Okanui,” said Surfing NSW Board Member Mark ‘Winny’ Windon who was on site throughout the event and sharing the commentary mic.
“The competition was intense, the standard of surfing was high. It’s great to see so many talented athletes showcasing their skills in such beautiful surroundings, and I’m looking forward to cheering them on as they compete at Aussies this year. Longboarding has such a rich history with the members of Surfing NSW and I hope to see this board discipline increase in participation.”
Congratulations to all the winners and athletes for their efforts. Winners of each division:
Junior Log: Charlie Ticknor
Under 18 Male Longboard: Charlie Ticknor
Under 18 Female Longboard: Jasmin Howarth
Open Log Male Log: Tom Bennett
Open Log Female Log: Blaze Angel
Open Male Longboard: Kyle Teale
Open Female Longboard: Blaze Angel
Over 40 Male Log: Shane Baker
Over 40 Male Longboard: Shane Baker
Over 40 Female Longboard: Laura Pigott
Over 45 Male Longboard: Jason Livingston
Over 50 Male Longboard: Jason Livingston
Over 50-60 Female Longboard: Suellen Goyne
Over 55 Male Longboard: John Fraser
Over 60 Male Longboard: Richard Smith
Over 65 Male Longboard: Storm Carter
Over 70 Male Longboard: Greg Bedggod
Ken Williams Tag Team: Manly Mal Club
Thank you to the support of the Port Stephens Council, Club Med and Okanui.
