Mandurah Wedge turned on some magic today cementing itself as one of WA’s premier bodyboarding arenas for the 2025 Think Mental Health WA Bodyboard Championships presented by Good Earth Surf.
With an electric atmosphere and a stacked lineup of talent, the event showcased the incredible depth of WA’s bodyboarding community and provided a crucial stepping stone toward the Australian Bodyboard Titles, which is set to be held for the first time in a wave pool in Sydney later this year.
The Wedge dished up an unforgettable mix of hollow barrels and steep ramps, pushing competitors to their limits as seven new State Champions were crowned in consistent, but challenging conditions. Bodyboarders from across WA made the journey to Mandurah, ready to battle it out in the powerful 3-4 feet peaks that set the stage for a high-performance showdown.
Mandurah Wedge served up contrasting conditions, as clean early morning ramps were replaced by windswept washing machine like waves in the afternoon.
When the dust settled, it was Kai De Legh (Perth), who rose to the occasion in the Open Men’s final, using his experience and precision to flip and roll his way to victory. The former State and National Champion posted an impressive two-wave total of 12.37 (from a possible 20), which included a heat high score of 7.60 (from a possible 10).
De Legh claimed his first State Title since 2023, fending off two-time Australian Champion Noah Symmans (East Fremantle), his brother Josh De Legh (North Beach), and rising star Riley Schell (Mindarie), in an action-packed final.
“Mandurah Wedge is an incredible bodyboarding wave with so much energy, and so many opportunities for big moves,” said an elated De Legh. “I was getting worked out there for most of the final, but eventually found a few good ones. I’m hoping to make my way to El Fronton later this year to compete in the World Tour event and I’m excited about the Aussie’s being held in a wave pool.”
Three-time Australian Champion Ebony Schell (Mindarie), continued her reign in the Open Women’s division, securing her sixth consecutive State Title with a dominant performance. Schell’s great wave selection and stylish rolls saw her cruise to victory ahead of Arielle Sharman (Halls Head), dropping excellent scores with ease.
“I’m pretty stoked to take home another State Title,” said Schell. “It’s just so good to see more people getting into the sport. It’s a smaller community, but everyone is super supportive and doing it for the right reasons.”
In the Over-35 Masters final, Tainan Monte (Atwell), found the best waves and executed the strongest manoeuvres to overcome former world tour competitor Chad Jackson (Dunsborough), with just 0.10 separating the pair when the siren sounded. Charging Mandurah Wedge’s heaviest sets and landing explosive moves, Monte’s two-wave total of 11.43 (from a possible 20), secured him the win as his family cheered along from the rocky amphitheatre that surround the waves.
“In the morning the conditions were clean and nice, but that final was tough,” said Monte. “It’s all about setting a good example for my boys and having the support of my family is an important thing and I feel very motivated when they are cheering me on.”
Glenn Schell (Mindarie), proved that the love for bodyboarding deep in his family as he secured victory in the Over-45 Grand Masters division. Schell threaded tubes and rolled through thick sections to claim the win ahead of Barry Hammond (Dunsborough), Adam Armstrong (Duncraig), and Darren Hotker (Gelorup).
“A family that surfs together stays together,” said Schell. “For Riley to make the Open Men’s final and for Ebony to continue her winning ways was a proud moment for me. I’ve recently went over to the wave pool in Melbourne and I’m excited to compete in the same technology at the National Titles.”
The future of WA bodyboarding was on full display in the junior divisions, with Hector Volkert’s (Albany), capturing his first State Title in the Under-18 Junior Boys, while young gun Paul Baur (Duncraig), was victorious in the Under-16 Cadet Boys.
The Think Mental Health WA Bodyboard Championships proved once again why WA is a breeding ground for world-class bodyboarders. More than just a competition, the event brought together generations of riders to celebrate the sport’s thriving community and set the stage for those looking to make their mark on the national stage.
“This event was a huge success, and we couldn’t be prouder of all our competitors,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “WA has a rich history of producing some of the best bodyboarders in the country, and with the Australian Titles coming up in Sydney’s URBNSURF, this is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be an incredible year for WA bodyboarding.”
With the energy and talent on display at Mandurah Wedge, WA’s bodyboarding scene is stronger than ever.
THINK MENTAL HEALTH WA BODYBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP – FINAL RESULTS:
Open Mens:
1. Kai De Legh (Perth) – 12.37
2. Noah Symmans (East Fremantle) – 11.96
3. Josh De Legh (North Beach) – 10.33
4. Riley Schell (Mindarie) – 5.73
Open Womens:
1. Ebony Schell (Mindarie) – 25.50
2. Arielle Sharman (Halls Head) – 9.06
*combined totals from 2x finals
Under 18 Junior Boys:
1. Hector Volkerts (Albany) – 17.23
2. Ry Tanner (South Bunbury) – 12.64
*combined totals from 2x finals
Under 16 Cadet Boys:
1. Paul Baur (Duncraig) – 8.43
*combined totals from 2x finals
Drop Knee:
1. Barry Hammond (Dunsborough) – 6.83
Over 35 Masters:
1. Tainan Monte (Atwell) – 11.43
2. Chad Jackson (Dunsborough) – 11.33
3. Barry Hammond (Dunsborough) – 9.10
4. Clinton Kettlewell (Wannanup) – 8.60
Over 45 Grand Masters:
1. Glen Schell (Mindarie) – 17.49
2. Barry Hammond (Dunsborough) – 12.16
3. Adam Armstrong (Duncraig) – 6.84
4. Darren Hotker (Gelorup) – 1.50
*combined totals from 2x finals
About Think Mental Health:
Surfing WA and Healthway are committed to building a healthier, more connected surfing community. This partnership is about more than just events – it’s about ensuring every surfer feels supported, included, and empowered, both in and out of the water. Together, we’re riding the wave toward a stronger, more resilient surf culture. More info at: www.surfingwa.com.au/thinkmentalhealthwa
