Western Australia’s Ebony Schell will fly the flag for WA this week as she prepares to defend her Open Women’s crown at the 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles in Newcastle, NSW. Schell heads east as the reigning national champion after claiming the 2025 title and will be looking to make it back-to-back victories when Australia’s best bodyboarders hit the water from August 20–22.
Read the full Surfing Australia media statement below.
CASUARINA, NSW (August 17, 2026): Australia’s best bodyboarders will descend on Newcastle this week, August 20–22, for the 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles, with the national championships expanding across two days as the sport continues its rapid growth across the country.
Nearly 100 of Australia’s top bodyboarders and dropknee specialists will battle for national titles across junior, open and masters divisions, showcasing the progression, innovation and fearless approach that have made bodyboarding one of Australia’s most influential wave-riding disciplines.
The schedule reflects the continued growth of competitive bodyboarding, with increasing participation and an ever-rising standard of performance driving one of the country’s most exciting national championship events.
From pioneering some of the heaviest waves in Australia and around the world to redefining what’s possible in challenging surf, bodyboarding has helped shape the nation’s rich big-wave legacy.
After claiming the 2025 Open Women’s Australian Title, Western Australia’s Ebony Schell (WA) returns determined to defend her crown, embracing the challenge of a women’s field that continues to reach new heights.
“Defending my Australian Title is a huge motivation, especially as the standard of women’s bodyboarding continues to rise every year. Seeing the other girls push the level inspires me to keep improving, and I’m excited for the challenge of competing against Australia’s best again.”
“The Australian Titles are always one of the most important events on my calendar. It’s a chance to represent Western Australia, compete against the country’s best, and continue pushing the progression of women’s bodyboarding.”
“I’m really excited to compete in Newcastle. It’s a new location with its own challenges, and my goal is to adapt to whatever conditions we get and make the most of every opportunity. Every new wave is a chance to learn, improve, and test myself against Australia’s best.”
Defending Open Men’s Australian Champion, Lloyd Jackson (NSW), will enjoy a home-break advantage in Newcastle, with the New South Welshman looking to make the most of familiar conditions as he chases back-to-back national titles.
“Heading into this year’s Australian Titles, it’s exciting to be competing on my home breaks against some of Australia’s best bodyboarders. I love having the opportunity to represent my sponsors, my family, my friends and New South Wales while doing something I’m passionate about. Newcastle has some incredible waves, and there’s nothing better than getting to compete in front of a home crowd. My goal is to leave nothing on the table, enjoy the process and hopefully defend my Open Men’s Australian Title.”
The Nutter family and Lake Macquarie’s Cruickshank family will be among the families competing when the 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles arrive in Newcastle from August 20–22.
Grant Nutter will contest the Open Men’s and Over 35 Masters divisions, while son Frank will compete across the Under 16 and Under 14 divisions. Grant’s wife Shannon and son Louie are also involved in the sport, while Grant’s 75-year-old father has recently taken up bodyboarding, making the Nutters a rare three-generation bodyboarding family.
“It’s a lot of fun. Our calendar is very busy with trips up and down the coast for comps. Dad, at 75 going on 17, has just this year decided to convert from stand-up to bodyboard. Frank and Louie love revving him up and he loves giving it back to them. Having three generations on the boog is pretty rare and Dad has definitely set the benchmark pretty high.”
“We try to film each other where we can, and over dinner we’ll talk about our goals and what we want to improve. Sometimes it’s a move combination or one big move, and sometimes it’s simply a confidence milestone, like getting out the back on a bigger day. We just try to keep it fun and always stop what we’re doing to watch each other compete.”
The Nutters will be joined by Lake Macquarie’s Johnny, Hayden and Jaxon Cruickshank, with Johnny and Hayden competing in the Open Men’s division while Jaxon returns to defend his Under 18 Australian Title. Competing together on home waters, the Cruickshanks have built their lives around surf trips, competitions and sharing the experience as a family.
Johnny said competing alongside his sons is something they’ve always enjoyed.
“It feels pretty normal for us because we’re always hanging out, doing comps and surf trips together. Surfing as a family is just what we’ve always done. We always have fun in the water, and when we end up in heats against each other, we just want to put on a good performance and, of course, notch up a win against each other! Having the Australian Titles in Newcastle is a huge bonus.
“Home turf definitely helps keep you relaxed, and having local knowledge of the breaks is a big advantage. As for Jaxon defending his Under 18 Australian Title, he’s so chill that I’m sure he hasn’t even thought about it. We’re all just hoping to get some good waves and tear them apart.”
Queensland’s Liam O’Toole (QLD) also arrives in strong form after another impressive season. Returning as the defending Over 35 Masters Australian Champion, O’Toole will once again contest both divisions as he looks to finally claim the elusive Open Men’s title after consecutive runner-up finishes.
“I’m feeling really confident heading into this year’s event, prioritising strength training, stretching and bodyboarding throughout the week. The Australian Titles have always been a great competition to battle against a wide range of people from around the country.
“I’m defending my title in the Masters (+35) division this year, and after placing second in the Opens division over the past two years, my main goal is to take home the Open win. Competing internationally in events like the Hawaiian Pipeline Bodyboarding Championships and the Shark Island Challenge has been an incredible experience and has pushed me to keep challenging myself against the best in the business.”
From junior standouts to seasoned champions, the 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles promise world-class performances and the continued evolution of one of Australia’s most progressive surfing disciplines.
The 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles will be held in Newcastle, NSW from August 20–22, 2026.
THIS WEEK: THURSDAY–SATURDAY
Pictured: 2025 Australian Bodyboard Titles, Open Women’s Winner Ebony Schell.
Photo: Matt Dunbar.
2025 Australian Bodyboard Titles Winners:
Open Men’s: Lloyd Ogden (NSW) — 18.00 pts
Open Women’s: Ebony Schell (WA) — 12.74 pts
Under 14 Grommet Open: Hardy Fletcher (NSW) — 14.84 pts
Under 16 Cadet Open: Hardy Fletcher (NSW) — 14.66 pts
Under 18 Junior Men: Jaxon Cruickshank (NSW) — 15.84 pts
Over 35 Masters Men: Liam O’Toole (QLD) — 19.00 pts
Over 45 Men: Wade Boeree (NSW) — 12.74 pts
Drop Knee: Dane Pope (VIC) — 16.00 pts
2025 Overall State Champion: New South Wales
Please refer to the 2026 Surfing Australia Rule Book for the most up-to-date criteria.
For more information, please visit https://australianbodyboardtitles.com/
Entry to the Australian Bodyboard Titles is by state qualification or invitation as a wildcard.
The 2026 Australian Bodyboard Titles are proudly supported by: Surfing Australia, Ford Australia, Fujifilm Photos, Thermos, Manta Bodyboards and Surfers For Climate.
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