All you need to know about the Burleigh Heads Australian Boardriders Battle grand final
Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore has been blocked from competing in this weekend’s Australian Boardriders Battle grand final. Read why here.
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- Snapper Rocks will field a stacked team at Burleigh Heads despite eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore being blocked from competing due to World Surf League (WSL) regulations.
- Former world champion Joel Parkinson, Sheldon Simkus, Josh Kerr, his daughter Sierra Kerr, and Zyah Hession are among the notable names in the Snapper Surfriders team.
- Simkus, currently ranked 17th in the Australia/Oceania Qualifying Series, aims to secure a spot at the Gold Coast Pro in April and eventually qualify for the Championship Tour.
Surfer Stephanie Gilmore has been blocked from competing in this weekend’s Australian Boardriders Battle grand final but club mate Sheldon Simkus believes a stacked Snapper Rocks team can still win at Burleigh Heads.
Eight-time world champion Gilmore is taking a year of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour and had been named as the Snapper Surfriders open female to compete in the teams event on Saturday and Sunday.
But the governing body has put the stop on the move that could have pitted the likes of Gilmore against fellow Aussie and seven-time world champion Layne Beachley who will compete for the Freshwater Boardriders.
Because Gilmore had already signed with the WSL before her late withdrawel from the tour it meant she is unable to compete in events not sanctioned by the global body.
Sanctioning fees can be paid for once-off events but it hasn’t occured for this weekend’s competition.
Despite Gilmore’s exit Snapper remains one of the favourites, naming a team including former world champion Joel Parkinson, Sheldon Simkus, former world tour competitor Josh Kerr, his daughter and two-time junior world champion Sierra Kerr and young gun Zyah Hession.
Snapper, who won the first two ABB titles in 2014 and 2015, are looking to shed its perennial bridesmaid tag after finishing second for the past three years straight.
“We have a really good team and most of us have grown up surfing right-hand poitn breaks so we will all feel comfortable going to a break we go to most days,” Simkus said.
The ABB grand final will fall in the middle of a jam-packed period for Simkus who is competing in the WSL’s Central Coast Pro this week and Surfest in Newcastle next week.
Simkus is currently ranked 17th in the Australia/Oceania Qualifying Series rankings, with his short-term goal to secure a spot at the Gold Coast Pro in April.
He still holds ambitions of making the Championship Tour and at 26 believes he is better poised than anytime in his career to make a run at it after seeking guidance from Snapper Rocks teammates.
“That is the epitomy of surfing and I’d love to do somethign that gives back to the next generation and if that includes insprising them on the tour then that is the goal,” Simkus said.
“I had some niggling injuries last year and had moments where I questioned if I still enjoy competing.
“I had a high ankle sprain that didn’t keep me out of the water but I wasn’t at my peak and I had a back issue. There were days I would be in bed wishing it would get better.”
Simkus said it was the differences he would make with heat strategy in 2024 after speaking to the likes of Parkinson, Gilmore and Josh Kerr that could be the change needed to propel himself on to the top tier tour.
“I always thought growing up the most talented surfers won events but you definitely learn along the way that not always the best surfer wins the event,” Simkus said.
“I have travelled across the world and lost the first heat and that is it, that is the comp over. “For me is has been about maturing and learning. You really learn from losses and evolve as a surfer. I thought you would do your best surfing in your early 20s but I feel like I’m getting better.”
Surfing Australia event specialist Rohan Fell said Burleigh Heads was expected to boast 2-4 foot swell this weekend.
“The festival-site is going up, the Gold Coast dash – as we’re calling it – is starting to take shape and we’re super excited to see this event come to life in its inaugural year at this location,” Fell said.
Avoca Boardriders Club
Avoca Beach, NSW
Club history: Born in 1976 and has over 200 active members
ABC has been a mainstay at Aussie Titles and the club winning many national teams titles, more recently ABB champs in 2017 and 4th place last year.
Legends:
Suppling world tour surfers like Mark Sainsbury, Bryce Ellis in the 80s thru to Adrian (Ace) Buchan, Matt Wilkinson (Wilko), Wade Carmichael in the 90s to 2000s to our new batch of rippers Caleb Tancred, Lennox Chell and many more.
Club squad:
Open men:
Teague Robinson – Current WQS surfer
Lennox Chell – Current WQS surfer and last year WSL juniors qualifier
Reserve:
Beau Atchison – Former WQS ranked surfer
Open women's:
Jazz McCorqudale – WQS surfer
Reserve:
Tahlia Hirst – WQS and junior event surfer
Masters:
Adrian Buchan – Almost 20 years on WCT tour, with WCT victories in France and Teahupoo
Reserve:
Beau Atchison – Former WQS ranked surfer
Junior (under 18):
Hugo Spindler – Junior tour competitor
Reserve:
Noah Hartney – Junior tour competitor
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Noah Hartney – Junior tour competitor Reserve: Hugo Spindler
Bondi Boardriders
Bondi Beach, NSW
Club History: Created in 1989 (35yrs) and over 180 members
Bondi Boardriders are in many ways a manifestation of all past clubs including Wind and Sea (set up in Bondi after a
trip to the US based foundation), The South Bondi Board Riders & rivals on our own beach when BBR was first established
ITN (In The Nude)
Legends:
Pauline Menczer – (1993 World Champ) – currently there is a GoFundMe to build a statue to honour our queen.
Grayson Hinrichs – former under 16 World Champion
Cheyne Horan – former world number two, and World Masters champion
Kevin The Head Brennan – the only surfer to win both junior and open Australian titles simultaneously.
Richard Cram – former world number 4
Steve Jones – Australian Champion
Ben Webber – Australian Champ
Club squad:
Open men:
Grayson Hinrichs – Former Under 16 World Champion & under 16 national champ. Works at Surf culture (great supporter of local surfers)
Pete Kavanagh – Body Boarding & Long Boarding national champ. Works at Surf culture (great supporter of local surfers)
Reserve:
Luke Adam – Works at Surf culture (great supporter of local surfers)
Open women:
Codie Klein – ISA world finalist. Juniors & Opens
Reserve:
Anna Toohey – Finalist in Australian championship & Queensland State Champ
Masters:
Curtis Bate – Founder and Director of BABY BOARDS PTY. LTD. 1st in Bondi’s opens division 2021
Reserve:
Sam Jackson – Director of Premier Media. Big supporter of Surfaid – 1st in Bondi Master division 2023, 2nd 2022, 3rd 2021.
Junior (under 18):
Fred Carmody – Competes and won both Opens & Juniors for the club 2022 & 2023, 2023 semi finalist Australian Junior Surfing Title. Member of NSW Junior team at Aussie titles
Reserve:
Zach Lorenz
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Pete Kavanagh – Long standing club member, makes every final at club comps
Bungan Boardriders
Bungan Beach, NSW
Club History: Formed in 2015 (2024 will be our 9th year running) – 150 members- First ABB
Club formed under Joel Shanahan and Luca Elder to surf, battle our mates and party. Our first team to represent our club at ABB and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
Club squad:
Open men:
Darcy Crump – QS Warriors
Will Pascoe – QS Warriors
Reserve:
Luca Elder
Open women:
Milla Brown – U16 Australian Junior Titles Champion. ISA world games in Brazil. QS warrior
Reserve:
Lucy Brown
Masters:
Phil “The Hammer” Hoile
Junior (under 18):
George Langley
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Milla Brown
Burleigh Boardriders,
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Club squad:
Open men:
Thomas Woods
Maddy Job
Reserve:
Hinata Aizawa
Open women:
Isla Huppatz
Reserve:
Mia Huppatz
Masters:
Jay Thompson
Reserve:
Jesse Outram
Junior (under 18):
Tom Whitpane
Reserve:
Rico Haybittle
Byron Bay Boardriders,
The Pass, Tallow Beach, Broken Head Beach, NSW
Club History: Since 1977 -200 members (includes Movie Star kids, CEOs, Former Pros, hot rippers and frothing Groms)
Founded by Doug Unger and friends as a social club. Back then regarded as a hippy town. Our club are basically working class members that were employed at local businesses which were the life blood of our town back in the 70s and 80s …. Norco Butter Factory, F J Walkers Meatworks, The Piggery, Whaling Station, and Sandmining.
Club achievements: Winners of the 2023 ABB Grand Final, this win has elevated our club to new heights and this achievement has been very beneficial for our club in every aspect. Memberships especially new junior Boys and Girls are flocking to our club.
Our town has completely changed to become a major Tourist Destination and home to Movie Stars, celebrities, and beautiful people from all over the World. The Team was led by Danny Wills, Soli Bailey, and Dakoda Walters. 2023 was our biggest year ever for both Results and Financially.
Club squad:
Open men:
Dakoda Walters
Soli Bailey
Reserve:
Kieran Perrow
Open women:
Leihani Zoric
Reserve: TBA
Masters:
Daniell Wills
Reserve:
Kieran Perrow
Junior (under 18):
Harley Walters
Reserve:
Mac Brindley
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Dakoda Walters
Reserve:
Zac Skyring
Cabarita Boardriders
Cabarita Beach, NSW
Club History: Formed in 1991. Current membership circa 100 members
Club squad:
Open men:
Kyan Falvey – recently finished 7th on the Australian Junior Tour 2023
Keiren Conway
Reserve:
Brent Savage
Open women:
Zahli Kelly
Reserve:
Maddison Parker
Masters:
Chris Wilson
Reserve:
Josh Fuller
Junior (under 18):
Fletcher Kelleher – has a bright future ahead. Currently finishing in the top 5 at the World Juniors
Reserve: TBC
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Chris Wilson – Is renowned as one of the world’s best aerial surfers
Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club,
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Club History: Formed in 1965. Over 150 members
Club squad:
Open men:
Jayke Sharp
Ethan Stocks
Reserve:
Creed Smart
Open women:
Rosie Smart
Masters:
Lee Winkler
Reserve:
Jayke Sharp
Junior (under 18):
Will Martin
Reserve:
Creed Smart
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Ethan Stocks
Cronulla Sharks Boardriders
Cronulla, NSW
Club history: Founded in 1978 by John Veage- 150 members
Club squad:
Open men:
Jay Brown – club champ 2020/2021
Jordan Widenstrom
Reserve:
Jordy Turansky
Open women:
Grace Gosby
Reserve:
Summa Longbottom
Masters:
Hayden Blair – current club champ. Love the big stuff
Reserve:
Dylan Longbottom
Junior (under 18):
Kash Brown – Australian champion U16 2023
Reserve:
Xavier Stark
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Kash Brown
Elouera Boardriders Club
Cronulla, NSW
Club History: Current membership is around 150 surfers.
Club squad:
Open men:
Jarvis Earle – 2022 World Junior Champion. Just won the QS3000 at Urban Surf VIC
Jared Hickel – A former QS1000 event winner (Uluwatu)
Reserve:
Joe Sear – A former Mens Australian Champion
Open women:
April Davey
Reserve:
Mia Martin
Masters:
Mitch Warren
Reserve:
Luke Palmer
Junior (under 18):
Jaya Wardana
Reserve:
Korbin Whyte
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Jarvis Earle
Freshwater Boardriders
Freshwater, NSW
Club History: Formed in 1974
One of the oldest clubs in oz. Known as the place that popularised surfing in Australia when Duke Kahanamoku displayed surfing in 1915 at Freshie Beach. Freshie is a small beach that is part of the world surfing reserve of Manly. Can get a punchy right hander in the corner.
Club squad:
Open men:
Tom Myers – Former pro junior finalist. Now known more for chasing heavy waves and slabs
Nathan Munro – Underground ripper from Freshie with a lethal backhand
Open women:
Layne Beachley – 7x world champ and 1x Masters world champ.
Masters:
Sam Brown – Underground ripper from Freshie that has a super smooth style and charged in heavy waves
Junior (under 18):
Lex Oconnor – One of the best young juniors in oz, with several state and national contest wins under his belt. Just represented Sweden at the Isa junior world games.
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Tom Myers
Jones Beach Boardriders
Jones Beach, NSW
Club History: Club started in 1983 by Mark Way (40yrs last year)- 150 members
Huge rise in participation of juniors both male and female lately.
Club is focused on junior development, providing a competitive platform and community engagement. This combination of community unity and surfing development has seen us grow in the last few years.
Club squad:
Open men:
Lennix Smith – Multiple Australian junior champ. Recent participation in the ISA World Championships
Nick Clifford
Open women:
Oceania Rogers – Multiple Junior NSW state Champion. 2nd place 2022 U/18 girls Ozzie Tittles
Masters:
Matt Thompson – Past WQS competitor
Junior (under 18):
Dezz Conti
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Lennix Smith
Kawana Boardriders Club
Kawana, QLD
Club History: Established 2007 -160 members
Strong focus on junior development and family-oriented club.
Club squad:
Open men:
Zeb Stokes
Braxon Holmstrom
Reserve:
Danny Finch
Open women:
Jahly Stokes – In Australian team for ISA world junior titles. Won her division at the Burleigh State of Origin
Reserve:
Laney Stokes – Was Ripcurl national from search finalist
Masters:
Dane Bird – Won his division at the Burleigh State of Origin
Reserve:
Matt Filippi
Junior (under 18):
Xennex Holmstrom
Reserve:
Ashton Tutt
Hyundai Air show Aerialist
Sam Williams
Kingscliff Boardriders
Kingscliff, NSW
Club History: Formation 1963- Currently 90 Members.
Club squad:
Open men:
Micah Margieson – Past u18 Aust champ
Mitch James
Reserve:
Blake Neca
Open women:
Ava Arghyros – Ranked 7th U 16 Aust
Reserve:
Chealsea Hedges
Masters:
Samba Mann
Reserve:
Josh Harrington
Junior (under 18):
Dane Henry – Ranked 1st u18 Aust
Reserve:
Lachlan Arghyros – Ranked 1st u16 Aust
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Dane Henry – Ranked 1st u18 Aust
LEBA Boardriders
Lenox Head / Ballina, NSW
Club History: Founded in November 1980 -150 members
Founded in November 1980 by a small group of surfers from Lennox Head and Ballina. The local legend is the surfer Brad Myers thought it should be named by combining the names of the two towns in one simple abbreviation and so it became Le-Ba Boardriders.
Club achievements: The club quickly gained a strong reputation as a top-level competitive force finishing in the top 5 in the Quiksilver Surf League finals in the early 90s. Le-Ba has also won the Simon Anderson Club of the year award in 2008 and were the Jim Beam Surf Tag Australian Champions in 2012.
Club squad:
Open men:
James Wood
Mickey McDonagh
Reserve:
Bohdie Williams
Open women:
Nyxie Ryan
Reserve:
Juniper Harper
Masters:
Adam Melling
Reserve:
Sunny Russell
Junior (under 18):
Harry O’Brien
Reserve:
Keenan Crisp
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Mikey Mcdonagh
Long Reef Boardriders Association
Long Reef, NSW
Club History: LRSA aka Longy Boardriders just celebrated 50 years in 2023 – has over 200 members
Club achievements: Longy has won the National Surftag Series 2 years in row in 2022 & 2023.
Club squad:
Open men:
Kobi Clements – Won Pro Juniors. Came 4th in the 2022 ISA World junior Titles. Is 3 times Long Reef Open champion. Currently competing on the WQS.
Xavier Bryce – Is the Current Longy Open Club Champion. Won regional junior titles. State and National Finalist. Currently competing on WSL Pro Juniors and WQS events
Reserve:
Ruben Casteigt
Open women:
Gabi Spake – Represented Australia in the 2022 ISA World Junior Titles. Came 2nd in the Australian Open of Surfing at Bondi Beach in 2023.
Reserve:
Sydney Chevalier – Is the reigning Northern Beaches U/18 Champion. Current Longy Open women’s Champion
Masters:
Nick James
Reserve:
Zahn Foxton or Jaymes Triglone
Junior (under 18):
Baxter Hurt
Reserve:
Jonny Grainger
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Xavier Bryce
Margaret River Boardriders
Margaret River, WA
Club History: Formed in 1976 with around 50 members
Club achievements: Run the biggest surf contest in WA ‘the Margaret River Classic for 40 years. Statistically the hardest club to make a heat globally voted by LiveHeats 13.44
Legends: Jacob Willcox, Bronte Macaulay, Dave Macaulay, Shaun Manners, Creed McTaggart, Yadin Nicol, Jerome Forrest, Andrew Sheridan, Mia McCarthey, Tom Innes, Chris Ross, Dino Adrian, Willow Hardy, Macklin Flynn,
Club squad:
Open men:
Ben Spence – QS 39th former. WA state champion
Alex Mcguffin – QS 42 2022. WA state Champion
Open women:
Willow Hardy – Australian Junior Champion 8th QS
Masters:
Andrew Sheridan – 0/40 State Champion. 5th National Rankings 0/40
Junior (under 18):
Macklin Flynn – Runner up Australian junior Champion
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Macklin Flynn
Maroubra United Boardriders
Maroubra Beach, NSW
Club History: Established in 2015
Created through the amalgamation of three local Maroubra clubs.
This unified entity serves as a platform for the finest local surfers to showcase their skills and proudly represent their hometown, embodying the vibrant spirit of Maroubra. More than just a surf club, Maroubra United fosters a sense of community, nurturing talent while transcending past divisions and personal agendas that had hindered progress in the area. Led by the collective vision of the three former club presidents, Maroubra United epitomises the unity and collective strength of the Maroubra community, dedicated to honouring its rich surfing heritage and fostering a culture of excellence.
Club squad:
Open men:
Tye Koolis
Max McGuigan – Former childhood prodigy on the equestrian circuit quit horse riding as a 16-year-old to focus on competitive surfing. Represented Australia at the ISA World Games. Now stars on the television series Bondi Rescue
Reserve:
Jake Scott – Represented Australia at the ISA Worlds. Finished 4th at the Australian titles
Open women:
Poppy O’Rielly
Reserve:
Shirra Arakawa
Masters:
Blake Thornton – Former CT surfer. Won the inaugural O’Neill coldwater classic series in 2009. Now a professional Lifeguard competing in select speciality events including Red Bull cape fear
Reserve:
Matt Howard
Junior (under 18):
Mateus Bersot
Reserve:
Judah Miller
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Koda Killorn
Merewether Surfboard Club
Merewether, NSW
Club History: Founded 27th June 1964- Current membership 150
In the top 5 clubs in Australia for all of our 60 years. 12 surfers competed on the elite tour.
Club squad:
Open men:
Mikey Clayton Brown
Ollie Ryssenbeek
Reserve:
Walter Hyatt
Open women:
Amelie Bourke
Reserve:
Shirra Arakawa
Masters:
Jackson Brent
Reserve:
Paul Snow
Junior (under 18):
Ocean Lancaster
Reserve:
Eden Hassen
Mermaid Nobby’s Miami Boardriders (MNM Boardriders)
Mermaid Beach, Nobby’s Beach and Miami Beach, QLD
Club History: established in 1992 and has been running for 32 years.
In this time thousands of members have progressed through the 14 divisions offered within the club. These divisions range from the “Under 12 micro groms” division through to the “Over 60 grand masters” division. MNM prides itself as a family-oriented club built on solid community, family and competitive values. It’s a club that is well received by the local community and is well respected throughout the entire Australian surfing community. Our pride and joy is our fully decked out club event management trailer – judge seating, spectator lounge, fridge, pa system, defibrillator, first aid kit, solar + batteries, display screens, spinal board, BBQ.
Club squad:
Open men:
Sean Gunning
Darren Turner
Reserve:
Corey Moore, Archer Curtis
Open women:
Ellie Brooks
Reserve:
Erin Dark
Masters:
Anthony Pols
Reserve:
Corey Moor, Sid Hooker, Mick Hassett, Darren Turner
Junior (under 18):
Aidan Finn
Reserve:
Darcy Roots, Marley O’Rourke
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Sean Gunning
Mid Coast Saltwater Boardriders Club Incorporated (Saltwater Boardriders Club)
Old Bar, NSW
Club History: Formed in 1965
Established on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Saltwater Boardriders Club has a long history of developing quality surfers from a small talent pool. These days the club continues to be heavily invested in its juniors, with more than half of its 76 members made up of surfers under 12 years old.
Legends: former CT surfers Beau Emerton and Ben Dunn
Club squad:
Open men:
Oscar Scanes – Club president. Former junior series darling
Toby Holley – Current Mid North Coast U/16 boys runner-up
Open women:
Jemma Holley – Recently made the quarters in U/18 girls at National Titles
Masters:
Vincent Primel – Surf coach extraordinaire
Junior (under 18):
Malakai Carson – Current Mid North Coast U/14 boys champion
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Oscar Scanes – Club president and former junior series darling
North Avalon Surfriders Assoc (NASA)
Avalon, NSW
Club History: Established in 1970 (53 years) – Over 250 members in the club throughout 10 divisions. The club has a brand new storage facility built at North Avalon.
Current Legends: Rob Bain, Richard Cram, Young up and comers Balin and Locana Cullen,
Passed Legends: Chelsea Georgeson (now Hedges) 2005 World Champ, Michael Rommelse 97 Triple Crown Winner
Club squad:
Open men:
Arch Whiteman – NASA champ of champs 1st place 2023. Competing on WSL qualifier series to try get on the challenger series
Van Whiteman – NASA club champion 2022
Open women:
Bodhi Leigh Jones – Tied club women’s champion NASA 2023 with sister Ceder Leigh Jones. 2nd pro junior series 2019. 9th world pro junior
Masters:
Shane Conwell – 4th Aussie titles over 35 2023
Junior (under 18):
Isaiah vaeleki
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Arch Whiteman
Noosa Boardriders Club
Sunshine Beach, QLD
Club History: established in 1968 – 120-140 members
Club squad:
Open men:
Noah Stocca
Cooper Davies
Reserve:
Aaron Kelly
Open women:
Gia Lorentson
Reserve:
Coco Cairns
Masters:
Dean Brady
Reserve:
Dean Connerly
Junior (under 18):
Mitchell Peterson
Reserve:
Darcy Dwyer
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Aaron Kelly
North End Boardriders
South Straddie to Narrowneck, QLD
Club History: Established in 1976 Main Beach, Gold Coast (48th year) 150-200 competitive and social members
Formed by the Anderson family and Joe Engel.
Legends: Joe Engel, Munga Barry, Wayne McKewen, Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich, Tai ‘Buddha’ Graham, Louie Hynd,
Chris Zaffis, Chris ‘Ibis’ Bennetts.
Club squad:
Open men:
Chris Zaffis – 38th in Challenger Series 2022
Chris Bennetts
Reserve:
Luke Hynd
Open women:
Ashleigh Spence
Reserve:
Urara Saito
Masters:
Josh Dowthwaite
Reserve:
Austin Langbridge
Junior (under 18):
Ryder Lucy
Reserve:
Tommy Ryan
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Chris Zaffis
North Narrabeen
North Shelly, NSW
Club History: Established in 1964
Club squad:
Open men:
Dylan Moffat – Getting after the CT in 2024
Jordy Lawler – Getting after the CT in 2024
Reserve:
Davey Cathels
Open women:
Tru Starling
Reserve:
Laura Enever – World record biggest wave
Masters:
Nathan Hedge
Reserve:
Christo Hall
Junior (under 18):
Tommy Hinwood – Spirit animal of NN. Runner up at Tahiti. Beat world champ last year at Chopes
Reserve:
Corey Lawson
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Tommy Hinwood
North Shelly Boardriders
North Shelly, NSW
Club History: Formed 1980 – Over 200 members
Abb champs 2022.
Club squad:
Open men:
Joel Vaughan
Shane holmes
Open women:
Macy Callaghan
Masters:
Russ Molony
Junior (under 18):
Hughie Vaughan
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Joel Vaughan
North Shore Boardriders
Maroochydore, QLD
Club History: Founded in the 1969 by a group of Redcliffe surfers – 100 members
North Shore Boardriders is one of the longest running board riding clubs in Australia. Members at that stage made
the trip on weekends to camp and surf at North Coast beaches – thus the club name.
Club accomplishments: – 2023 Won Queensland ABB/ 2023 Usher Cup Winners
– 2022 Straddie Assault Winners
– 2021 ABB Winners
Club squad:
Open men:
– Currently sitting 2nd on Australian Qualifying series
Luke brumby – 2nd Australian Qualifying. Represented Australia at world juniors in January
Reserve:
Jack reginato
Open women:
Holly Williams – Previously surfed in 2022 WSL Challenger series
Reserve:
Tayla Green – 2024 Burleigh Single Fin champion. Finished 7th in ISA World Surfing Games in Brazil 2023
Masters:
Blake Wilson
Reserve:
Daniel squires
Junior (under 18):
Landen Smales - 1st in Taj Small Fries event in 2024 18 Boys. Is also the Australian National Indigenous Champion and currently ranked number 1 in the under 18s on Surfing Australia’s rankings in 2024.
Reserve:
Xavian Squires
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Xavian Squires
North Steyne Boardriders
North Steyne, Manly, NSW
Club History: Founded in 1997 – around 90 members ranging from 9 years old to 70 year olds. The Claw is the Law. 9 divisions: Micro groms, 14’s boys and girls, 18’s boys and girls, over 45’s, B Grade, A Grade and Open Women.
Legends: WCT surfers Kai Otton, Ritchie Lovett and Dayyan Neve. We now have a new crop pushing the worlds best such as George Pittar (2023 & 2024 Challanger Series) and Saxon Reber (=9th World Juniors 2023).
Club squad:
Open men:
George Pittar – 19th 2023 Challenger Series
Blake Levett – Team Australian at the 2017 ISA World Games. Works for Chilli Surfboards
Reserve:
Saxon Reber
Open women:
Izzy Highs – Team Thailand at the 2033 ISA World Surfing Games.
Masters:
Dayyan Neve – 2 years on the WCT. In 2009 was nominated as one of Cleo (magazine)’s Bachelor of the Year award.
Junior (under 18):
Sol Gruendling – 2nd Taj Small Fries 2024 18 Boys
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Blake Levett
North West Boardriders
North West, TAS
Club History: Formed in 1986 -Small Club of around 50 Members.
Rather than representing a town or beach, we are a regional Club, spanning the Northwest Region from Port Sorell on the North Coast, down to Marrawah/Arthur River on the Wild West Coast.
Club squad:
Open men:
Jy Johannesen – 6x State Open Men’s Champion, Current Champ
Matt Gaby – West Coast Classic Winner, (States most prestigious event, second longest running event in nation)
Reserve:
Toby Ray – Numerous finals in state and club format. Club President
Open women:
Brooke Mason – Previous State Open Women’s and Under 18 Champ. West Coast Classic winner.
Masters
Richard Ramsden – Current Over 40s State Champion. Renowned Charger and Club Secretary
Junior (under 18):
Kylin Harris – Upcoming talented grom
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Matt GabyReserve: Jy Johannesen
Palm Beach Boardriders
Palm Beach, QLD
Club History: A core surfboard riding club established 1968, current memberships above 100.
Groms and Girls are our biggest growth with regular club coaching available and over 10 club rounds a year. We are super proud of our club and town which has deep roots going back to the 60s, 70s and 80s. Based at 25th avenue Palm Beach.
“We are serious about surfing but just as serious about not taking the fun out of surfing”
Club squad:
Open men:
Diego Cordeiro – WQS surfer
Brayten Pringault – Palm Beach up and coming Junior champ
Open women:
Tiana-Breeze De mooij – Ex WQS competitor
Masters:
Murray Scott – 2nd Queensland Masters champion
Junior (under 18):
Hemi O’Brien – Currently 2nd in Australia for under 14’s
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Diego Cordeiro – WQS surfer
Peninsula Boardriders
Gunamatta, Vic
Club History: Founded in 1974 (50 Years old)- Current Membership of 350 members
We run most events on one of Victoria most iconic beach breaks, Gunamatta, which used to be the home of
the iconic Jnr Series. Current Membership includes an affiliated super grom club, the futures very BRIGHT!
Club Squad:
Open men:
Caiden Fowler – Former WQS warrior. 3rd place behind Ethan Ewing at the Burliegh Q. Former PSC Open Aggregate winner.
Pedro Laigni – Yago Dora’s sparring partner for many years and WQS saltwort.
Reserve:
Jett Dickson
Open women:
Ava Holland – Current top 4 under 16 junior surfer in Australia.
Reserve:
Sophie Wilkonson
Masters:
Lauchy Mcdonald – 4th place over 35, 2022 Australian Title. 4 x PSC Open Aggregate winner.
Reserve:
Adam Morrison
Junior (under 18):
Will Watson – Currently sitting 4th in the under 18 Aus pro jnr circuit. Finished the season with 3 x finals and a semi-final finish.
Reserve:
Jett Harrison
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Pedro Laigni
Phillip Island Boardriders Club
Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, Vic
Club History: Established in 1963- current membership: 350
Claim to the oldest continuously running surfing club in Australia. Located on Phillip Island (Millowl), we run our own events across several different formats, age divisions and locations, as well as competing in state and national club events.
Club squad:
Open men:
Carl Wright
Harry De Roth
Reserve:
Joe Van Dijk
Open women:
Sage Goldsbury
Masters:
Ash Easton
Junior (under 18):
Sam Patterson
Reserve:
Tate Russell
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Harry De Roth
Point Lookout
Main Beach, QLD
Club History: Established in 1972
Club Squad:
Open men:
Curtis Ewing
Lincoln Taylor – Australian junior champion
Reserve:
Zane Jenner
Open women:
Stacey Holt – Former Layne Beachley medal winner
Reserve:
Tahlia Henderson
Masters:
Bede Durbidge – Former world number 2
Reserve:
Lincoln Taylor
Junior (under 18):
Monty Mergler
Reserve:
Cory Heisig
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Zane Jenner
Sandon Point Boardriders
Sandon Point, NSW
Club History: Established in 1980 – 194 members this year consisting of 46 micro-grommets.
Prior to this surfing clubs started in 1965 in the Corrimal Area, by the late Darryl Eastlake.
In 1967 it morphed into a Bellambi based club and then from 1969 became Southern Pacific based at Sandon Point.
This was the only club in area for some time but died off for a few years. In 1980 a few lads from Bulli High School after recent success in the ‘scholastics’ approached Tony “Midnight” Ryan to start up Sandon Point Boardriders.
In 1982 he was joined at the helm by Gary “Morto” Morton. The club has continued since these early beginnings with fluctuating membership but was and will always be the premiere boardriders club in the region. The area has always had top tier surfers that perform well on the world stage especially Hawaii due to the natural power of the local waves in the Illawarra Area.
Legends: 2 junior world champions- Jake Spooner & Chad Ryan while Jason Gava captained the Austrialian School Surfing team in 1989 surfers to watch into the future: Eddy Hamaty, Jed Ashton, Lucas Wrice and Benny Duncan, Big wave charger Harry Steele and Juniors Taj Air, Sammy Lowe, Charlie Lamberger and Joe Rocco-Sommervillle. Female up and comers: Pearl Peters and Sophia Lamberger.
Recent club achievements:
– Placing 4th in 2023 and 3rd in 2023 in the Kirra Teams challenge which is regarded as the most prestigious club event in Australia having being held for last 30+ years.
– Finalist in the Australian Surfing Awards 2021 for Innovation, where the club was recognised for our partnership with Sandon Point Surfclub to introduce nippers to surfing.
– The club also recently acquired a new surfers HQ trailer, that is a solar powered, weatherproof contest hub that operates in all weather conditions. We have been donated by Surfing NSW a state-of-the-art drone to assist with surfer safety for our events.
Club squad:
Open men:
Jed Ashton – SPONSORS: Byrne Surfboards. 2018 – 2nd place Ripcurl Gromsearch. 1st place Werri Slash, 2022. Equal 3rd Culburra Bash, 2023. 1st Illawarra Carve Classic 2023
Lucas Wrice – SPONSORS – Byrne Surfboards, Rip Curl. 2019 – 1st Phillip Island WQS1000. 2019 – 3rd Nias Pro WQS3000. 2017 – 1st Kiama Pro-Junior. 2017 – 2nd Australian Junior Titles
Reserve:
Eddy Hamaty – SPONSORS – Deus ex machina dp surfboards project blank surf ocean and earth. 2022 SPB Club Champion. Top 60 Australasian QS Surfer. 2020 Australian Open of Surfing Series – 14th
Open women:
Pearl Peters – SPONSORS – Southernman Surf, Ulladulla. 2023 – 1st Lets Surf Lake Mac Cadet Cup u/16s. 2023 – 16th on Australian Junior Rankings – u/16’s. 2023 Sandon Point Boardriders Womens Club Champion. 2023 – 5th RipCurl GromSearch Newcastle u/16s. 2023 – 10th Wildcard for National Gromsearch Final. 2023 – 2nd Ocean and Earth Regional Titles u/16s.
Masters:
Parrish Byrne
Reserve:
Karl Lavis
Junior (under 18):
Sammy Lowe – SPONSORS – Billabong, Mayhem Surfboards, Oakley, Ocean & Earth, Futures Fins. 2023 – Sandon Point Boardriders Club Champion. 2023 – 5th Billabong Oz Grom cup (18s). 2023 – 5th Skullcandy oz grom open (18s). 2023 – 4th Phillip Island Junior pro (18s). 2023 – 1st Sri Lankan National titles (international event) (18s). 2023 – 2nd Sri Lankan National titles (international event)(Opens). 2023 – Currently ranked 4th Australia Junior Rankings (18s)
Reserve:
Taj Air
Hyundai Aerialist:
Lucas Wrice
Reserve:
Sammy Lowe
Scarborough
Scarborough Beach, NSW
Club History: Established in 1984 (40th year this year)- over 220 members.
The club was originally formed out of members of the Scarborough Wombarra Surf Lifesaving Club and still have a great relationship still with the Club. We have built this club now to be one of the largest and most successful Boardriders Clubs in NSW.
We play a major role in our community now, from all ages of men and women, ranging with our youngest members being 4 or 5 years of age right up to 70-year-olds. We use our sponsorship money towards training and development within the club, while also sending team/squads to represent and compete around the state and country.
Legends: Stanwell Park local male Surfer Kalani Ball on the WSL Challenger Series in his pursuit to obtain a spot on the WSL Dream Tour.
Club squad:
Open men:
Fin McLaren
Will Clarke – Illawarra U18 champ. 3rd Cadet Cup 2020. Multiple WQS Heats
Reserve:
Dylan Perese
Open women:
Shyla Short
Reserve:
Zahlia Short
Masters:
Nic Squiers – Multiple State and Australian Titles and a decade on the WQS. 17th Volcom Pipe Pro 2019. 5th Sydney Surf Pro 2019
Reserve:
Christian De Clouett
Junior (under 18):
Mannix Squiers – Scarborough Boardriders A Grade Champ 2023. Multiple JQS & WQS heats under his belt.
Reserve:
Rhett Maddock
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Mannix Squiers
Seaford Boardriders
Seaford, SA
Club History: 30 Year Anniversary next year- 80 members
Club squad:
Open men:
Dion Atkinson – Ex WTC
Luke Sykora
Reserve:
Jarrad Howse – Ex WCT
Open women:
Jemma Crowley – Current Club champ
Reserve:
Maia Taite
Masters:
Clayton Howse
Reserve:
Francis Harsing
Junior (under 18):
King Cairns – Current Club Champion
Reserve:
Ashton Crowley
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Harry Green
Seaview Road Boardriders (Roaders)
Mid Coast, SA
Club History: Established in 1964 – celebrating 60 years this year – 90 active members.
Founded out of a house belonging to the Davidge family, on a road (Seaview Road) leading down to Middleton Beach on the South Coast of SA, since then the club evolved to encompass many of the top SA surfers from a variety of SA regions.
Legends: Early mentor Barry Young, surfboard shaper Kym Thompson, James ‘Chappy’ Jennings, ‘Squizzy’ Taylor, Bill Sedunary, Belinda Godfrey, Josh Lock and many more have been part of the Roaders journey.
Roaders Groms Program: We have a big focus on youth development with senior members running training for our groms and the club supporting them financially to travel interstate as much as possible.
This year our team is surfing for one of our squad members Khai Cowley who tragically passed away on the Yorke Peninsula after Christmas (shark attack – not sure if you mention that or not). Khai was looking forward to representing Seaview Road Boardriders at Burleigh as it would have been his first National ABB Final.
Club squad:
Open men
Digby Tooze – SA State Open Champ 2021. Yorkes Classic Winner 2021. Former state under 18 & 16 champion
Corey Taylor – 2023 Robe Classic Winner. Finalist in 2023 state events (Yorkes Classic, Hurley Winter Classic). Former under 18 & 16 state champ. 2022 & 2023 Club Champ
Reserve:
Robbie Winter
Open women:
Keira Hunt – Finalist in Under 16, Under 18 Women’s SA State Championships in 2023. Former state champion in Under 14 division. 2023 Southern Surf Festival Open Women’s Twin Fin Champion. 2023 Junior & Open Women’s Club Champion.
Reserve:
Cheryl Peat
Masters:
Alan Peat – 2023 Over 40 SA State Champ. Semi finalist over 45 men Australian Surf Championships, Port Macquarie
Reserve:
Gary Haworth
Junior (under 18):
Arley Partridge – All star & under 16 SA state schools champion 2022 & 2023. Semi Finalist in Open Mens Hurley Winter Classic. 2023 Junior Club Champion.
Reserve:
Joshua Burgess
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Digby Tooze
Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club
Snapper Rocks, QLD
Club History: Formed in 1964 (60th year this year)- around 200 members.
Club accomplishments and legends:
– Six World Champions: World Aerial Champion in Josh Kerr, greatest woman surfer of all time Steph Gilmore
– Many junior World Champions (we were one of the first clubs to start a junior development program): Sierra has just won 2 junior world titles and her first WQS event at URBNSURF.
The only club in the world to have 2 WSL world champions in the one year – Steph and Joel in 2012.
Club squad:
Open men:
Joel Parkinson – World Champion
Sheldon Simkus – 2 x Usher Cup winner
Reserve:
Quinn Bruce
Open women:
Sierra Kerr – 2 times Junior World Champion. WQS Urbnsurf winner
Reserve:
Kobie Enright
Masters:
Josh Kerr – World Air Champion WCT
Reserve:
Jay Phillips
Junior (under 18):
Zyah Hession
Reserve:
Ashton Pignat
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Sierra Kerr
South Arm Board Riders
Clifton Beach, Tas
Club History: Formation in 1980s -Membership of 100
10 x ABB State Champions
Legends: We have a swag of talent now, with our Juniors both Male & Female dominating the Tasmanian seen as well as our Open Surfers, with a core crew of chargers too surfing Shipstern Bluff.
Club squad:
Open men
Matt Kennedy – Tasmanian Champion 2023
Rudy Davis – Tasmanian Champion 2022
Reserve:
Kyle Cooper – Stand out surfer in ABB 11 Qualifier 2024
Open women:
Dara Penfold – Previous World Junior Champion. Margeret River Champion (WQS). Australian Champion
Masters:
Natt Sperring – All Round Dark Horse
Reserve:
Luke Johannesen – SABR O35 Surfer for the past 11 years. Semi Finalist Australian Championships
Junior (under 18):
Marvin Freeman – Semi Finalist Occy Grom Comp. Rip Curl Grom Search Finalist
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Rudy Davis
Reserve:
Kyle Cooper
Torquay Boardriders
Bells Beach, Vic
Club History: 46 years running – over 300 members
“Go hard or go home”
Club squad
Open men:
Tully Wylie
Xavier Huxtable
Reserve:
Lucas Hickson
Open women:
Ellie Harrison
Reserve:
Emily McGettigan
Masters:
Troy Brooks
Reserve:
Jack Perry
Junior (under 18):
Willis Droomer
Reserve:
Lucas Hickson
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Willis Droomer
Trigg Point Boardriders
Trigg Point, WA
Club Squad:
Open men:
Luke Campbell
Flethcher Llanwarne
Reserve:
Pascal Hutchinson
Open women:
Isi Campbell
Masters:
Tim Fitzpatrick
Junior (under 18):
Jesse Siedmiogrodzki
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Fletcher Llanwarne
Reserve:
Luke Campbell
Ulladulla Boardriders Club
Ulladulla, NSW
Club History: Established in 1974 – currently consisting of 120 members ranging in age from 6 years to 60.
One of the biggest clubs on the south coast of NSW, currently celebrating their 50th year in competition.
Competitors consist of some of the best young surfers in Australia including former Australian champion Keira Buckpitt.
Club squad:
Open men:
Chad Elkins
Charlie Brophy
Reserve:
Ben Buckpitt
Open women:
Keira Buckpitt – Former Australian Champion. Represented Australia in the ISA world junior surfing championship and most recently the World Junior Championships
Masters:
Tim Wrench
Junior (under 18):
Reece Harper
Reserve:
Theo Bradley
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Chad Elkins
Yallingup Boardriders
Yallingup, WA
Club History: Born in the 1960s – over 100 members.
Pioneered and discovered our coastline in the 1970s- Ripped into the 1980s – Incorporated in 1991
The club continues to develop the future champions of surfing while giving them a solid Home base with the support
of many “stalwarts” and backed up by local community and businesses the club is going from strength to strength with well over 100 members.
Club squad:
Open men:
Jay Davies
Jack Thomas
Open women:
Ruby Berry
Masters:
Taj Burrow
Junior (under 18):
Maverick Wilson
Reserve:
Otis North
Hyundai Air show Aerialist:
Jay Davies
Reserve:
Otis North
*Teams are subject to change depending on athlete availability
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
Originally published as All you need to know about the Burleigh Heads Australian Boardriders Battle grand final
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