A talented group of Western Australia’s top longboarders are preparing to make their mark at the 2025 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles, held on the Tweed Coast from Tuesday 22 July to Sunday 27 July.
The prestigious event is the longest running on the national surfing calendar. It brings together Australia’s best longboarders to compete across age, junior and open divisions. With ISA World Longboard Championship qualification on the line in the Open Men and Women’s divisions, the stakes are high for surfers hoping to represent Australia as part of the Irukandjis national team.
Set to run across a wave-rich stretch of coastline from Duranbah to Hastings Point on Bundjalung Country, the event celebrates the tradition, creativity and spirit of longboard surfing.
“Longboarding is where our sport began,” said Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott. “Mastering a nine-foot board is a true art form, and this event is about celebrating that across generations. It’s about tradition, family and a deep love of surfing.”
Many of the West Australian competitors arrive with strong momentum following standout performances at the recent Lavan Whalebone Classic in Cottesloe and the West Coast Suspensions WA Longboard Championships in Denmark.
Returning to the national stage are several familiar faces, including reigning Over-45 Men’s Champion Paul Burke (Dunsborough) and WA Team Captain Matthew Inman (Trigg), who last year received the Wayne Deane Spirit of Longboarding Award for his unwavering support of fellow competitors.
“I’m really honoured to be part of this team again,” said Inman. “We’ve got a great mix of experience and new talent. There’s real strength in our juniors and women, and solid contenders across all the divisions.”
Inman also pointed to several key surfers to watch.
“Jock Bahen and Mark Matisons are looking sharp in the Open Men. Maddie Barrett and Jamie Lovell are really strong in the Women’s divisions. Kai Flynn is a standout junior, and of course Paul Burke is always one to watch. Everyone’s been training hard and supporting each other. There’s great energy in the team.”
The forecasted conditions for the weekend are expected to play to the strengths of the WA surfers.
“It’s looking like a slightly bigger swell could push through Cabarita, which usually suits the West Aussies,” said Inman. “Even with a bit of lumpiness and rain on the cards, the banks are looking good. Jock Bahen reckons the inside section will offer plenty of opportunity and we’re all feeling optimistic.”
“These events matter because they honour the roots of our sport,” Inman added. “It’s more than just the competition. It’s the camaraderie, the state pride and the lifelong friendships that come from being part of this longboarding community.”
As West Aussies take to the waves alongside surfers from across the country, the 2025 Australian Longboard Titles promise not just standout performances, but a celebration of tradition, talent and togetherness.
WA LONGBOARD TEAM
Abbey Lovell (Carine) – Under 18 Junior Women
Brett Merifield (Dunsborough) – Over 55 Men & Over 60 Men
Georgia Hanson (Cottesloe) – Open Women
Jamie Lovell (Carine) – Open Women & Over 40 Women
Jock Bahen (Cowaramup) – Open Men & Over 40 Men
John Haddow (Cowaramup) – Over 65 Men & Over 70 Men
Kai Flynn (Cowaramup) – Under 18 Junior Men
Maddie Barrett (Cottesloe) – Open Women
Matthew Inman (Trigg) – Open Men and Over 50 Men
Mark Matisons (Cottesloe) – Open Men
Paul Burke (Dunsborough) – Over 40 Men & Over 50 Men
Warren Salamone (Trigg) – Open Men & Over 50 Men
SCHEDULE
Opening Ceremony:
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
COMPETITION WINDOWS
Window 1: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 – Saturday, July 26, 2025
Divisions: All Masters Divisions
Window 2: Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Sunday, July 27, 2025
Divisions: Open Men & Women, U18 Junior Men & Women
Entry to the Australian Titles are by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
For more information, visit australiansurfchampionships.com/longboard/
DIVISIONS
Under 18 Junior Men
Under 18 Junior Women
Open Men
Open Women
Grand Masters Women O40
Grand Masters Men O40
Grand Kahunas Men O50
Women O50
Dukes Men O55
Grand Dukes O60
O60 Women
Legends Men O65
Grand Legends Men O70
SUPPORTED BY
The Australian Titles are supported by the Hyundai Surfing Australian High Performance Centre, Jim Beam and Surfers for Climate.
Events
