50TH SUNSHINE SURF MASTERS DELIVERS A GOLDEN CELEBRATION OF SURFING

Published on 12/08/2026

The milestone 50th Sunshine Surf Masters, presented by Mc Boats, celebrated five decades of surfing history in Geraldton, attracting a strong field of competitors across multiple age divisions and showcasing the depth of talent within Western Australian surfing last weekend. 

Presented by Corner Surf Shop and hosted by Geraldton Board Riders (GBR), the event brought together emerging juniors, seasoned competitors and surfing legends in a fitting tribute to WA’s longest, continuously run surfing competition.

Across three days of competition, surfers battled it out for anniversary honours in clean conditions and fiercely contested finals.

The Open Men’s division produced a high-quality final, with Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough) claiming the prestigious 50th anniversary title ahead of Danny Williams (Geraldton), Brady Marsden (Geraldton) and Finn Cox (Margaret River).

In the Open Women’s division, Leila Fraser (Margaret River) emerged victorious in a tightly fought final over Indie Siedmiogrodzki (City Beach), Edel Rodden (Geraldton) and Jessica Quayle (Geraldton).

The event also highlighted the strength of Geraldton’s junior development pathway with local Geraldton surfer Callum Sojan (Geraldton) securing the Junior Men’s crown and Koby MacDonald (Geraldton) earning the Cadets championship after an impressive performance throughout the event. Meanwhile, Indie Siedmiogrodzki (City Beach) took out the Junior Women’s title in a hotly fought contest.

Experienced surfers continued to shine in the age divisions, with Paul “Antman” Paterson (City Beach) taking victory in the Masters division, Kent Armstrong winning the Grand Masters, and Danny Williams (Geraldton) claiming the Seniors title.

The Live-streamed event through liveheats.com saw the 10th Anniversary of Ian “Sam” Salmon’s division with a 1minute memorial before the final with Rod Wellington proving too strong for surfers aged 60 years and over.

A huge crowd gathered at The Geraldton Hotel following the competition on Sunday, where prizes were presented and GBR Club President Nic Chadbourne was awarded Life Membership.

Geraldton Board Riders acknowledged the support of Mc Boats, Corner Surf Shop, division sponsors, volunteers, judges, competitors and spectators who helped make the 50th Sunshine Surf Masters a memorable celebration of surfing heritage and community spirit.

Photo: Pedro Bonfante / Geraldton Boardriders.

2026 McBoats 50th Sunshine Surf Masters Finalists:

Open Men’s
1. Maverick Wilson – 18.13
2. Danny Williams – 17.27
3. Brady Marsden – 15.66
4. Finn Cox – 14.27

Open Women’s
1. Leila Fraser – 14.70
2. Indie Siedmiogrodzki – 12.80
3. Edel Rodden – 11.80
4. Jessica Quayle – 11.33

Junior Men (19 & Under)
1. Callum Sojan – 13.56
2. Jesse Siedmiogrodzki – 13.13
3. Finlay Homer – 12.20
4. Kerby Morris – 7.10

Junior Women (19 & Under)
1. Indie Siedmiogrodzki – 12.30
2. Leila Fraser – 11.60
3. Jessica Quayle – 9.76
4. Edel Rodden – 9.67

Cadets (16 & Under)
1. Koby MacDonald – 15.50
2. Sonny Miles – 10.50
3. Billy Bromfield – 8.57
4. Lucas Symonds – 4.44

Seniors (30 & Over)
1. Danny Williams – 16.03
2. Nate Wheatley – 15.1

3. Jake Molloy – 14.30
4. Warren Sharpe – 5.97

Masters (40 & Over)
1. Paul Antman Paterson – 13.17
2. Neil Plummer – 12.33
3. Ben McDonald – 12.30
4. Benjamin McGay – 9.77

Grand Masters (50 & Over)
1. Kent Armstrong – 15.17
2. Paul Antman Paterson – 14.27
3. Ken Grant – 11.24
4. Russ Bird – 5.83

Sam’s Division (60 & Over)
1. Rod Wellington – 11.84
2. Ian Darby – 9.90
3. Patrick Connell – 7.66
4. Leon Norris – 6.76

Non-Comps
1. Ben McDonald – 12.80
2. Brady Marsden – 12.06
3. Joel Cross – 11.90
4. Kit Rayner – 8.47

Dunny Bowl
1. Matt Morris – 7.33
2. Leon Plummer – 6.37
3. Sarah Kenyon – 6.07
4. Lilli Cox – 4.83
5. Nick Black – 2.50

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