March 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 640

 

Australian Para Surfing Titles + Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships 2025

Sam Bloom wins the Prone 1 Women's Australian Title, pictured here with husband Cameron. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia

The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Kickstart with the Parade of Nations Opening Ceremony

Byron Bay was a sea of colour and energy on Sunday, March 23, as adaptive competitors from around the world marched through Byron's main street for the Parade of Nations, kicking off the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships presented by Forward Ability Support. Vibrant crowds lined the streets to celebrate the athletes ahead of stop one of the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP) 2025 World Tour. 

Parade of Nations preview. Photo: Cameron Bloom

The Opening Ceremony featured a traditional Welcome to Country, followed by a Pouring of the Sands ritual, where competitors combined sand from the beaches of their home nations - a symbol of unity and commitment among the adaptive surfing community.

Following its historic debut last year as Australia’s first-ever international adaptive surfing contest, BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support returns to Byron Bay from March 23 – 30. As a premier event on the AASP World Tour, the competition unites elite adaptive surfers from around the globe, showcasing incredible skill, resilience, and the power of inclusivity in sport. 

2025 Competition Preview

The beaches of Byron Bay are set to host a week of thrilling, world-class performances. With consistently fun, peeling right-handers and beach breaks, the Bay offers the perfect stage for showcasing adaptive surfing excellence

Six-time World Adaptive Surfing Champion, and Byron local, Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart, is the visionary behind the event, working tirelessly to turn his dream into reality.

Mark 'Mono' Stewart (AUS) said: 

"It's one thing to talk up your hometown on the world stage, but it's another to show it off in all its glory. Bringing the many friends I've made to Byron Bay has been a highlight of my career and a monumental life achievement for me. 

"Hopefully our event will inspire other people with a disability to try surfing and encourage the next generation. With increasing adoption and the sport’s continued development, we are hopeful for Surfing's inclusion in the Paralympic Games at Brisbane 2032."

Olympic Para Cyclist turned World Record Big Wave Surfer, Matt Formston, is one of many high-profile para-athletes competing in the event. Diagnosed with macular dystrophy at age five, Formston has less than 3% vision. After reaching the elite level of Para-Cycling and representing Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, he transitioned to surfing. Formston has since set a Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a blind surfer at Nazaré, Portugal, and won three ISA World Surfing Titles.

Matt Formston (AUS) said:

"It's incredible to see the sport growing and maturing with a wider range of categories that make competition more fair and equitable. There was a lot of disappointment about adaptive surfing's rejection from the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. However, there has been a positive shift in focus, and new momentum heading into Brisbane 2032. Events like the Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships and support from Surfing Australia have been amazing."

Growing up between Point Lonsdale, Victoria, and Hossegor, France, Laurie Phipps (FRA) is a highly anticipated international competitor.  At 18, Phipps was hit by a drunk driver and lost part of her left leg. Two years later, in 2022, she was selected for the French para surfing team, going on to win her first World Title in 2023.

Laurie Phipps (FRA) said:

"Adaptive surfing has brought me so much happiness and fulfilment. I’ve surfed my whole life, and getting back in the water after my accident was life-changing. Throughout my rehabilitation, my number one goal was to surf again. The para surfing community is such a positive, supportive, and inspiring family, and I’m so proud to be a part of it."

Yet another standout competitor in this year's competition is 4X World Para Surfing Champion, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Sam Bloom. Well-known for her major motion Biopic ‘Penguin Bloom’, Sam’s is an inspirational figure in adaptive sport. 

Sam Bloom (AUS) said:

“Adaptive surfing has had a huge impact on my life post-injury. Returning to surfing has provided a sense of freedom and connection with the ocean that I thought was entirely lost. One of the best parts is the support and camaraderie among the adaptive surfers, who have all had to overcome insurmountable challenges to reconnect with the ocean and fall in love with surfing in a completely different way.”

“It’s fantastic to see adaptive surfing gain momentum on a global stage and gain the recognition it deserves. The AASP tour has created a terrific platform for athletes to compete and tour the world.”

Come and Try Day

While working to increase the presence of adaptive surfing competitions, the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships also aims to inspire individuals with physical disabilities to give surfing a go. A 'Come and Try Day', supported by Macquarie Sports, ran on Tuesday 25 March, in conjunction with the Australian Para Surfing Titles and the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships. Come and Try Day offers an exciting opportunity for new participants with physical disabilities to experience the joy of surfing and gain inspiration to compete in the future.

Event Schedule

  • March 23: Parade of Nations where international competitors march through Byron Bay, followed by a Welcome to Country led by Bundjalung representatives and the Official Opening Ceremony featuring speeches and the ‘Pouring of the Sands’ ritual.
  • March 24: The Australian Para Surfing Championships take place, crowning the Australian Para Surfing Champions.
  • March 25: FREE Come and Try Day.
  • March 26 – 30: The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships commence, leading up to the semi-finals on March 29 and the finals on March 30, concluding with the Official Presentation Night at Byron Bay Services Club.

The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support is a testament to the strength and resilience of adaptive athletes. It is an event that not only showcases the highest level of competition but also inspires greater inclusivity in the sport of surfing.

For more information, please visit www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com.

Reports by Surfing Australia, Photos by Cameron Bloom and Surfing Australia

Champions crowned at the 2025 Australian Para Surfing Titles

Tuesday March 25, 2025

The first eight Australian Para Surfing Champions were crowned at Byron Bay Main Beach, with the nation’s top adaptive surfers delivering elite performances at the 2025 Australian Para Surfing Titles.

Despite small conditions, competitors displayed outstanding talent, showcasing the continued growth and development of adaptive surfing in Australia. The event serves as an inspiring showcase of courage, perseverance, and athletic excellence, motivating both spectators and future generations of para surfers.

The Australian Para Surfing Titles brought together para surfers from across the country, competing across multiple divisions to determine the National Champions and ISA World Para Championship Qualifiers.

Contest Director - Glen Elliot said: 

"Finals day has been incredibly successful, an amazing day full of friendly comradery and fierce competition. The spirit of Para Surfing is alive and well in Australia!" 

Finals Action

Five-time World Adaptive Surfing Champion Jocelyn Neumueller (SA) delivered a strong performance in the PS - Prone 2 Women's Final, securing victory over rising talent and fellow South Australian Annie Goldsmith (SA).

Now a 3X Australian Champion, Jocelyn Neumueller reflected on adaptive surfing's  growing standard in Australia:

Jocelyn Neumueller said:

“In general, the level of surfing is rising from contest to contest, year to year. It’s so good to see Australia at the forefront, pushing the level of surfing. So to everyone —keep testing, keep trying, keep pushing the level of adaptive surfing.” 

The PS-Prone 2 Men’s Final was fiercely contested, with athletes posting impressive scores throughout the heat. In the end, Lee Ferrier (NSW) emerged victorious, securing an Australian Para Surfing Title, and earning his spot on Team Australia, 'The Irukandjis' at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships later this year.

Lee Ferrier expressed his excitement, saying,

“It feels amazing to have qualified to represent Team Australia at the ISA Worlds! I don’t know what to say — it's such a great honour.” 

Michael Johnson (NSW) delivered a commanding performance in the PS - Sit Final, posting a combined two-wave score of 11.33 to secure victory. A display of well-executed rides and strategic wave selection set Michael apart from the competition. 

4X World Para Surfing Champion, Sam Bloom (NSW), took home another victory in the PS - Prone 1 Women's Final. Her Australian Title win not only marks a personal achievement, but Sam couldn't help but note the significant growth of adaptive surfing in Australia.

Sam Bloom said:

“This is the biggest Aussie titles competition we’ve ever had. There are so many newbies here, it’s super unreal!"

The influx of new talent at the Australian Para surfing Titles demonstrates the expanding reach and influence of adaptive surfing, elevating the competition to new heights and setting the stage for future champions to emerge.

Mona Vale's Emma Dieters, having a great time. Photo: Surfing Australia

Four Australian Champions are set to be crowned tomorrow morning (March 26). As Australian Para Surfing Titles head toward an exciting conclusion, athletes in the PS - S2 Men, PS - S3 Men, PS - Kneel Men, and PS - Prone Men, will battle it out for national glory

Come and Try Day

In between competition, Surfing Australia's 'Come and Try Day' supported by Macquarie Sports, offered an incredible opportunity for new participants with physical disabilities to experience the joy of surfing for the first time.

Under the guidance of experienced coaches and dedicated volunteers, participants were introduced to surfing and riding a wave for the first time. The event provided specialised equipment, ensuring that all participants, regardless of their level of mobility, had the chance to safely experience the ocean and develop their confidence in the water.

As adaptive surfing continues to grow in Australia and around the world, initiatives like the Come and Try Day play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in the sport.  

Finals Results:

PS-Prone 1 Women

  • 1st - Samantha Bloom (NSW)
  • 2nd - Grace Kennedy (NSW) 

PS-Prone 2 Men

  • 1st - Lee Ferrier (NSW)
  • 2nd - Cliff Gralton (NSW)
  • 3rd - Jack Curphey (QLD)
  • 4th - Bailey Van Den Hooven (NSW) 

PS-Prone 2 Women

  • 1st - Jocelyn Neumueller (SA)
  • 2nd - Annie Goldsmith (SA) 

PS-Sit Men

  • 1st - Michael Johnson (NSW)
  • 2nd - Chris Astill (NSW) 

PS-VI1 Men

  • 1st - Kirk Watson (NSW)
  • 2nd - Steve Fox (NSW) 

PS-VI2 Women

  • 1st - Sarah Gibson (NSW) 

PS-Kneel Women

  • 1st - Victoria Pendergast (NSW)
  • 2nd - Emma Dieters (NSW) 

PS-VI2 Men

  • 1st - Jack Jackson (NSW)
  • 2nd - Matt Formston (NSW)
  • 3rd - Daniel Twomey (NSW) 

Results Decided Wednesday March 26:

PS - S2 Men - PS - S3 Men

  • 1st  - Jake Matthews (NSW) 
  • 2nd  - Terry McGrath (NSW) 
  • 3rd - John Crampton (NSW)

PS - Kneel Men

  • 1st - Mark 'Mono' Stewart (NSW)
  • 2nd - Reddog Wheatley (NSW)
  • 3rd - Michael Foti (NSW)
  • 4th  - Toby Begg (NSW)

PS - Prone Men

  • 1st - Kai Colless (QLD)
  • 2nd  - Joel Taylor (NSW)
  • 3rd - Max Devery (WA)
  • 4th - Fletcher Crowley (NSW)

For full results please visit LiveHeats.

Following the Australian Para Surfing Titles, competitors will be gearing up for the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, stop one on the 2025 Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour (AASP), set to begin on March 26.  As a premier event on the AASP World Tour, the competition unites elite adaptive surfers from around the globe, showcasing incredible skill, resilience, and the power of inclusivity in sport.

The Australian Para Surfing Championships are supported by Jim Beam and Surfers For Climate.

The Australian Para Surfing Titles are a testament to the strength and resilience of adaptive athletes. It is an event that not only showcases the highest level of competition but also inspires greater inclusivity in the sport of surfing. The winners will represent Australia at the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships

For more information, please visit www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com.

Report by Surfing Australia, Photos Surfing Australia

Finals Day matchups decided at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships

Saturday March 29, 2025

The stage is set for an electrifying Finals Day at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support, with exciting performances highlighting an incredible week of competition.

After securing his first Australian Para Surfing Title earlier this week, Kai Colless (AUS) is riding a wave of momentum into Finals Day of the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships. In his Quarterfinal heat, the defending Prone 1 Champion delivered a dominant performance, posting a 9.00 and an 8.50 point ride, for a combined heat total of 17.50. Colless moved on through his Semifinal heat today, and will be looking to cap off an unforgettable campaign with another BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championship to his name.

Kai Colless said:

"I'm feeling so excited coming into this event off my first Australian Title win. The forecast for Finals Day looks like the swell will be bigger and the waves will be even better, so I can't wait!" 

Jocelyn Neumueller's Historic 10-Point-Ride

5X World Champion Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS) made history this week, earning the event’s first perfect 10-point ride. Neumueller’s dynamic manoeuvres and flawless wave selection reaffirmed her status as one of the most accomplished adaptive surfers in the world. Jocelyn is the competitor to beat heading into the Women's Prone Assist Final on Sunday. 

Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS) surfing her way to a perfect 10-point ride. Photo Credits: Surfing Australia

5X Adaptive World Champion, Aleli Medina (PUR) has asserted herself as a top contender in the Visual Partially Impaired division, showcasing confidence from her very first heat, linking critical turns with smooth transitions to secure herself a spot in the Final. 16 countries are competing in the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships. Competing for Puerto Rico, Medina reflected on the event's atmosphere and the adaptive surfing community.

Aleli Medina said: 

"I love coming to Australia. The adaptive community is so supportive within the sport of surfing. I come out of the water and I feel like everyone is happy and cheering for me even if they're not from my home country. It's so much fun." 

Aleli Medina (PUR) putting on a dominant performance in the Visual Partially Impaired division. Photo Credits: Surfing Australia

6X World Adaptive Surfing Champion and the visionary behind the event, Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart, is in top form as he looks set to clinch yet another AASP title. Often referred to as the 'Godfather of Adaptive Surfing' Mono's elite performances have positioned him as the frontrunner in the Any-Knee-Kneeling division.

However, with the ever-increasing standard of adaptive surfing, Stewart faces stiff competition from athletes Reddog Wheatley (AUS), Llywelyn Williams (WLS) and Masafumi Kobayashi (JAP) whose consistent performances keep competition tight. 

Mark 'Mono' Stewart said:

"The standard of adaptive surfing is increasing with every year I compete, it's going to be anyone's game out there on Finals Day."

Due to weather conditions, the competition will be OFF on Saturday, recommencing on Sunday, March 30 for Finals Day. With improving swell conditions and competitors in peak form, Finals Day promises to be a thrilling day of showdowns. 

Finals Matchups:

Above Knee Standing (AKS) Men

  • FINAL - Naomichi Katsukura (JAP), Colin Cook (HAW), Chris Blowes (AUS), Terry McGrath (AUS) 

Any Knee Kneeling & upright (AKK) Men

  • Semifinal 1 - Mark 'Mono' Stewart (AUS), Masafumi Kobayashi (JAP), Michael Foti (AUS), John Maclean (AUS)
  • Semifinal 2 - Llywelyn Williams (WLS), Reddog Wheatley (AUS), Josh Bogel (HAW), Toby Begg (AUS) 

Any Knee Kneeling & upright (AKK) Women

  • FINAL - Barbara Garcia (MEX), Em Dieters (AUS), Victoria Pendergast (AUS) 

Below Knee Standing (BKS) Men

  • FINAL - Kenjiro Ito (JAP), John Crampton (AUS), Nachman Yariv Balulu (ISR), Jake Matthews (AUS) 

Blind/ No Vision (BNV) Men

  • FINAL - Kirk Watson (AUS), Aitor Francesena Uria (ESP), Steven Fox (AUS) 

Blind/ Partial Vision Impaired (BVI) Men

  • FINAL - Jack Jackson (AUS), Pierrot Gagliano (FRA), Matt Formston (AUS), Nicolas Medina (CHL) 

Blind/ Partial Vision Impaired (BVI) Women 

  • FINAL - Aleli Medina (PUR), Sarah Gibson (AUS), Marta Paço (PRT) 

Prone Assist (PA) Men

  • FINAL - Jesse Billauer (HAW), Tomoki Fujiwara (JAP), Claudio Morales (CHL), Lee Ferrier (AUS) 

Prone Assist (PA) Women

  • FINAL - Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS), Ashley Bunting (USA), Annie Goldsmith (AUS) 

Unassist Prone (UP) Men

  • FINAL - Kai Colless (AUS), Gavin Bellis (AUS), Ryan Porteous (USA), Joel Taylor (AUS) 

Unassist Prone (UP) Women

  • FINAL - Sam Bloom (AUS), Laurie Foti (GBR), Grace Kennedy (AUS), Katherine Beattie (USA) 

Sit/ Waveski (WS) Men

  • FINAL - Michael Johnson (AUS), Chris Astill (AUS), Spike Kane (ENG), Richard Julian (HAW) 

Wounded Warriors (Veterans)

  • FINAL - Luke Healey, Gavin Bellis, Gordon Mitchell, Andrew Smith, Adam Cross 

For full results, please visit LiveHeats.

About the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships

The 2025 BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surf Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support is the first leg on the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP) World Tour. The competition made history last year becoming Australia’s first ever international adaptive surfing contest. 

The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support is a testament to the strength and resilience of adaptive athletes. It is an event that not only showcases the highest level of competition but also inspires greater inclusivity in the sport of surfing.

For further information, please visit www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com and surfingaustralia.com/parasurf

Follow the event via Social Media on:  @adaptivesurfbyronbay 

The BrightSky Adaptive Pro Presented by Forward Ability Support is also made possible through the generous financial support of Sponsors and In-Kind support.

Report by Surfing Australia, Photos Surfing Australia

Champions Crowned at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships

Sunday March 30, 2025

Champions have been crowned at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support, where the world’s top adaptive surfers put on a spectacular display of skill and resilience in the pristine waves of Byron Bay. The event brought together an elite field of adaptive surfers, celebrating athletic excellence, determination, and the continued rise of adaptive surfing worldwide.  

Kai Colless Secures Back-To-Back Wins

Entering the event as defending Prone Assist Champion, Kai Colless (AUS) was also riding a wave of momentum after securing his first Australian Para Surfing Title earlier in the week. Consistently dropping high wave scores throughout the competition, Colless carried this form into Finals Day, posting an 8.17 to surpass close rival Joel Taylor (AUS) and claim victory at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships.

Kai Colless said:

"It was hard out there, and difficult to pick a good wave. There were a few I had where I couldn't get the end section on, but luckily, I found two that were really good. I even got a little barrel in there it was sick!" 

Jocelyn Neumeuller Dominates Prone Assist

History was made earlier in the week when 5X World Champion Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS) earned the event’s first perfect 10-point ride. Heading into the Women's Prone Assist Final, Neumueller was the competitor to beat, and she continued to raise the bar for the division, earning a near perfect 9.57 point ride to convincingly win the Women's Prone Assist Title.

Reflecting on the growing standard of competition, Jocelyn Neumueller said:

"It's sick just to have the opportunity to surf waves at the pass in a contest, and then to see the other girls ripping as well. It's great to see Annie and Ashley pushing the level of surfing every time they come out, it's just so great to be a part of."

"It's a real team effort in the Prone Assist division, not only in the contest but week to week to get out and train, it definitely wouldn't be possible without the team here as well as my team back home that makes it happen, so a huge thank you to everyone who makes it possible. 

Jack Jackson Claims Consecutive Wins

Jack Jackson (AUS) made a mark in the adaptive surfing world this week, celebrating back to back wins at the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, and the Australian Para Surfing Titles. His consistency and adaptability in shifting conditions proved key to his success, posting a 7.33 and a 6.83 to win the Blind / Partial Vision Impaired Final, capping off an eventful competition week.

Jack Jackson said:

"It feels so good to have back-to-back wins. I'm glad the swell picked up for today, it was so much fun. I've had heaps of ups and downs this event, day three was nearly flat, then we have pumping waves like today!"

 Jack Jackson (AUS) wins the Blind / Partial Vision Impaired Final. Photo: Surfing Australia

Sam Bloom Reflects on Adaptive Surfing's Growth

Among the standout competitors was 4X World Para Surfing Champion, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Sam Bloom. At the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, Bloom showcased her elite skill and competitive drive, claiming victory in the Women's Unassisted Prone final.

Being a role model within the field of adaptive sport, Bloom reflected on the worldwide growth of adaptive surfing:

"The participation at these events has gotten so much bigger, when I first competed in 2018, I was with the girls, but also surfing in with the boys, because there weren't enough girls. There's heaps of new people here this year which is great." 

Barbara Garcia Celebrates Emotional Victory ( MEX)

Barbara Garcia (MEX) was overwhelmed with pride and emotion after her winning performance in the Women's Kneeling division. In tricky conditions at The Pass, with plenty of swell and sweep, Garcia's win showcased the depth of talent within the women's field, highlighting the continued progress of adaptive surfing on the global stage.

Barbara Garcia said:

"I feel so happy and emotional. The whole adaptive surfing community has worked so hard to have a professional platform, and this is the outcome. To be in tricky conditions like it was out there today, and have all the girls out there - I'm so proud." 

Barbara Garcia (MEX) wins the Kneeling Women's final. Credits: Surfing Australia

Jesse Billauer Takes Inspiring Win In Byron Bay

3X World Champion Jesse Billauer (HAW) has been named one of the most inspirational surfers on the planet and is an influential speaker and motivator for adaptive sport. At only 17, on the verge of becoming a professional surfer, Billauer’s life changed in an instant when he hit a shallow sandbar while surfing, leaving him paralysed.

Despite the life-altering injury, Billauer has carved out a remarkable career in adaptive surfing, becoming a global advocate for the sport and an inspiration to athletes worldwide. Competing in Byron Bay for the first time, Billuer earned a 9.17 and a 7.67, claiming victory in the Men's Prone Assist Final.

Jesse Billauer said:

"They saved the best weather for the last day and pumping waves; we got pretty blessed. I'm stoked to be here in Byron Bay for my first time, and I got number one so that's even better!"

Thank you to everyone who put this on, Mono and all the competitors. Gosh - everyone is such an inspiration, and I'm so glad I got a couple of waves."

Like many of the athletes competing in the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships, Billauer’s journey in the sport is a testament to resilience, and passion. 

Beyond the competition, the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships provided a powerful platform to honour the achievements of adaptive athletes and amplify the conversation around inclusivity in competitive surfing. With discussions ongoing about the sport’s potential inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics, events like these play a crucial role in demonstrating the skill, dedication, and global interest in adaptive surfing. 

The Championships not only showcased world-class talent but also reinforced the vital role adaptive surfing plays in promoting resilience, community, and greater opportunities for athletes with disabilities. 

Kenjiro Ito (JAP) Wins the Below Knee Standing Final. Photo: Surfing Australia

Finals Results:

Above Knee Standing (AKS) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Colin Cook (HAW) - 14.33
  • 2nd - Naomichi Katsukura (JAP) - 8.20
  • 3rd - Chris Blowes (AUS) - 5.03
  • 4th - Terry McGrath (AUS) - 3.73 

Any Knee Kneeling & upright (AKK) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Llywelyn Williams (WLS) - 10.44
  • 2nd -  Reddog Wheatley (AUS) - 10.17
  • 3rd - Masafumi Kobayashi (JAP) - 6.86
  • 4th - Mark 'Mono' Stewart (AUS) - 6.67 

Any Knee Kneeling & upright (AKK) Women's FINAL

  • 1st -  Barbara Garcia (MEX) - 11.34
  • 2nd - Victoria Pendergast (AUS) - 8.17
  • 3rd -  Em Dieters (AUS) - 5.33 

Below Knee Standing (BKS) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Kenjiro Ito (JAP) - 17.77
  • 2nd - Nachman Yariv Balulu (ISR) - 13.30
  • 3rd - Jake Matthews (AUS) - 9.17
  • 4th - John Crampton (AUS) - 6.00 

Blind/ No Vision (BNV) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Aitor Francesena Uria (ESP) - 12.84
  • 2nd - Kirk Watson (AUS) - 6.50
  • 3rd - Steven Fox (AUS) - 4.03 

Blind/ Partial Vision Impaired (BVI) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Jack Jackson (AUS) - 14.16
  • 2nd - Nicolas Medina (CHL) - 11.94
  • 3rd - Pierrot Gagliano (FRA) - 11.10
  • 4th - Matt Formston (AUS) - 9.97 

Blind/ Partial Vision Impaired (BVI) Women's FINAL

  • 1st - Aleli Medina (PUR) - 16.20
  • 2nd - Sarah Gibson (AUS) - 9.90
  • 3rd - Marta Paço (PRT) - 2.70 

Prone Assist (PA) Men's FINAL 

  • 1st - Jesse Billauer (HAW) - 16.84
  • 2nd - Lee Ferrier (AUS) - 11.43
  • 3rd - Tomoki Fujiwara (JAP) - 7.83
  • 4th - Claudio Morales (CHL) - 7.56 

Prone Assist (PA) Women's FINAL

  1. 1st - Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS) - 18.87
  2. 2nd - Annie Goldsmith (AUS) - 11.33
  3. 3rd - Ashley Bunting (USA) - 11.16 

Unassist Prone (UP) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Kai Colless (AUS) - 14.34
  • 2nd - Joel Taylor (AUS) - 12.57
  • 3rd - Ryan Porteous (USA) - 7.84
  • 4th - Gavin Bellis (AUS) - 5.33 

Unassist Prone (UP) Women's FINAL

  • 1st - Sam Bloom (AUS) - 16.43
  • 2nd - Grace Kennedy (AUS) - 5.43
  • 3rd - Katherine Beattie (USA) - 4.23
  • 4th - Laurie Foti (GBR) - 0.00 

Sit/ Waveski (WS) Men's FINAL

  • 1st - Michael Johnson (AUS) - 12.33
  • 2nd - Spike Kane (ENG) - 7.00
  • 3rd - Charles Webb (USA) - 5.70
  • 4th - Chris Astill (AUS) - 0.00

Wounded Warriors (Veterans) FINAL

  • 1st - Adam Cross - 17.50
  • 2nd - Gordon Mitchell - 6.87
  • 3rd - Luke Healey - 4.63
  • 4th - Gavin Bellis - 3.50
  • 5th - Andrew Smith - 0.67 

For full results, please visit LiveHeats.

About the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships

The 2025 BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surf Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support is the first leg on the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP) World Tour. The competition made history last year becoming Australia’s first ever international adaptive surfing contest. 

The BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support is a testament to the strength and resilience of adaptive athletes. It is an event that not only showcases the highest level of competition but also inspires greater inclusivity in the sport of surfing.

For further information, please visit: www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com and https://surfingaustralia.com/parasurf

Follow the event via Social Media on -  @adaptivesurfbyronbay 

The BrightSky Adaptive Pro Presented by Forward Ability Support is also made possible through the generous financial support of Sponsors and In-Kind support