Margaret River Boardriders Club have claimed a long-awaited victory at Trigg Beach, taking out the opening event of Series 13 of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) in a nail-biting final that went right down to the wire.
Competing in tricky 1–2ft onshore waves under mostly sunny skies, the South West powerhouse secured their first ABB win since 2021 to book their place at the 2026 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance at Burleigh Heads, QLD, where they will line up against the country’s best boardrider clubs.
The ABB’s unique tag team format once again delivered plenty of drama, with each club fielding two open men, one open woman, one over-35 master, and one under-18 junior. Every ride counted towards the team’s total, and in the end it was Margaret River’s blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars that proved unbeatable.
Led by Jerome Forrest, Ben Spence, Okie Fraser, Kaleisha Launders, and Brodie Mulik, Margaret River edged out Trigg Point in the dying moments thanks to a clutch 6.57 from Spence with just 10 seconds left on the clock. Their combined total of 33.11 was enough to secure the win, with Trigg Point finishing less than a point behind on 32.16, and Scarborough rounding out the podium on 27.38.
Pictured: Jerome Forrest in full flight, leading from the front as Margaret River secured the ABB victory. Pedro Bonfante / Surfing WA.
Margaret River captain Jerome Forrest said the team’s consistency in the final made all the difference.
“Everyone surfed really well and today paid off,” said Forrest. “It’s such a tricky event where it often comes down to the last surfer, but we all managed to post above-average scores and that was enough to get us across the line. That final was nerve-wracking though. When the clock is at 30 seconds and you’re wondering if a wave will even come, then to come out on top was epic. The suspense is why we do this sport. We’ve got a really solid team this year, and we’ll carry this momentum to Burleigh. We’re all really excited.”
Trigg Point, represented by Luke Campbell, Seb Pellizzon, Fletcher Lanwarne, Isi Campbell, and Jake Scott, earned their ticket to Burleigh with a gritty second-place finish on home soil.
Pictured: Fletcher Lanwarne in form for Trigg Point during their runner-up finish at Trigg Beach. Pedro Bonfante / Surfing WA.
Club stalwart Luke Campbell said the performance showed the strength and unity of their team.
“The competition was fierce but I’m super proud,” said Campbell. “Everyone gets around each other and does what they need to do. At the end of the day, it’s about having fun, smiling and laughing, and that’s what our club is all about.”
Scarborough Boardriders, powered by Jake Molloy, Jack Lacey, Madi Ratcliffe, Liam Alker, and Ben McDonald, claimed third and the final Grand Final berth, finally breaking into the top three after years of near misses.
Pictured: Jake Molloy in action for Scarborough Boardriders, helping the club break into the top three. Pedro Bonfante / Surfing WA.
Jake Molloy said qualifying felt extra special after so many close calls.
“It’s so awesome,” said Molloy. “We’ve had a couple of solid teams over the years and been so close, so to finally get the reward feels amazing. We’ve got a bit of new blood in the club and everyone put in a massive effort. The tag team format is always so much fun – you’re surfing for your whole club, not just yourself, so there’s more pressure but way more excitement. To finally crack it and head over east with such a good young team is incredible.”
Yallingup Boardriders’ squad of Zac Ogram, Maverick Wilson, Kade Martin, Emma Catlin, and Cruz Uros impressed with fearless surfing to finish fourth (23.81), while Mullaloo (19.24) and Trigg Juniors (16.96) showed the future of WA surfing is in strong hands.
The day also featured a unique family showdown, with Trigg Juniors fielding John Scott alongside his kids Bronte and Ben, while his son Jake lined up for Trigg Point in a rare father-versus-children and sibling clash.
Pictured: Bronte, Jake, Ben and John Scott made it a true family affair at the ABB, with father and kids competing on opposite teams. Pedro Bonfante / Surfing WA.
Surfing WA Regional Operations Manager Kim Clift praised the level of surfing and team spirit on display.
“Surfing is usually an individual pursuit, but the ABB brings out something bigger. It’s about club pride, teamwork and community,” said Clift. “Congratulations to Margaret River, Trigg Point and Scarborough for qualifying through to the National Final. We know they’ll do WA proud on the big stage.”
Specialty awards capped off the event with Scarborough’s Jake Molloy claiming the Celsius Performer of the Day, Yallingup’s Maverick Wilson scoring the Boost Wave of the Day with a 7.17, while Scarborough took home the Jim Beam Club Spirit Award for their vocal support and energy on the beach.
With WA’s finest locked in for Burleigh, the west is ready to prove it belongs on surfing’s biggest stage.
Australian Boardriders Battle Series 13 – Event # 1 Trigg Beach Results
1st: Margaret River Boardriders: 30.63 – $1,500
2nd: Trigg Point Boardriders: 30.54 – $1,000
3rd: Scarborough Boardriders: 27.38 – $500
4th: Yallingup Boardriders: 23.81
5th: Mullaloo Boardriders: 19.24
6th: Trigg Junior Boardriders: 16.96
2025/26 Australian Boardriders Battle Series 13
WA – Trigg Point – September 13, 2025
NSW North – Coffs Harbour – September 20, 2025
VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
TAS – Scamander – October 25, 2025
NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
Grand Final – Burleigh Heads, March 2026 (entry by qualification)
About the Australian Boardriders Battle
The Australian Boardriders Battle is Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, involving over 80 boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds before culminating in the epic Grand Final showdown. The event has been instrumental in strengthening club culture, fostering future champions, and celebrating Australia’s deep connection with surfing.
The 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series is proudly supported by ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Celsius Energy Drinks, Kennards Hire, Boost Mobile, BC Protein Snacks, BLACKROLL, Zuum Energy Gum and Surfers for Climate.
The 2026 ABB Gold Coast Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
About Australian Boardrider clubs
There are more than 250 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation’s competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next world champions.
For more information, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com
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