Western Australia’s top shortboarders are set to make their mark when the Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle get underway in Wollongong next week between August 26 – 31, with a mix of rising stars and seasoned campaigners flying the flag for the west.
With national glory and Irukandjis qualification on offer in the Masters divisions, WA’s surfers are ready to test themselves against the country’s best and continue building on the state’s rich surfing story.
Leading the charge is Kaleisha Launders, who impressed with a runner-up finish in the Open Women’s division at last year’s national titles and is now looking to build on that experience in 2025.
“Last year’s result was a good confidence boost, but for me it’s all about keeping it fun and not putting too much pressure on myself,” said Kaleisha. “Representing WA makes me feel really proud and competing against such a high level definitely pushes me to keep getting better.”
Kaleisha will be joined by an impressive WA contingent including her older brother, Brock Launders from Margaret River. Renowned for his fearless performances at heavy-water breaks like The Right, Brock is now set to test himself in the high-performance arena against the nation’s best in the Open Men’s division.
“I’ve been out of competitive surfing for a while, focusing on my apprenticeship, but I’ve been free surfing all kinds of waves across WA, pushing myself to the limits,” said Brock.
“Last year, I caught a massive swell at The Right, scoring some of the best waves and wipeouts of my life. I haven’t been to Wollongong before, but I’m sure the waves there will be sick. With my apprenticeship nearly done, the timing is perfect to dive back into competition and challenge myself in a whole new way.”
Also representing WA in the Open Men’s are former state champion Finn Cox (Margaret River) and Lachlan Ross (Denmark), making his return to competition after earlier success in NSW.
Adding further strength across the Masters divisions are Belinda Adams (Busselton), Samantha Vanderford (Green Head), Warren Boyes (Dunsborough), Paul Dupuy (Albany), Brad Cowan (Margaret River), Brent Moss (Esperance) and Michael Whiteley (Mandurah), along with Surfing WA Team Captain Ian Macpherson (City Beach), who brings experience and leadership to the lineup. Together they showcase the state’s depth across generations, with the team aiming to bring national titles home and, for some, secure coveted spots in the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis.
Surfing WA Chief Operations Officer Matt Wilson said the event is a valuable opportunity for WA surfers to shine on the national stage.
“It’s always inspiring to see our athletes step up against the country’s best,” said Wilson. “The Australian Shortboard Titles bring together multiple generations in a truly high-performance environment, and with Irukandjis qualification on the line, it’s a chance for WA surfers to not only chase national titles but also push for international honours.”
About the 2025 Australian Surf Championships:
The shortboard divisions of the 2025 Australian Surf Championships are being held as a stand-alone event on Dharawal Country, along the stunning South Coast Line in New South Wales.
Winners in the Men & Women Over 30’s, Over 40’s, Over 50’s and Over 60’s will earn a spot in the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for next year’s International Surfing Association (ISA) World Master Surfing Championships in 2026.
Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle – divisions
Open Men
Open Women
O30 Men
O30 Women
O40 Men
O40 Women
O50 Men
O50 Women
O55 Men
O55 Women
O60 Men
O60 Women
O65 Men
Please refer to the 2025 Surfing Australia Rule Book for the most up-to-date shortboard criteria.
Schedule:
Opening Ceremony
Tuesday 26th August 4:00pm
Towradgi Beach Hotel – 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi NSW 2518
Window 1
Men & Women Over 40 – Legends Over 65
Wednesday 27th August – Friday 29th August
Window 2
Men & Women Masters Over 30
Friday 29th August – Saturday 30th August
Window 3
Men & Women Open Divisions
Saturday 30th August – Sunday 31st August
For more information, please visit https://australiansurfchampionships.com/shortboard/.
Entry to the Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle is by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
The 2025 Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle are supported Jim Beam, Thermos, Everything Fleet, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, Surfers For Climate, and Destination Wollongong.
Events
