Some of Western Australia’s best Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) have thrived in amazing winter conditions along the Batavia coastline, with the 2024 Stand Up Surf Shop North Freo WA SUP Championship presented by Think Mental Health, culminating with nine state champions crowned in pumping waves and under sunny skies.
For the second consecutive weekend, Geraldton provided clean and consistent swells, as competitors from as far north as Exmouth and as far south of Denmark made the most of the idyllic winter conditions as they battled hard in hopes of qualifying for the Australian SUP Titles scheduled to be held on Phillip Island, Victoria in October.
Geraldton, a destination that has become synonymous with stand up paddleboarding after hosting the Australian SUP Titles back in 2016, once again provided great 3-4 feet surf at Sunset Beach, with competitors putting on a show in the long running waves at the mouth of the Chapman River.
Peter Tomsett (Greenwood), was a consistent performance across the weekend, claiming the state title in the hotly contested Open Men’s SUP division. Tomsett’s backhand was on point throughout the event and he used it with lethal efficiency to post a heat high-high 7.00 (from a possible 10), and backed it up with a 5.17 to finish on a combined total of 12.17 (from a possible 20).
Tomsett was too strong for Joel De Guzman (Jurien Bay), Robbie Mullen (North Fremantle) and an injured Mike Galvin (Cottesloe), during the 25-minute final.
“I’ve had a lot of seconds and thirds over the past ten years, so it feels great to finally get a win,” said Tomsett. “I think Geraldton at this time of year is as good as it gets, we’ve been blessed here for the past three years, the weather has been great and so has the the surf, this place always always turns it on for us.”
Denmark’s junior shortboard phenomenon Isi Campbell, wowed the crowd and posted some of the biggest scores of the weekend in her maiden SUP competition. Campbell looked perfectly suited to the bigger board under her feet and with a paddle in her hands, claiming state titles in the Open Women’s and Under-18 Junior divisions.
“It’s been really really fun and the waves have been pumping,” said Campbell. “I’ve never entered a SUP event before, but have been riding a SUP as part of my rehabilitation from shoulder surgery. I’ve never competed in an event alongside my dad which made this weekend even more memorable.”
Chris Twomey (Karrinyup), also captured multiple state titles in an emphatic display in Geraldton. Twomey won the Over-40 Men’s and Over-50’s Men’s SUP divisions, with a flawless display of wave and manoeuvre selection that saw him book his position into the national titles.
“I’m glad to be back to feeling and surfing my best after a few years of being sick,” said Twomey. “I’m so thrilled to win two divisions and the people, the waves and the weather have really made it a really special weekend, I’d like to thank the Stand Up Surf Shop, Surfing WA and Scott McKercher at SMIK for making me such great boards for me.”
Jamie Ralston (Bicton), was another surfer to bag double titles in Geraldton, dedicating his wins to his late mother who would have celebrated her birthday today. Ralston dominated the Over-60 Men’s division and was the best of the Over-50 Men’s 10 foot final.
“This one is for my mum and I dedicate my wins to her,” Ralston said. “I haven’t been to the Aussies in a couple of years and I’m excited to join the team on Phillip Island in October.”
The standard of competition remained high across all other divisions that hit the water, including the exciting longboard SUP divisions. Tasha Goswell (Scarborough) was the best of the 10 foot plus Open Women’s, with Crawford Olney (Spearwood) successful in the 10 foot Open Men’s.
The 2024 WA SUP Championships celebrated the life of Mid-West local Patrice Richardson. Richardson was a larger-than-life character, ocean lover, and inspiration to everyone she crossed paths with. The event paid honour to her enduring legacy, with the Maverick Award going to Isi Campbell (Denmark), for her barnstorming performance that will surely motivate many more young females to participate in the event in the future.
“Congratulations all our state champions and event participants who impressed in great waves,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “Geraldton tuned it on again for our WA SUP community and we saw many new competitors leave their mark with some great surfing and sportsmanship. I wish all our national title qualifiers the best of luck and think Team WA will do very well on Phillip Island.”
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 event be sure to log onto 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: www.liveheats.com
FINAL RESULTS – STAND UP SURF SHOP NORTH FREO WA SUP CHAMPIONSHIP – GERALDTON:
Open Men’s SUP:
1. Peter Tomsett (Greenwood) – 12.17
2. Joel De Guzman (Jurien Bay) – 11.20
3. Peter Tomsett (North Fremantle) – 6.17
4. Mike Galvin (Cottesloe) – 0.00
State Champion: Peter Tomsett (Greenwood)
Open Women’s SUP:
1. Isi Campbell (Denmark) – 29.30
2. Tashka Goswell (Scarborough) – 17.77
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Isi Campbell
Open Men’s 10ft SUP:
1. Crawford Olney (Spearwood) – 11.93
2. Richard Wain (Dunsborough) – 9.60
3. Robert Bullen (North Fremantle) – 8.93
4. Mike Galvin (Cottesloe) – 0.00
State Champion: Crawford Olney
Open Women’s 10ft SUP:
1. Tashka Goswell (Scarborough) – 8.37
State Champion: Tashka Goswell
Under 18 Junior’s SUP:
1. Isi Campbell (Denmark) – 30.10
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Isi Campbell
Over 40 Men’s SUP:
1. Chris Twomey (Karrinyup) – 30.30
2. Peter Tomsett (Greenwood – 24.30
3. Joel De Guzman (Jurien Bay) – 20.23
4. Peter Blackall (North Fremantle) – 14.83
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Chris Twomey
Over 50 Men’s SUP:
1. Chris Twomey (Karrinyup) – 11.50
2. Peter Campbell (Denmark) – 13.03
3. Crawford Olney (Spearwood) – 11.74
4. Dave Sewell (Mosman Park) – 0.00
State Champion: Chris Twomey
Over 50 Men’s 10ft SUP:
1. Jamie Ralston (Bicton) – 11.50
2. Tim Calder (Exmouth) – 10.60
3. Mike Galvin (Cottesloe) – 9.33
4. Crawford Olney (Spearwood) – 7.97
State Champion: Jamie Ralston
Over 60 Men’s SUP:
1. Jamie Ralston (Bicton) – 27.2
2. Tim Calder (Exmouth) – 22.50
3. Richard Wain (Yallingup) – 19.70
* results based off 2x finals
State Champion: Jamie Ralston
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
