Yallingup Boardriders have stormed to victory at the 33rd Surf Boardroom Surf League presented by Rip Curl, putting on a masterclass of teamwork and power to reclaim their place at the top of Western Australia’s club surfing ranks.
Scarborough Beach came alive under blue skies as nine of WA’s best boardrider clubs battled it out for bragging rights in one of the state’s longest running and most fiercely contested surf competitions.
It marked the first time since 2023 that nine clubs have competed in the event, with the lineup featuring Yallingup, Margaret River, Scarborough, Mullaloo, Trigg Point, Cottesloe, Trigg Junior, Albany and City Beach Boardriders.
The mix of sunshine and a buzzing crowd created the trademark Surf League atmosphere that celebrates everything about local surf culture – mateship, rivalry and pure stoke.
Each club fielded six surfers, including four Open competitors, one Over-35 Master and one Under-18 Junior, with every score contributing to the team’s overall total.
Yallingup came out firing in the 60-minute final, combining consistency and style across their lineup of Felix Leaver, Duke Nagtzaam, Nick Muntz, Josh Catlin, Flynn Eastaugh and Tommy Trigwell. Their combined performance delivered the club’s first Surf League crown since 2022, holding off powerhouse rivals Margaret River, Scarborough and Mullaloo.
Leaver opened strong with a 6.77 (out of 10) before Margaret River’s Jerome Forrest responded with a 6.40. But it was Yallingup’s power surfer Duke Nagtzaam who stole the show, unleashing a series of explosive backhand snaps to score a 7.93, the highest of the day, earning both the Perry Hatchett Award (Best Surfer in Final) and the Creatures of Leisure Ripper Award (Highest Individual Score).
Margaret River’s Jack Mitchell and Finn Cox made a late charge, but Yallingup’s Nick Muntz sealed the deal, with the team finishing on 40.56 points to Margaret River’s 36.40. Scarborough placed third on 20.85 and Mullaloo fourthon 18.03.
Yallingup’s opening surfer Felix Leaver said the win made the early start and long drive worthwhile.
“It was such a sick day. We were up at 4.30am, piled into the car in the dark and went straight for it,” he said. “The Surf League means a lot to our club. It’s been running for so many years with so many great surfers, so to take the win feels amazing. We’ll probably put the prize money towards our junior program and new club gear, which will really help us out.”
Surfing WA Regional Operations Manager Kim Clift said the standard of surfing and sportsmanship was inspiring.
“The conditions tested everyone early but the talent across all clubs was incredible,” he said. “The final went right down to the wire between Yallingup and Margaret River – both teams were on fire.
“The Surf League is special because you’re not just surfing for yourself, you’re surfing for your mates, and that club pride really lifts everyone’s performance. It was great to see Albany and Mullaloo Boardriders push through to the semis and finals. It’s the first time for Mullaloo, and that new energy and enthusiasm really showed in their surfing.”
Since 1992, the Surf Boardroom Surf League has been a cornerstone of WA surfing, a place where legends are made, rivalries are forged and club pride shines brightest.
Owner of The Surf Boardroom Wayne Bowen said the longevity and passion of the event continue to impress.
“Congratulations to Yallingup and all the clubs who competed,” he said. “Every year the level just keeps rising. WA’s boardrider clubs are only getting stronger and stronger, it’s fantastic to see.”
FINAL RESULTS
1st ($2,000) – Yallingup Boardriders – 40.56 points
2nd ($1,000) – Margaret River Boardriders – 36.40 points
3rd ($600) – Scarborough Boardriders – 20.85 points
4th ($400) – Mullaloo Boardriders – 18.03 points
6th – Cottesloe Boardriders
7th – Trigg Junior Boardriders
8th – Albany Boardriders
9th – City Beach Boardriders
SPECIALTY AWARDS
Perry Hatchett Award (Best Surfer in Final) Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup Boardridrs)
Frank Hayter Channel Island Surfboards Freakish Talent Award (Best Under-18 Junior Surfer) – Tyce Sheppard (Albany
Boardriders)
Creatures of Leisure Cream of the Crop (Best Manoeuvre) – Jerome Forrest (Margaret River Bordriders) for a front hand snap.
Reef Big Award (Best Air Of The Event) – Jake Molloy (Scarborough Boardriders)
Rip Curl Falling Star (Best Over-35 Masters Surfer) – Rory Gibson (Mullaloo)
Creatures of Leisure Ripper Award (Highest Individual Score) – Duke Nagtzaam (Yallingup Boardridrs) 7.93 in the final
Creatures of Leisure Encouragement Award (Best Camaraderie ) – Margaret River Boardriders
Rip Curl Coaching Performance (Best Coach) – Steve Creek (Albany Boardriders)
Creatures Baywatch Award (Best Run/Tag) Darren Harwood (Scarborough)
Otis Club Jester (Best Mascot/Most Supportive) Aiden Gibson (Scarborough Boardriders)
Reef Powerhouse Award (Best rail turn) Nick Muntz (Yallingup)
For full results visit: liveheats.com
Learn more about the GroundSwell Festival at: groundswellfestival.org
About The Surf Boardroom
Since opening its doors in 1988 at Scarborough Beach, The Surf Boardroom has been dedicated to providing Western Australian surfers with the best gear, boards and advice. More than three decades on, the store remains a cornerstone of WA’s surf scene, proudly supporting local surfers and events while continuing to offer the latest in surf equipment, fashion and swimwear. Explore their full range at surfboardroom.com.au
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