The shores of Margaret River reverberated with cheers and applause as twelve State Champions were crowned amidst the pounding surf of Gas Bay. The 2024 West Coast Suspensions Surf Masters WA State Championships, presented by Think Mental Health, culminated yesterday in a spectacular display of skill and passion, leaving spectators breathless and surfers exhilarated.
The WA Surf Masters Championships made a triumphant return to Gas Bay, with the surf conditions exceeding expectations, offering hollow tubes and clean faces for the competitors to showcase their talent across various divisions, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown. Surfers from right across Western Australia converged on Margaret River, eager to seize their shot at State Championship glory.
The event was a testament to the depth of talent in WA surfing, with former World Surf League (WSL) competitors, rising stars, and seasoned champions sharing the waves in a stunning display of excellence across three action-packed days of competition.
Current Under-16 National Champion Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough) stole the show in the Open Men’s final, delivering a masterclass performance to claim his maiden Open Men’s State Title mixing precision and flair effortlessly.
Wilson posted two seven-point plus rides in the 25-minute final, finishing on a combined total of 14.07 (from a possible 20), leaving in form surfers Jack Mitchell (Margaret River), Jerome Forrest (Cowaramup) and Okie Fraser (Margaret River), chasing good to excellent scores when the siren sounded.
Wilson’s maiden Open State Title secured his ticket to the Think Mental Health WA Trials, where he’ll surf for a wildcard position into the fifth event of the WSL Championship Tour in April.
“I’m over the moon and didn’t expect to walk away with the win,” said Wilson. “I saw the draw and it was stacked WA’s best talent, so I’m stoked to get the win and the opportunity to surf in the Trials is amazing.”
Dunsborough’s Emma Cattlin will also compete in the Think Mental Health WA Trials after claiming victory in the Open Women’s division. Proving that passion and determination know no bounds, Cattlin used her strong backhand attack with lethal efficiency, posting a two-wave total of 12.76 (from a possible 20).
In one of the tightest results of the event, just 1.46 separated all four finalists, with Olive Hardy (Margaret River) finishing in a close second, ahead of Kaleisha Launders (Margaret River) and Mia McCarthy (Cowaramup).
“This is the first event I’ve won in a long time and it’s nice to be back in some proper waves,” said Cattlin. “After surfing in Perth for the past year it’s really nice to be able to do some deep bottom turns and hit some sections on big waves. I’m stoked to make the Trials and I’ll be doing my all to give it a proper crack this year.”
From the scintillating Under-21 Pro Junior division to the fiercely contested Over-65 Men’s category, every heat that hit the water was a testament to the dedication and talent of WA’s surfing community.
Okie Fraser (Margaret River), was a standout surfer all weekend, making the Open Men’s final and carving his way to an electrifying victory in the Pro Junior division. Andrew Sheridan was another local surfer to impress, claiming two State Titles at his home break, winning the Over-40 and Over-45 Men’s division.
Belinda Adams (Busselton) defended her Over-35 Women’s State Title, while Jesse Molly (Golden Bay), Warren Boyes (Dunsborough), and Brian Williams (Mandurah) all secured their first WA State Title victories with hard fought wins in their respective divisions.
“That was a memorable event with some world-class performances to match,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “We haven’t run at Gas Bay since 20219 and it’s such a great competition venue, that served as the perfect stage for our surfers to shine, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Congratulations to all our State Champions and kudos to Mav Wilson and Emma Cattlin who will now vie for their spot in the Margaret River Pro.”
Jack Mitchell (Margaret River) earned the West Coast Suspensions Wave of the Weekend for the only perfect 10-point ride of the event.
For more surfing updates and news, follow Surfing WA on social media or visit www.surfingwa.com.au.
And remember, whether you’re on land or in the water, safety always comes first. Surfing WA reminds all competitors and spectators when you’re chasing waves, stay focused and ditch the distractions – #NoTxtNoWrecks.
FINAL RESULTS 2024 WEST COAST SUSPENSIONS WA SURF MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Open Men:
1. Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough) – 14.07
2. Jack Mitchell (Margaret River) – 13.50
3. Jerome Forrest (Cowaramup) – 13.20
4. Okie Fraser (Margaret River) – 9.93
Open Women:
1. Emma Cattlin (Yallingup) – 12.76
2. Olive Hardy (Margaret River) – 11.77
3. Kaleisha Launders (Margaret River) – 12.70
4. Mia McCarthy (Cowaramup) – 11.30
Under 21 Pro Junior:
1. Okie Fraser (Margaret River) – 14.34
2. Jack Mitchell (Margaret River) – 14.23
3. Jake Hagan (Geraldton) – 11.63
4. Jack Bulloch (Secret Harbour) – 7.40
Over 35 Men:
1. Jesse Molloy (Golden Bay) – 14.20
2. Luke Hayter (Scarborough) – 11.03
3. Jarrad Davies (Cowaramup) – 8.17
4. Neil Plummer (Geraldton) – 7.93
Over 35 Women:
1. Belinda Adams (Busselton) – 18.63
2. Shae Sheridan (Dunsborough) – 11.63
3. Samantha Vanderford (Green Head) – 8.47
*combined results from 2x finals
Over 40 Men:
1. Andrew Sheridan (Margaret River) – 15.03
2. Ian Macpherson (City Beach) – 14.90
3. Ash Farrow (Dunsborough) – 10.07
4. Tim Hawken (Yallingup) – 8.20
Over 45 Men:
1. Andrew Sheridan (Margaret River) – 15.70
2. Warren Boyes (Dunsborough) – 12.73
3. Paul Burke (Dunsborough) – 9.00
4. Sean Scanlon (Dunsborough) – 7.07
Over 50 Men:
1. Warren Boyes (Dunsborough) – 12.66
2. Paul Dupuy (Albany) – 11.53
3. Peter Cannon (Broadwater) – 10.70
4. Paul Burke (Dunsborough) – 9.33
Over 50 Women:
1. Samantha Vanderford (Green Head) – 15.50
*combined results from 2x finals
Over 55 Men:
1. Brian Williams (Mandurah) – 20.83
2. Brad Cowan (Margaret River) – 15.13
3. Mal Hardy (Gracetown) – 10.13
*combined results from 2x finals
Over 60 Men:
1. Patrick Connell (City Beach) – 9.57
2. Barrie McKinnon (Dunsborough) – 8.30
3. Brent Moss (Esperance) – 5.16
4. Michael Whiteley (Mandurah) – 0.00
Over 65 Men:
1. Barrie McKinnon (Dunsborough) – 13.84
2. Brent Moss (Esperance) – 9.34
3. Michael Molloy (Geraldton) – 3.03
4. Michael Whiteley (Mandurah) – 0.00
About West Coast Suspensions:
West Coast Suspension formally commenced trading as Jenkins Springs Pty Ltd in Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia in 1924. The West Coast Suspensions name was registered in 1990 to further reflect the company’s progression as a specialist suspension supplier to road transport, mining, recreational 4×4 and off road vehicles. More information: www.westcoastsuspension.com.au
