Western Australia is celebrating a fantastic showing at the recent Australian Longboard Titles held at Cabarita Beach, NSW, where Dunsborough’s Paul Burke emerged as the national champion in the O45 Men’s division.
WA surfers showcased their talent and determination, finishing fourth overall and boasting the highest number of semi-final and finalist placements per capita of any team.
Notable performances included Kai Flynn, who secured fourth place in the U18 Junior Men’s final, and Scott Trew, who also finished fourth in the O40 Men’s division. Burke added to his accolades with a commendable third in the O50 Men’s, while Dave Smith claimed third in the O55 Men’s and reached the semi-finals in the O50 Men’s. Brett Merifield made it to the semi-finals in the O60s Men’s, and both Barrie McKinnon and Steve Becker had semi-final finishes in the O65 Men’s.
On the women’s side, Judy Dann placed fourth in the O50 division and advanced to the semi-finals in the O60 Women’s division, further highlighting WA’s strong representation.
Contest Director Glen Elliott praised the event, emphasising the camaraderie and competitive spirit among surfers from all states. “The swell held steady, providing challenging conditions, but our athletes rose to the occasion,” Elliott said.
This year’s titles not only crowned champions but also recognised outstanding contributions, with WA’s Matt Inman receiving the Wayne Deane Spirit of Longboarding Award for his unwavering support of fellow competitors. Commended as the “super caddy” Inman ran boards for nearly every surfer, regardless of state.
Overall State Champion:
1st – New South Wales
2nd – Queensland
3rd – Victoria
4th – Western Australia
5th – South Australia
6th – Tasmania
2024 Australian Longboard Titles – Final Results:
U18 Junior Women
Mia Waite (Noosa Heads, QLD) – 14.16
Luana Matthies (Miami, QLD) – 11.17
Nyjah Jay Duazon (Sunrise Beach, QLD) – 7.93
Mahli Abbott (Pottsville, NSW) – 7.07
Under 18 Junior Men
Lennix Currie (Tewantin, QLD) – 10.10
Jive Constable (Noosa Heads, QLD) – 7.23
Ted Conroy (Point Lonsdale, VIC) – 7.14
Kai Flynn (Cowaramup, WA) – 5.27
Open Women
Tully White (Allambie Heights, NSW) – 12.57
Melanie Staunton (Belmont, VIC) – 10.87
Mia Waite (Noosa Heads, QLD) – 10.46
Emma Perrier (Tweed Heads. NSW) – 7.87
Open Men
Declan Wyton (Manly, NSW) – 14.24
Clinton Guest (Bokarina, QLD) – 12.70
Josh Constable (Noosa Heads, QLD) – 11.70
Archy Bemrose (Kingscliff, NSW) – 9.23
O40 Men
Josh Constable (Noosa Heads, QLD) – 16.00
Ben Williams (Biggera Waters, QLD) – 13.40
Mark Miccoli (Patterson Lakes, VIC) – 7.6
Scott Trew (Gabbadah, WA) – 6.40
O40 Women
Honey Bec (Moffat Beach, QLD) – 12.33
Wendy Stevenson (Banora Point, NSW) – 10.27
Eglantine Balland (Carrum, VIC) – 7.46
Trista Vallentine (Tallebudgera, QLD) – 4.10
O45 Men
Paul Burke (Dunsborough, WA) – 10.44
Liam McCafferty (McCrae, VIC) – 9.33
Michael Paxton (Dodges Ferry, TAS) – 7.74
Mark Miccoli (Patterson Lakes, VIC) – 7.06
O50 Men
Jason Livingston (North Curl Curl, NSW) – 12.26
Alan Morrison (Yamba, NSW) – 6.23
Paul Burke (Dunsborough, WA) – 4.77
Liam McCafferty (McCrae, VIC) – 4.00
O50 Women
Sue McComb (Caves Beach, NSW) – 9.96
Kate Perry (Yandina Creek, QLD) – 7.33
Juanita Read (Wakerley, QLD) – 4.67
Judy Dann (Two Rocks, WA) – 4.07
O55 Men
Jason Livingston (North Curl Curl, NSW) – 12.50
Tony Rae (Hastings Point, NSW) – 11.70
Dave Smith (Osborne Park, WA) – 10.40
JP Willis (Moonee Beach, NSW) – 8.50
O60 Men
Robert Smith (Caringbah, NSW) – 10.63
Bruce Dunne (Coolum Beach, QLD) – 8.36
For more information, please visit //australiansurfchampionships.com/longboard.
Entry to the Australian Titles is by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
The Australian Titles are supported by the Hyundai Surfing Australian High Performance Centre (HPC), Jim Beam and Surfers for Climate.
