Aussie camaraderie shines at the Australian Longboard Titles: NSW team are champions
CABARITA BEACH, NSW
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The Australian Longboard Titles have concluded with champions crowned across all Master divisions, bringing a thrilling end to the event at Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott hailed the competition as an outstanding success.
"It has been a superb week and a true celebration of Australian longboard surfing. The camaraderie and the strong Aussie spirit shared by longboarders from across the country have been on full display," Elliott said.
With solid surf persisting, athletes were once again tested by challenging conditions on Finals day.
"The swell held steady from yesterday, with fairly strong winds keeping the surf pulsing throughout the day. Many of the Masters surfers are absolutely exhausted. The state caddies helping surfers navigate the big conditions by meeting them at the shore break and running their boards to the paddle-out point," Elliott said.
Ten Australian Longboard Champions were crowned this afternoon, including Jason Livingston (North Curl Curl, NSW), who won the Over 50 and Over 55 Men's divisions.
"It was really tough out there—you duck dive a wave and get pushed back 20 metres. I did three laps! The competition was fierce, and the boys really pushed me all the way. I didn’t get the highest scoring wave of the heat, so I knew I had to fight hard. The Tweed Coast delivered with great waves, and going to Surfing Australia's High Performance Centre was great," Livingston said.
Kate Perry (Yandina Creek, QLD) claimed the Australian Title in the Over 60 Women’s division after also competing in the Over 50s, where she placed second.
"It’s always fun here. You meet so many great people from all over Australia, surfers who are just as passionate about the sport as you are. I’ve been chasing an Australian Title for a while, so this win is special. 2024 has seen a fantastic turnout at the Aussies," Perry said.
Tony Abood (Kingscliff, NSW) took home the Australian Longboard Title for Over 65 Men.
"I was fortunate to get off to a good start. I did the run-around, got hammered on the way back out, but managed to snag a couple more waves. I think I’ll sleep well tonight," Abood said.
"Whether you come first or last, everyone’s happy to be here. To win this and share it with close friends, it’s something really special,” Abood added.
This year’s Wayne Deane Spirit of Longboarding Award, presented to the person who embodies the true spirit of the sport, was awarded to Matt Inman from WA. Commended as the "super caddy" Inman ran boards for nearly every surfer, regardless of state. Meanwhile, the Overall State Champion was New South Wales.
Andrea K Bohm said later:
''The northern beaches were well represented across the divisions and with Curl Curl's Tim Reilly as captain NSW claimed the victory as best state.''
2024 Australian Longboard Titles - Finals Results:
O40 Men - Final
Josh Constable (Noosa Heads, QLD) - 16.00
Ben Williams (Biggera Waters, QLD) - 13.40
Mark Miccoli (Patterson Lakes, VIC) - 7.63
Scott Trew (Gabbadah, WA) - 6.40
O40 Women - Final
Honey Bec (Moffat Beach, QLD) - 12.33
Wendy Stevenson (Banora Point, NSW) - 10.27
Eglantine Balland (Carrum, VIC) - 7.46
Trista Vallentine (Tallebudgera, QLD) - 4.10
O45 Men - Final
Paul Burke (Dunsborough, WA) - 10.44
Liam McCafferty (McCrae, VIC) - 9.33
Michael Paxton (Dodges Ferry, TAS) - 7.74
Mark Miccoli (Patterson Lakes, VIC) - 7.06
O50 Men - Final
Jason Livingston (North Curl Curl, NSW) - 12.26
Alan Morrison (Yamba, NSW) - 6.23
Paul Burke (Dunsborough, WA) - 4.77
Liam McCafferty (McCrae, VIC) - 4.00
O50 Women - Final
Sue McComb (Caves Beach, NSW) - 9.96
Kate Perry (Yandina Creek, QLD) - 7.33
Juanita Read (Wakerley, QLD) - 4.67
Judy Dann (Two Rocks, WA) - 4.07
O55 Men - Final
Jason Livingston (North Curl Curl, NSW) - 12.50
Tony Rae (Hastings Point, NSW) - 11.70
Dave Smith (Osborne Park, WA) - 10.40
JP Willis (Moonee Beach, NSW) - 8.50
O60 Men - Final
Robert Smith (Caringbah, NSW) - 10.63
Bruce Dunne (Coolum Beach, QLD) - 8.36
Jay Carter (Tweed Heads South, NSW) - 8.00
John Fraser (The Entrance North, NSW) - 6.07
O60 Women - Final
Kate Perry (Yandina Creek, QLD) - 9.90
Anne Duncan (Bungawalbyn, NSW) - 7.36
Andrea Bohm (Freshwater, NSW) - 6.20
Sian Adnam (Cape Woolamai, VIC) - 5.24
O65 Men - Final
Tony Abood (Kingscliff, NSW) - 11.60
Bruce Dunne (Coolum Beach, QLD) - 9.13
Brian Kuit (Torquay, VIC) - 7.73
Jonathon Lavers (Cronulla, NSW) - 6.84
O70 Men - Final
Peter Becker (Palmvale, NSW) - 8.37
Daniel Bond (Blue Bay, NSW) - 6.94
Earle Page (Arrawarra Headland, NSW) - 5.40
John Amos (Goolwa Beach, SA) - 4.40
Overall State Champion:
1st - New South Wales
2nd - Queensland
3rd - Victoria
4th - Western Australia
5th - South Australia
6th - Tasmania
About the 2024 Australian Surf Championships:
The longboard divisions of the 2024 Australian Surf Championships are being held as a stand-alone event on Bundjalung Country, along the stunning Tweed Coast in northern New South Wales.
As the longest-running event on the Australian surfing calendar, with athletes representing all six surfing states, this year’s competition promises to be thrilling. The six-day event will take place at some of the region’s most renowned surf spots, including Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff Beach, Fingal Beach, and Duranbah Beach.
Winners of the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn a spot in the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for next year's International Surfing Association (ISA) World Longboard Championship. Additionally, all division winners will receive a longboard-specific coaching experience at the Hyundai Surfing Australia HPC.
Australian Longboard Titles - divisions:
Under 18 Junior Men
Under 18 Junior Women
Open Men
Open Women
Grand Masters Women O40
Grand Masters Men O40
Kahunas Men O45
Grand Kahunas Men O50
Women O50
Dukes Men O55
Grand Dukes O60
O60 Women
Legends Men O65
Grand Legends Men O70
O70 Women
Pic: 2024 Australian Longboard Titles. Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
Four New Champions Crowned at the 2024 Australian Longboard Titles: tully and declan win
CABARITA BEACH, NSW
September 14, 2024
The 2024 Australian Longboard Titles have crowned four new champions after a day of glassy offshore conditions at Cabarita Point. Two New South Wales and two Queensland surfers claimed victories in what has been an exciting competition so far.
2024 Australian Longboard Champions Tully White (Open Women) and Declan Wyton (Open Men). Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott said: "We were greeted with prime longboard conditions in the three-to-four-foot range. As the tide filled in, it offered multiple scoring opportunities from the outside banks through to the inside shore break. First in the water were the elder statesmen in the Over-55 and Over-60 age divisions. The Over-40 Men also took to the water, showcasing just how competitive that division is going to be. After lunch, the Junior and Open Men and Women semifinalists hit the water in clean conditions, with big open walls allowing the surfers to display their full array of impressive longboard manoeuvres."
16-year-old Mia Waite (Noosa Heads, QLD) dominated the day, posting the highest single wave score, an 8.83, and the highest heat total of the day, 14.16 (out of a possible 20), to secure back-to-back Australian Titles.
"I'm super glad I could defend my title. I haven't had waves that good in a long time, super pleased with my surfing today," Waite said.
2024 Australian Longboard Champion Mia Waite (U18 Junior Women). Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
Lennix Currie (Tewantin, QLD) also successfully defended his 2023 title. While Tully White (Allambie Heights, NSW) was a standout in the Open Women's division, taking home the win.
"I’m super grateful and I can’t wait to represent Australia on the world stage at the ISA’s. I also wanted to say a massive well done to the Junior girls. I’ve never been so blown away, they’ve been incredible, " White said.
2024 Australian Longboard Champion Lennix Currie (U18 Junior Men). Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
In the Open Men's division, Declan Wyton (Manly, NSW) delivered a masterclass in clean cross stepping, nose-riding and power turns, earning him a third Australian Title.
"It's been pumping and the standard has been super high having Josh, Archy and Clinton all in the final. Cabarita is the best spot for a competition. It is like a big amphitheatre looking down - it's great. The Juniors have been incredible they are such an inspiration. The standard is so high we're just looking over our shoulders waiting for them to knock us out in the Opens. Very thankful to Surfing Australia for getting behind longboarding and putting on this event. This is the best Aussies I’ve been to," Wyton said.
Similar conditions are forecast tomorrow, with southerly winds and a building swell into the afternoon for the Masters age divisions.
2024 Australian Longboard Titles - Finals Results:
U18 Junior Women
Mia Waite (Noosa Heads, QLD) - 14.16
Luana Matthies (Miami, QLD) - 11.17
Nyjah Jay Duazon (Sunrise Beach, QLD) - 7.93
Mahli Abbott (Pottsville, NSW) - 7.07
Under 18 Junior Men
Lennix Currie (Tewantin, QLD) - 10.10
Jive Constable (Noosa Heads, QLD) - 7.23
Ted Conroy (Point Lonsdale, VIC) - 7.14
Kai Flynn (Cowaramup, WA) - 5.27
Open Women
Tully White (Allambie Heights, NSW) - 12.57
Melanie Staunton (Belmont, VIC) - 10.87
Mia Waite (Noosa Heads, QLD) - 10.46
Emma Perrier (Tweed Heads. NSW) - 7.87
Open Men
Declan Wyton (Manly, NSW) - 14.24
Clinton Guest (Bokarina, QLD) - 12.70
Josh Constable (Noosa Heads, QLD) - 11.70
Archy Bemrose (Kingscliff, NSW) - 9.23
About the 2024 Australian Surf Championships:
The longboard divisions of the 2024 Australian Surf Championships are being held as a stand-alone event on Bundjalung Country, along the stunning Tweed Coast in northern New South Wales.
As the longest-running event on the Australian surfing calendar, with athletes representing all six surfing states, this year’s competition promises to be thrilling. The six-day event will take place at some of the region’s most renowned surf spots, including Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff Beach, Fingal Beach, and Duranbah Beach.
Winners of the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn a spot in the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for next year's International Surfing Association (ISA) World Longboard Championship. Additionally, all division winners will receive a longboard-specific coaching experience at the Hyundai Surfing Australia HPC.
Finalists decided on Day 2 of the Australian Longboard Titles
CABARITA BEACH, NSW
September 13, 2024
The Australian Longboard Titles kicked off today in building one-to-four-foot surf, with a big opening day of competition. Semi-finalists were decided in the Open Men, Open Women, U18 Junior Men, and U18 Junior Women divisions.
Tully White (Allambie Heights, NSW) delivered a standout performance, posting the highest heat total of the day, a 16.37 (out of a possible 20), before the weather turned wild. Judges praised White’s critical nose-riding, drawn-out cutbacks, and graceful style, which they said highlighted the depth of talent in female surfing right now.
Photo: Tully White in action in Round 3, Heat 2 on the first day of competition at the Australian Longboard Titles. Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
As the tide came in, the waves picked up in size during the afternoon, and surfers were put to the test as the semi-finalists were decided.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott said: “The conditions were really wild and woolly at the start of the day, with very strong winds and lots of rain. The first heats hit the water, and straight away the swell started to kick in. It has been gradually increasing, and the Tweed Coast points are well-protected from the south wind. We’re looking forward to a great week of competition, with longboarders representing every state and set to relish these conditions.”
Fifteen-year-old Mahli Abbott (Pottsville, NSW), who received a local wildcard, also advanced to the semi-finals. “It cleaned up a lot out there, so it’s been really fun. All the girls are so nice in the water. Hopefully, it’ll be a little bit bigger tomorrow,” she said.
Declan Wyton (Freshwater, NSW), Archy Bemrose (Kingscliff, NSW), Clinton Guest (Bokarina, QLD), and Kirra Molnar (Noosa Heads, QLD) all put on strong performances, advancing to the semis.
Photo: Declan Wyton in action on the first day of competition at the Australian Longboard Titles. Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
Photo: Archy Bemrose in action on the first day of competition at the Australian Longboard Titles. Credit: Hannah Jessup / Surfing Australia
After a massive day of competition, the Open Men, Open Women, U18 Junior Men, and U18 Junior Women will have the morning off, with the Masters age divisions scheduled to start at 7:30am.
Similar conditions are expected tomorrow, with another swell increase forecast for Sunday.
Australian Longboard Titles - Semi-final heat matchups:
Open Women Semi-final: Heat 1
Ramona Haddrell (QLD)
Melanie Staunton (VIC)
Asha Reeves (VIC)
Mia Waite (QLD)
Open Women Semi-final: Heat 2
Kirra Molnar (QLD)
Tully White (NSW)
Rori Reyntjes (VIC)
Emma Perrier (NSW)
Open Men Semi-final: Heat 1
Declan Wyton (NSW)
Clinton Guest (QLD)
Ben Williams (QLD)
Thomas Fahey (VIC)
Open Men Semi-final: Heat 2
Josh Constable (QLD)
Archy Bemrose (NSW)
Sam Dunton (VIC)
Dallas Rogers (QLD)
U18 Junior Women Semi-final: Heat 1
Nyjah Jay Duazon (QLD)
Mahli Abbott (NSW)
Larita Monroe (QLD)
Rori Reyntjes (VIC)
U18 Junior Women Semi-final: Heat 2
Giselle Taylor (NSW)
Mia Waite (QLD)
Ramona Haddrell (QLD)
Luana Matthies (QLD)
U18 Junior Men Semi-final: Heat 1
Lennix Currie (QLD)
Ted Conroy (VIC)
Hosea Matthies (QLD)
Cooper Orr (NSW)
U18 Junior Men Semi-final: Heat 2
Cooper Kelaher (NSW)
Jive Constable (QLD)
Rory McIntyre (QLD)
Kai Flynn (WA)
About the 2024 Australian Surf Championships:
The longboard divisions of the 2024 Australian Surf Championships are being held as a stand-alone event on Bundjalung Country, along the stunning Tweed Coast in northern New South Wales.
As the longest-running event on the Australian surfing calendar, with athletes representing all six surfing states, this year’s competition promises to be thrilling. The six-day event will take place at some of the region’s most renowned surf spots, including Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff Beach, Fingal Beach, and Duranbah Beach.
Winners of the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn a spot in the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for next year's International Surfing Association (ISA) World Longboard Championship. Additionally, all division winners will receive a longboard-specific coaching experience at the Hyundai Surfing Australia HPC.
For more information, please visit australiansurfchampionships.com/longboard
Entry to the Australian Titles are by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
Schedule:
• Opening Ceremony: Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024
• Competition Windows:
WINDOW 1: Friday, September 13, 2024 – Saturday, September 14, 2024
Divisions: Open Men & Women, U18 Junior Men & Women
Presentation: To be held after competition on Saturday, September 14, 2024
WINDOW 2: Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Divisions: Over 40 Men & Women, Over 45 Men & Over 50 Men & Women, Over 55 Men, Over 60 Men & Women, Over 65 Men & Over 70 Men & Women
Presentation: To be held after the competition on Tuesday, September 17, 2024