Western Australia’s best bodyboarders are gearing up to make history at the 2025 Australian Bodyboard Titles, which will be contested in a wave pool for the very first time.
When the action kicks off at URBNSURF Sydney on Friday, August 22, WA will be represented by a powerhouse line-up including national champion Ebony Schell (Mindarie), big-wave pioneer Chad Jackson (Dunsborough), and rising star Hector Volckerts (Albany). With machine-perfect waves offering every competitor a level playing field, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
Read the full media statement below.
Australian Bodyboard Titles Makes Historic Wave Pool Debut
History will be made next week as the Australian Bodyboard Titles hit URBNSURF Sydney, marking the first time an Australian Title will be decided in a wave pool. Nearly 100 of the nation’s top bodyboard and dropknee athletes will go head-to-head in world-class, machine-perfect waves, pushing the limits of performance and innovation in the sport.
From pioneering some of the heaviest waves in Australia and around the world to redefining the sport’s boundaries, bodyboarding has shaped the nation’s big-wave legacy, and many of those stewards of the sport, including Chad Jackson (Dunsborough, WA), will be competing in this year’s showdown.
The competition will run in its entirety on Friday, August 22, with non-stop action and flawless waves on offer for the athletes all day.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott thinks this years event is an exciting new chapter for the Australian Surf Championships.
“Bodyboarding delivers pure, high‑energy fun, fast, dynamic, and packed with style,” he said. “The Australian Bodyboard Championships at URBNSURF Sydney bring the sport into a world‑class wave pool environment, delivering perfect, consistent waves for riders to showcase their skills. Competitors of all ages from Under 14 Grommets to the Over 45 Grand Masters will hit the water, from juniors and emerging talents to seasoned champions.
“In this controlled, high‑performance setting, every wave is a chance to push the limits, from deep barrel rides to progressive manoeuvres, making this event an exciting new chapter in Australian bodyboarding and surfing.”
Legends Return and New Heroes Emerge
Legends will be made, and legacies continued. It’s a rare opportunity to see multiple generations of surfers compete side by side, from seasoned champions to emerging talent.
Australian bodyboarding icon Chad Jackson (Dunsborough, WA) has competed on the World Bodyboard Tour for over a decade, starred in the iconic ‘Tension’ bodyboarding film series, pioneered big-wave slab surfing in Australia, tackled life-threatening outer reefs around the globe, and scored some of the biggest waves ever ridden by a bodyboarder. He is also a multiple-time state champion.
Jackson returns to be part of this historic event, which may mark his final day in competitive bodyboarding.
“About three years ago, I came out of competitive retirement and entered the State Round at Gas Bay,” Jackson said. “It was a chance to see first-hand the new generation of riders coming through the ranks, and I couldn’t have been happier to share my knowledge and immerse myself in the culture.
“I’m 43 now, and with my eldest son in high school, I wanted to show him what my passions are and what competition and bodyboarding mean to me.
“When I saw that this year’s Australian Championships would be held in a wave pool, I knew I wanted to be part of such a historic event. This may well be my ‘Last Dance,’ especially when it comes to competing at Nationals.
“I hope I can inspire other riders to enter future competitions in their local communities and to support grassroots bodyboarding. Getting back into my state’s competitions was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Ex-professional bodyboarder and state champion, Liam O’Toole (Gold Coast, QLD) returns this year chasing a national championship after finishing runner-up in last year’s Open Men’s division by just 0.37 points. O’Toole brings strong momentum into this year’s event, fresh from competing in the internationally celebrated Shark Island Challenge, where he won the trials and advanced to the semi-finals in the main event.
“After more than a decade away from competing, 2024 was my comeback year, winning the Queensland Opens, placing second in the Pro division, and finishing runner-up at the Australian Titles,” O’Toole said. “This year I’ve gone one better, taking out both the Queensland Opens and Masters divisions, as well as winning the Shark Island Challenge Trials and then a semi-final finish in the main event.
“Competing at Shark Island against some of the sport’s best was a dream come true, and now my focus is on going one better at Nationals. With this being the first-ever bodyboarding event in a wave pool, it’s a historic moment I’m stoked to be part of.”
Event Favourites
Siblings Riley and Ebony Schell (Mindarie, WA) will travel and compete together at this year’s event. At just 22, Ebony has already made history as a three-time consecutive Australian Open Women’s Bodyboard Champion. Fresh off her sixth straight WA State Title, she has her sights set on making it four national championships in a row.
“I’ve competed across Australia and even given the IBC World Tour a go in 2024, but I’ve never had the chance to compete in a wave pool,” Ebony said. “It’s completely different to the ocean – ocean knowledge goes out the door and you rely entirely on technical riding skills.
“It’s almost like skateboarding, where you perfect your run and know exactly what the section will do, giving you the chance to try manoeuvres you wouldn’t usually attempt in the ocean. It will be great for the progression of the sport.
“I grew up bodyboarding with my family, so competing alongside them means a lot to me. This year is my brother Riley’s first time competing in the Open Men’s division at Nationals, and I’m so excited for him.”
2024 Over-35 Men’s Champion Wade Boeree (Kotara, NSW) can’t wait to reconnect with the bodyboarding community and defend his title.
“I mostly compete just for the kinship, these guys are my brothers and I enjoy the camaraderie that I’ve formed over the last 30 years of bodyboarding,” he said.
State Against Sate
Leading the charge for Victoria is Lyndall Jucker (Hampton East, VIC), who is making an inspiring return to the Open Women’s Division after overcoming serious spinal issues, now with a renewed passion and determination.
“After more than 12 years away from competition and a tough battle with severe spinal issues that required surgery in 2020, I never imagined I’d wear a contest jersey again,” Jucker said. “A year off surfing tested me physically and mentally, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever paddle out again.
“Since moving to Australia and joining the Victorian Bodyboarding Club, I’ve found an incredible community that reignited my passion for the sport. Being selected for the Victorian team has given me new purpose and gratitude.”
For many athletes, this historic event will be their first experience in a wave pool. Current State Champion Hector Volckerts (Albany, WA) cannot wait to take his surfing to the next level thanks to the technology at URBNSURF Sydney.
“I’m proud to represent WA and, like many others, excited to experience a wave pool for the first time,” said Volckerts. “It offers a unique opportunity to push our innovative manoeuvres further and will be a big step forward for the progression of the sport.”
With history on its side and the sport growing at a rapid pace, the Australian Bodyboard Titles continue to set the benchmark for high-performance bodyboarding in Australia.
2024 Australian Bodyboard Titles Winners
Open Men’s – John Cruikshank (Belmont North, NSW)
Open Women’s – Ebony Schell (Mindarie, WA)
Under 18 Junior Men – Kai Sauge (Ballina, NSW)
Under 16 Cadet Open – Archer Thoms (North Haven, NSW)
Under 14 Grommet Open – Hardy Fletcher (North Haven, NSW)
Over 35 Masters Men – Mitchell Wallace (Port Macquarie, NSW)
Over 45 Men – Nathian Davis (Gerringong, NSW)
Drop Knee – Jimmy Leayr (Newcastle, NSW)
2024 Overall State Champion: New South Wales
About the 2024 Australian Bodyboard Titles
The bodyboard divisions of the 2025 Australian Surf Championships are being held at URBNSURF Sydney, marking the first time an Australian Title will be decided in a wave pool. The competition will run in its entirety on Friday, August 22, with non-stop action and flawless waves on offer for the athletes all day.
Australian Bodyboard Titles – divisions
Open Men’s
Open Women’s
Under 18 Junior Men
Under 16 Cadet Open
Under 14 Grommet Open
Over 35 Masters Men
Over 45 Men
Drop Knee
Please refer to the 2025 Surfing Australia Rule Book for the most up-to-date criteria.
Schedule
Opening Ceremony
Thursday 21st August 4:00pm
URBNSURF Sydney – 15 Hill Rd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
Competition Day
Friday 22nd August, 7:30am – 5:00pm
URBNSURF Sydney – 15 Hill Rd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
For more information, please visit https://australiansurfchampionships.com/bodyboard/
Entry to the Australian Bodyboard Titles is by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
The 2025 Australian Bodyboard Titles are supported Jim Beam, Manta Bodyboards and Surfers For Climate.
Events
