Australian Boardriders Battle 2025 Grand Final: Seven Local Clubs Have Qualified
Photo: Surfing Australia
The Grand Final of the 12th edition of the Australian Boardriders Battle will run next weekend, April 12-13, at Burleigh Heads, with the Round 1 match-ups now available. Seven local boardriders clubs have qualified to compete.
Following the unavoidable postponement due to Cyclone Alfred, Surfing Australia has worked closely with event partners and local authorities to secure the new dates that will allow for a safe and successful event.
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is the pinnacle of Australian club surfing, bringing together the best boardrider clubs in the country to compete for national glory. The rescheduled event will ensure the competition maintains its high standard, providing elite-level surfing, thrilling matchups in an unmatched format, and a world-class atmosphere.
This event brings together 42 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs who have battled through state qualifiers to earn their place in this prestigious event. They will compete for national glory, substantial prize money, and ultimate bragging rights in the country's biggest grassroots surfing competition.
At Event 7 – ABB NSW Central, held November 9th 2024 at North Narrabeen, Freshwater, North Narrabeen, North Steyne, North Avalon (NASA), Queenscliff, Bungan and Curl Curl secured a place in the Grand Final. They were among ten local boardrider clubs competing.
See: Australian Boardriders Battle Central Round at North Narrabeen: Freshwater Boardriders win
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Central NSW qualifier at North Narrabeen was won by Freshwater Boardriders Club. The crew from Freshwater Boardriders comprised Lex O'Connor, Fletcher Kelleher, Tommy Myers, Layne Beachley, and Sam Brown.
Freshwater had multiple standout moments as they progressed through heats, but it was team leader Tommy Myers who carried his team to victory.
"This is probably one of the sickest days of the whole year., " Myers said. "Congratulations to all the other finalists and teams. We traditionally haven't always been in the final, so it feels good to start to get a bit of momentum and have some great juniors coming up through Freshy!"
Surfing NSW Contest Director Corey Ross said: "We were super excited to head to Narrabeen for stop number two of the NSW Regional Qualifiers for the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle.
We had a record 16 clubs locked in to compete for the prize of being the Central Region's best boardrider club. Waves were fun for the event, in the two-foot range with light winds all day. There was plenty of exciting action, along with a number of sponsor activations at the event, so there was lots to do for everyone."
The North Narrabeen Boardriders team, who came second, had Nathan Hedge, Davey Cathels , Jordy Lawler, Jesse Daish and Ruby Trew competing.
North Steyne Boardriders secured the third place slot with Sol Gruendling, Blake Levett, Dayyan Neve, Izzy Higgs and Tiaan Cronje.
However with Bungan’s team of Darcy Crump, Luca Elder, Milla Brown, Lucy Brown and Phil Hoile, or NASA’s combo of Van Whiteman, Shane Carroll, Ollie Heinz, Molly Shepperd and Isaiah Vaeleki, you can understand how great the surfing was in the qualifier, and what those watching may be in for next weekend.
Last year, North Avalon, North Narrabeen and North Steyne all made it through the massive Saturday challenges to the last day of surfing.
See: Local Australian Boardriders Battle 2024 Grand Finalists Looking Forward To Next Comps.
A Format Like No Other
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is renowned for its exciting and unique format, where club teams of five—comprising Open Men, Open Women, Junior, Masters, and a Power Surfer—compete in a tag-team relay style event. Strategy, endurance, and surf prowess combine to create some of the most intense and dramatic heats seen in competitive surfing.
With extended heat times to accommodate the challenging Burleigh rock jump into the ocean, the 500m sprint up Burleigh Hill, and a field stacked with past, present, and future World Surf League (WSL) stars, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown at one of Australia’s most iconic right-hand point breaks.
Surfing legend, Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, who has lived on the Gold Coast all his life, reflected after the first Grand Final was held in Burleigh in 2024: "All our point breaks are world famous and we're blessed to live here really. Burleigh is the king today and I tell you what it's merciless. There's always been a run element in the ABB but this year is just next level. You have to have some ironman qualities about you and it's a big test for everyone. Club surfing is really an institution in Australia. A lot of clubs here are 60 years old plus. Surfers representing their club is a big deal. Some surfers seriously grow a foot taller when they put their club colours on."
On November 27 2024 Two wildcard boardrider clubs are set to shake up the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12 Grand Final at Burleigh Heads, QLD.
North Shelly and Merewether will join 40 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs, who have qualified through their regional rounds, at the prestigious event where some of the world’s top athletes, including former and up-and-coming World Surf League (WSL) stars will be competing for their clubs in the quest for national glory.
North Shelly Boardriders Club secured the crown in 2022 when the final was held at Newcastle Beach, NSW. Club spokesperson, Ethan Smith said they’ll be fighting hard to win back the title from Series 11 winner and hometown heroes, Burleigh.
“With Joel Vaughan qualifying for the CT, we’ve still got Russ Moloney, Shane Holmes, Hughie Vaughan, Macy Callaghan, and our junior, Jaxon Cowan. It’s a pretty stacked team. We were left disappointed with our result at the regionals, which goes to show how competitive that central region of NSW is. To be fortunate enough to get a spot in the Grand Final and a rematch against some of these guys is a dream come true. Hopefully, everyone can get out the back a little easier, and the conditions are a bit more manageable this time.”
Tim Ryan, Team Manager for Merewether Surfboard Club, said they were stoked to earn a wildcard with the team comprising Jackson Baker, Morgan Cibilic, Ocean Lancaster, Philippa Anderson, and Jesse Adam.
“We were so stoked to get the call to let us know we had secured the wildcard for the ABB Grand Final and congrats to North Shelly for earning the other wildcard.
“We love the ABB and have never missed a final series in its 12-year history. We won the ABB in 2019 and have also had a second, four thirds, a fourth, a fifth, two sixths, and until last year, we had never finished outside the top 10. We went within a whisker of qualifying at Narrabeen with 15 surfers unavailable, and are very grateful for a second chance.
“Last year, we had our first shocker, and we hope to redeem ourselves this year at Burleigh with a full-strength team. We can’t wait to get up to Burleigh in March to do battle with Australia’s best grassroots surfboard clubs.”
Surfing Australia’s Manager of Boardrider Clubs and Judging Glen Elliott said: “Wildcard places are highly sought after because they provide clubs with a second chance to prove themselves on the national stage. North Shelly and Merewether were chosen because of their proven track records and strong line ups, which promise to shake up the competition at Burleigh. These clubs have incredible depth and talent, and we’re expecting them to challenge the favourites and raise the level of surfing on display.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate stated:
‘’It’s grand final time with 42 of Australia’s best clubs laying it on the line in the 12th edition of the Australian Boardriders battle. Promoters have created a dream series with the event now Australia’s biggest grassroots championship of its kind.
I welcome competitors, sponsors and supporters back to magical Burleigh Heads and its famous point break. We last caught the action here in 2024 with incredible entertainment and activities beachside as part of the two-day festival.
May there be great competition, epic waves and plenty of famous Gold Coast sunshine over the weekend.
Our city is working hard to attract the best events and festivals for families, visitors and sponsors. The Hyundai Boardriders Battle fits the bill.
Thank you to Surfing Australia for putting your trust in our city to again deliver – we won’t let you down.
To all competitors, good luck and may the surfing gods be with you.’’
The event will be broadcast LIVE on youtube, Kayo Freebies, and Foxtel, ensuring fans can tune in from anywhere. Additionally, the semi-finals and final will receive exclusive coverage on Foxtel and Kayo Freebies, showcasing the ultimate battle of club surfing on Australia's home of live sports streaming.
About the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle is Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, involving over 80 boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds before culminating in the epic Grand Final showdown. The event has been instrumental in strengthening club culture, fostering future champions, and celebrating Australia’s deep connection with surfing.
The 2025 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is proudly supported by Jim Beam, ACCIONA, Ruffie Rustic Foods, BC Protein Snacks, Oakley, Kennards Hire, Dometic, Boost Mobile, Daiwa Australia, Murf Electric Bikes, Blackroll, Vissla, Zuum Energy Gum, the Burleigh Pavilion and Surfers for Climate.
The 2025 Hyundai ABB Gold Coast Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland
About Australian Boardrider Clubs
There are more than 250 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation's competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next world champions.
For more information, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com.
The Round 1 Match-ups are available now, and Results will be available at LiveHeats