Some of Western Australia’s best stand up paddleboarders carved through clean winter lines on Saturday, as Geraldton played host to the 2025 Stand Up Surf Shop North Freo WA SUP Championships presented by Think Mental Health.
Under sunny skies and in solid 2-3 foot surf at Sunset Beach, competitors from across WA, from Exmouth to Denmark, battled it out for coveted State Titles and qualification spots for the 2025 Australian SUP Titles to be held at Phillip Island in October.
A standout location in the SUP scene since hosting the national titles in 2016, Geraldton once again lived up to its reputation, dishing up long-running waves at the mouth of the Chapman River, ideal for showcasing both power and finesse.
Among the weekend’s top performers was Mike Galvin (North Fremantle), who put on a dominant display to claim the Open Men’s SUP title. Galvin’s precision and commitment saw him post a near-excellent heat total of 15.00 (out of 20), including scores of 7.57 (out of 10) and 7.43 (out of 10) in the final.
“It feels fantastic, it’s been a long time coming,” said Galvin. “I’ve been competing for 15 years, and this is my first State Title. Scotty [McKercher], Pete [Tomsett], and Ben [Mardon] are amazing surfers. I’d say they were just having a bad day!” he laughed.
Galvin went two-from-two, backing up his win with a commanding performance in the Open Men’s 9ft SUP, earning an 8.33 (out of 10) and 7.83 (out of 10) for a 16.16 (out of 20) total, one of the highest of the event.
In the Open Women’s SUP, defending champion Isi Campbell (Denmark) proved unstoppable once again, impressing judges and spectators alike with her critical surfing and excellent wave choice. Campbell scored an 8.67 (out of 10) on a set wave, plus a 6.83 for a combined total of 15.50 (out of 20).
“It was a really fun day,” said Campbell. “We got some pretty good waves. There were a few slow heats but it definitely got a bit more consistent in the afternoon so everyone got their share of waves and it was just a good day.”
The weekend was made even more special with her father, Peter Campbell (Denmark), taking out his first Over-50 Men’s SUP title, making it a golden weekend for the family.
“It’s really unique and special,” said Peter. “We don’t often get to surf together with Isi being away so much competing on the QS [WSL Qualifying Series], so it’s just been a great weekend doing something we both love.”
Ben Mardon (Geraldton) marked his return to competition by taking out the Over-40 Men’s SUP title in a tight final, narrowly edging out Peter Tomsett and Chris Twomey.
“There’s nothing quite like competitive surfing,” said Mardon. “Sunset Beach is the perfect spot for this kind of event – offshore, waves all morning, and front-row parking. There’s no better place for a stand-up competition!”
Richard Wain (Yallingup) claimed the Over-60 Men’s SUP, narrowly defeating Tim Calder (Exmouth), who later returned the favour by winning the Over-60 Men’s 9ft SUP, after locking in an excellent 8.00 in the dying minutes.
“Over 60 and still surfing strong, that says it all,” said Wain. “It’s just insanely good that we’ve still got guys surfing at a fairly good level so to come away with the win, justifies all the effort and time put into the sport. It’s incredibly competitive, but also a laugh and a celebration of the sport. The older we get, the more we value weekends like these.”
While Calder said it was nice to finish on a high note: “I used to live in Dunsborough and surf with Richard nearly every day, so I’ve known him for 30 years. He goes hard, he’s got his head in the game,” he laughed.
In other results, Crawford Olney (Spearwood) was the best of Over-50 Men’s 9ft SUP division, defeating Tim Calder (Exmouth) with a combined score of 12.67 (out of 20). Olney, who claimed the national title in 2022, was one of three former Australian champions in the draw alongside Isi Campbell and Chris Twomey.
“I was stoked to get the win and I’m really looking forward to nationals,” said Olney. “The quality of surfing in WA is world-class – we had three former national champions in the mix this weekend.”
Kim Clift, Surfing WA Regional Manager, praised the spirit and standard of the event.
“Geraldton turned it on again for our WA SUP community. We saw incredible surfing, great sportsmanship, and a strong showing from every division. Congratulations to all our new State Champions and good luck to Team WA at the nationals.”
Surfing WA acknowledges the State Government’s support through the Road Safety Commission and reminds all our traveling competitors and families of the dangers of sending a text message or using a mobile phone while behind the wheel – Remember #NoTxtNoWrecks.
For more information on this or any other WA events visit www.surfingwa.com.au and check out all the Surfing WA social media platforms for event updates and information. You can see all the final scores and results at: https://liveheats.com
FINAL RESULTS – STAND UP SURF SHOP NORTH FREO WA SUP CHAMPIONSHIP – GERALDTON
Open Men’s SUP
1. Mike Galvin (North Fremantle) – 15:00
2. Scott McKercher (Margaret River) – 13.43
3. Ben Mardon (Geraldton) – 11.67
4. Peter Tomsett (Greenwood) – 8.83
State Champion: Mike Galvin (North Fremantle)
Open Women’s SUP
1. Isi Campbell (Denmark) – 15.50
State Champion: Isi Campbell
Open Men’s 9ft SUP
1. Mike Galvin (North Fremantle) – 16.16
2. Crawford Olney (Spearwood) – 13.37
3. Scott McKercher (Margaret River) – 12.24
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Mike Galvin (North Fremantle)
Over 40 Men’s SUP
1. Ben Mardon (Geraldton) – 12.17
2. Peter Tomsett (Greenwood) – 11.73
3. Chris Twomey (Karrinyup) – 11.17
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Ben Mardon (Geraldton)
Over 50 Men’s SUP
1. Peter Campbell (Denmark) – 11.83
2. Chris Twomey (Karrinyup) – 9.00
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Peter Campbell (Denmark)
Over 50 Men’s 9ft SUP
1. Crawford Olney (Spearwood) – 12.67
2. Tim Calder (Exmouth) – 8.50
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Crawford Olney (Spearwood)
Over 60 Men’s SUP
1. Tim Calder (Exmouth) – 12.23
2. Richard Wain (Yallingup) – 12.17
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Richard Wain (Yallingup)
Over 60 Men’s 9ft SUP
1. Tim Calder (Exmouth) – 15.00
2. Richard Wain (Yallingup) – 9.73
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Tim Calder (Exmouth)
About the Stand Up Surf Shop North Freo
With the most comprehensive range of Stand Up Paddle Boards and Foiling Gear in Australia, the Stand Up Surf Shop in North Freo has the toys for every adventure. With over 200 SUP’s and a huge range of Foils for you to buy, hire or demo, with friendly experts to help find the right gear for you. More info at: www.standupsurfshop.com.au
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