Joel Parkinson and Bede Durbidge lead Gold Coast teams at Boarriders Battle National Final

JOEL Parkinson has returned to competitive surfing, guiding Snapper Rocks Surfriders through the opening day of the Australian Boardriders Battle National Final.

JOEL Parkinson has returned to competitive surfing, guiding Snapper Rocks Surfriders through the opening day of the Australian Boardriders Battle National Final.

The 2012 world champion put his club in a good position in clean four-foot waves at Newcastle Beach on Saturday while competing in the masters category as his club chases a third ABB title.

Joel Parkinson in the 2019 Australian Boardriders Battle National Final. Picture credit: WSL/Blainey Woodham.

“I didn’t think I’d be back in a jersey for a while but this is what you do for your club,” Parkinson said.

“It’s cool surfing in the Masters division now and letting the young guys and girls represent the club. It’s always so good to come here and do Snapper Rocks proud.”

Former Championship Tour star Bede Durbidge lit up the waves for Point Lookout Boardriders, with the North Stradbroke product posting the highest single wave score of the day.

Bede Durbidge in the 2019 Australian Boardriders Battle National Final. Picture credit: WSL/Blainey Woodham.

Durbidge recorded a near-perfect 9.80 out of a possible 10 in the masters section, demolishing a right hander with his trademark smooth style.

“I love this weekend,” Durbidge said.

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“Representing all of the great people from North Stradbroke Island is amazing.

“It was cool to come up against Kai Otton (former CT surfer), it was just like a heat on tour. “It’s great to have the jersey on again — I’m feeling really good and it’s nice to know I can still post solid numbers.”