GROUNDSWELL \ 2015 surfingvic.com
2014 GROUNDSWELL/
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Contents 05 Chairman’s Message
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HIF Victorian Lonboard Titles
06 CEO’s Report
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Kneeboard Surfing Victoria Surfing Titles
08 Rip Curl Pro
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HIF SUP Titles
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Rip Curl Pro Trials
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HIF Clip of the Season
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Pioneers Day
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Victorian Team Titles
12 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles
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Rip Curl Grom Search
13 Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Program
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Bodyoard Titles
14 Toll Victorian Open Series
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Surfers In Suits
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HIF Victorian Junior Series
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Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle
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Smoothstar Micro Groms Cup
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Subway Surf Series
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HIF Victorian Masters Titles
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Play It Safe by the Water Surfing For Girls
Rip Curl Pro page 08
Rip Curl Pro Trials page 10
Major Partners
Supporting Partners
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30-31 JAN 2016
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Chairmans Report Welcome to the Chairman’s Report for the 2014/2015 financial year. When asked what it is that Surfing Victoria does by non-surfers, I really do struggle to outline all of the amazing initiatives succinctly, and this report is no different. So bear with me while I attempt to summarise some of the many highlights from another massive year. Firstly a big congratulations to Adam Robertson for his appointment in the role as new CEO. Adam is a great story, having come through the Surfing Victoria pathways, and will obviously bring a wealth of knowledge about this, and competitive surfing at the highest level. Adam has incredibly big shoes to fill, replacing a doyen of Surfing, in the retiring Max Wells. Early indications suggest that Adam is well on his way to bringing some fresh and exciting initiatives to the table, and continue to nurture our great organisation. To the departing Max, the organisation truly would not be in the position it is in without you, and whilst your nature is to shy away from acclaim, I encourage all members to give him a pat on the back when you see him at the next event - because we know you won’t be able to stay away Maxy! At board level we have been pleased with how this year’s business plan is serving our strategic objectives, and I personally want to thank all board members for the assistance you have afforded our staff members. Ty Sorati has settled into this role well in his first year, and has been the catalyst to what is looking to be some exciting initiatives over on Phillip Island. Watch this space. Our role as a relevant and important state sporting body has been vindicated with the announcement of Surfing Victoria being 1 of 6 organisations to roll out VicHealth’s Changing the Game program. The program is aimed at increasing female participation, and Surfing Vic’s new Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Program - Coasting should be a great way to support this, through having fun and getting social! I want to again sing the praises of our incredible Indigenous programs, and welcome a champion of these programs in Jordie Campbell to a Full Time office role. Jordie brings a fantastic enthusiasm and passion, and is a very welcome addition to the Surfing Vic family. The National Indigenous Titles again were blessed with amazing waves, and a big congratulations to Soli Bailey for taking these out. Whilst this is the flagship event, it is the other smaller education and training sessions which are seeing some really encouraging opportunities and benefits to communities and participants around the state.
Our partnerships are again a key cornerstone to our success, and I am pleased to report the relationships with other state surfing bodies, sponsors, Surfers in Suits, and the World Surf League, have led to some really beneficial outcomes. The willingness for the Surf Coast Shire to engage with us on their journey, with regards to the ‘economic value of surf industry study’, is an exciting one which will hopefully also be beneficial. On a competitive front, I am sure you have all been keeping track of the results through the new look website and the ‘Groundswell’ newsletter, with our pathways which are starting to yield results beyond our great state which excite me. Nikki continues to show she is a genuine international level surfer finishing in #9 on the Womens CT. With 6 consecutive Quarter Final appearances in the back half of the year, she has ensured we will see her again representing next year. The mature performance of her brother Joe and sparring partner Cody Robinson in the Bells trials final was a highlight for mine, with Cody the first male Victorian to take out a WSL Pro Junior event in 15 years. Not to be shown up by sister India Robinson, who was selected for the ISA world junior champs in the U/16 division as well as winning her first ever WSL Pro Junior as well. The Australian Titles saw some super representation from Victoria claiming 5 of the 12 Australian Longboard Titles, which is great to see the continued dominance in this field. The Australian Junior Titles was an outstanding showing from TeamVic, with solid results in both individual, and teams divisions. Big congratulations to Xavier Huxtable who took out the U14 Boys and the team of Joe Van Dijk and Toby Bishop who claimed the U19 Boys Allstars. As we enter Summer we are about to embark on a really busy time for Surfing here in Victoria, so make sure you check out the any one of our upcoming programs. I, along with the board, am really pleased with what Surfing Victoria has been able to achieve in this time, and am excited about the next 12 months.
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
CEO Report Surfing Victoria has experienced another exceptional year in and out of the water in 2015, with the successful running of the 54th Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. Mick Fanning claimed his fourth Bell and joins an elite group of surfers such as Kelly Slater, Mark Richards, Lisa Anderson and Gail Couper who all have at least four Bells to their name. Carissa Moore repeated her success from last year over crowd favourite Steph Gilmore. Victoria’s Nikki Van Dijk has again cemented her spot on the WSL Women’s Championship Tour after six Quarter Final finishes through the back half of the year. A big congratulations goes out to Cody Robinson and India Robinson who both won Pro Junior events in NSW throughout the year. The Australian Indigenous Community gathered again at the sacred site of Bells Beach for the fourth annual Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles. The event was taken out by up and coming junior Soli Bailey. In a first for the event, national broadcaster NITV live streamed the final day of the event and produced a documentary “I Live, I Breathe, I Surf” which can be seen at www.sbs.com.au/ondemand. The HIF Clip of the Season expanded in its third year to encompass NSW, QLD and WA with all states running regional competitions and the top 2 entrants moving through to a national final. The national winner was WA’s Lewy Finnegan & James Strickland for an incredible barrel ride who claimed the $2500 prize money. Over 2500 votes were counted across the competition. On the domestic front we also ran Victorian titles in junior, schools, open and masters, multi disciplines from short board, longboard, SUP and body board and assisted Jim Brown and his team run the kneeboards. Congratulations to all our respective state champions.
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The Victorian Longboard team again were standouts at the Australian Longboard Titles bringing home 5 Australian titles in Greg Brown (O/50’s), Emma Webb (Open Women and O/35’s) and John Lane (O/50’s) and John Ayton (O/60’s) Steve Watson took out the O/45’s in the Bodyboard. We’ve had multiple big results in our juniors this year from the Occy Grom comp, the Skull Candy Junior, the Gromsearch’s both in the state of Victoria and interstate and many more. It’s getting to a point where there’s Victorian finalists in each division and I’m really proud of those achievements, I’m proud of our high performance pathways and can’t wait to see what the future brings. A major change in 2015 was the retirement of CEO Max Wells, who spent 16 years at the helm of Surfing Victoria and over 20 years of service to the sport. Max was instrumental in the stability of Surfing Victoria and the creation of many incredible events and programs over the past 20 years. We wish Max well on the next part of his life. I would like to thank all the board, Scott, Phil, Jade, Glenn, Paul, Troy and Ashleigh for their efforts and guidance. They have all been fantastic for our sport and a fantastic support for myself in the change over. Finally, It has been a huge year for our staff. To Elley, Keira, Pete, Liam, Anthony, Jordie, Cahill, Heath and Linda I can’t thank you all enough for the support you’ve given me in the change over, you all make the office a happy place that’s great to walk into each day. We as a sport are very fortunate to have such a fantastic staff in place.
Australian Title Holders 2015 •
Emma Webb (Open Womens & O35 Women Longboard)
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John Lane (O55 Men Longboard)
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Greg Brown (O50 Men Longboard)
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John Ayton (O60 Men Longboard)
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Steve Watson (O45 Men Bodyboard)
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Xavier Huxtable (U14 Boys Shortboard)
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Joe Van Dijk & Toby Bishop (U19 Boys AllStars)
Photo Credits: Surfing Australia
Victorians on the International Stage •
Nikki Van Dijk – 1st Place Los Cabos Open of Surf QS6000
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India Robinson – 1st Place Maxum Women’s Pro Junior, Cronulla & 6th Place U16 Girls ISA World Junior Titles
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Cody Robinson – 1st Place Skullcandy Oz Grom Open Pro Junior, Lennox Head
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Emma Webb – 7th Place ISA World Stand Up Paddleboard Championships, Mexico
Photo: WSL
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
Photo: Liam Robertson
Photo: Liam Robertson
The 54th Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach was run and won with event favourite Mick Fanning (AUS) claiming his fourth Bell.
Photo: Liam Robertson
Rip Curl Pro
into everything and he trains so hard. He’s the elder statesman for the Brazilian storm and he does an impeccable job at leading them.” Carissa Moore (HAW) repeated her success from previous years over crowd favourite Steph Gilmore (AUS) to claim her third Bell.
Mick joins an elite group of surfers such as Kelly Slater, Mark Richards, Lisa Anderson and Gail Couper who all have at least four Bells to their name. Battling 2013 Bells Beach winner Adriano de Souza (BRA) for the right to ring the Bell, the two former champions delivered the closest Final in Championship Tour History.
Gilmore opened up strong in the Final, posting an excellent 8.77 for typically smooth and concise surfing, linking together a series of turns and backing it up with a 4.50 for the initial lead. The Hawaiian fought back with an 8.00 of her own to turn the heat and claim the lead, holding priority through the closing minutes and taking the win with just two waves ridden.
De Souza, the only Brazilian male to ring the bell tied with Fanning on 15.27 points each. In a tiebreak situation the highest single-wave score wins the heat, which was Fanning’s 8.17.
“It’s such an honour, I love coming down here and it’s such a magical place,” Moore said.
“Today is the first time a CT Final has ever been tied, which is radical. As elating as the win is for me I know it’s heartbreaking for Adriano,” continued Fanning. “He’s such a top bloke and he throws his heart
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“It’s just been such a beautiful experience and I feel super blessed. It’s challenging not only to regroup after a win, but you’re also competing against the best in the world so you really have to be in tip top shape.”
Photo: Kelly Cestari
Photo: Kelly Cestari
Photo: Kelly Cestari
Photo: Kirstin Sholtz
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
Rip Curl Pro Trials Bells Beach
“The whole final was wave after wave. I found it hard not to go the little ones it was that good out there”’ said Van Dijk. “It was one of the best heats of my life and it was so good to surf it with Cody. We have known each other since we were so young, and we stay together a lot so it was awesome to have a final with him”
Joe Van Dijk (Phillip Island, VIC) and Pauline Ado (France) claimed the wildcard positions into the 2015 Rip Curl Pro after taking out the Premiers Active April Challenge Trials. Facing off against close friend Cody Robinson (Jan Juc), the final saw a seesawing battle with both surfers claiming multiple high scoring rides. In the end it was Van Dijk who came out on top with a heat total of 16.10 to Robinson’s 15.63.
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In the women’s Pauline Ado used her experience at Bells Beach to take out the final coming up against some young up and coming females. Placing in second was Kobie Enright with Kirra-Belle Olsson and Zoe Clarke in third and fourth respectively. “I am stoked to get into the event. Hopefully we get good waves like we did today” said Ado.
Pioneers Day Bells Beach
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles
“I am so wrapped just to be here with all the different tribes, it didn’t really matter if I won or lost ” said an ecstatic Bailey.
Bells Beach
“I am one of the youngest guys in this comp, so I am just constantly learning off all of the guys like Russ and Pagey and Otis.”
Former Australian Pro Junior Champion, Soli Bailey (Byron Bay, NSW) has been crowned Australian Indigenous Surfing Champion at Bells Beach.
Robbie Page has again taken out the Masters Men Division for the 3rd year in a row. The former Pipe Masters Champion, showed his composure in the solid swell with a series of under the lip turns and big carves.
With multiple lay days throughout the week, the competition was finished in pumping 4-6ft waves on the final day of the event waitingperiod. The Final saw Bailey put Russell Molony (Central Coast, NSW) in a combination situation locking in the highest wave of the day, a 9.77 (out of a possible 10). Bailey scored a heat total of 17.77 (out of a possible 20) to claim the coveted title.
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“I feel blessed and I feel privileged to be able to wear the title of Australian Indigenous Masters Champion.” said Page. The Open Women’s Division was taken out by 13-year old Summer Simon (Wollongong, NSW) . Simon, locked in a heat total of 9.50 to former champion Amber Hammer’s (Currumbin, QLD) 6.76. “I’m feeling really good, it is my first time down here so I am stoked to win” she said.
Indigenous Surfing Report
year was crowned Open Men’s Champion and went on to represent the Indigenous community at the 2015 Rip Curl Pro pre-trials. The Victorian Titles was again supported by East Gippsland’s regional event the Cape Conrans Koori Surf Comp. The event continues to grow with 79 participants from all over Gippsland attending.
The Surfing Victoria Indigenous Surfing Program continues to go from strength to strength, now in its 17th year. The Woorangalook Victorian Koori Titles saw over 120 participants from across the state descend on Urquhart Bluff, a community gathering with communities including Geelong, East Gippsland, Portland, Bendigo, Shepparton, South Gippsland and Metro Melbourne. Jordie Campbell from Sandy Point for the 7th consecutive
This year a Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUPing) element was added to the program taking us inland to Shepparton as well as running programs in the Geelong region. In 2015 up to 600 Indigenous Participants have taken part in programs, camps and competitions run across the state coordinated by Anthony Hume and Jordie Campbell, Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Aquatics Officer.
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
2015 Results Vic Open Series
Toll Victorian Open Series Presented by HIF
Men’s
Women’s
1. Steve Noble 2. Jack Perry 3. Todd Rosewall 4. Nigel Muscroft
1. India Robinson 2. Sophie Fletcher 3. Piper Harrison 4. Clare Atchison
“Its good to win another state title, especially after coming so close last year” said an elated Noble. “This year I felt a bit fitter so it was nice to win because I’m not getting any younger.”
Steve Noble (Cape Paterson, VIC) has claimed his second TOLL Victorian Open Title and India Robinson (Jan Juc, VIC) took her maiden TOLL Victorian Open Women’s Title at Bells Beach in September. Noble entered the event leading the ratings and did enough to solidify his lead and claim the title four years after his previous win. Placing second in the Final, Noble finished the year on 3720 points in front of Jack Perry (Jan Juc, VIC) who finished on 3460 points. Perry was unable to make it past Round 2 at Bells Beach.
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“Any time you get to surf Bells with 3 other people in the water is special, and you can never surf this place enough” India Robinson required a solid results heading into the final event of the year and subsequently delivered placing in second behind former Open Women Champion Zoe Clarke (Jan Juc, VIC). “I am super stoked to take it out” said Robinson. “Zoe (Clarke) has been surfing really well and the waves were really fun today.” Finishing the series on 3720 points, Robinson placed above Sophie Fletcher (Phillip Island, VIC) who ended with a total of 3460 points.
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
2015 Results Vic Junior Series
Under 18 Boys 1. Joe Van Dijk 2. Henry Hutchins
Under 16 Boys 1. Tane Bowden 2. Tully Wylie
Under 14 Boys =1. Cody Jeffery =1. Xavier Huxtable
Under 18 Girls 1. Rikki Bell-Warren 2. Ella Sweeney
Under 16 Girls 1. India Robinson 2. Sophie Fletcher
Under 14 Girls 1. Arrabella Wilson 2. Ellie Harrison
Victorian Junior Series Presented by HIF
Joe van Dijk (Phillip Island) has continued his incredible run of results in 2015 taking out the Victorian State Title with a win at Jan Juc. Needing a win to take the state title, van Dijk monstered through the field racking up the highest wave score of the weekend (a 9 point ride) and the second highest heat total of the weekend (15.50 points). “This has been the most exciting state title I have been part of. It’s my last year and the last event and I had to win the event to take the title” said Joe. In the final, Van Dijk placed first over Toby Bishop (Torquay), Sam Dunlop (Phillip Island) and Jay Gladman (Point Lonsdale). The Under 18 Girls saw Rikki Bell-Warren (Bells Beach) consolidate her lead and take the state title in the solid waves at Jan Juc. Bell-Warren took out Ella Sweeney (Jan Juc) who placed in second and Izzi Rudland (Torquay) who placed in third.
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2015 Results Micro Groms Cup
Under 14 Boys 1. Xavier Huxtable 2. Codie Jeffery 3. Bohdie Williams 4. Ethan Huxtable
Under 12 Boys 1. Ethan Huxtable 2. Willis Droomer 3. Patrick Hughes 4. Charlie Mahoney
Under 10 Boys 1. Willis Droomer 2. Lucas Hickson 3. Max Adams 4. Jack Bassett
Under 14 Girls 1. Poppy Corbett 2. Ellie Harrison 3. Bella Wilson 4. Sage Goldsbury
Under 12 Girls 1. Sage Goldsbury 2. Poppy Corbet 3. Jazz Wylie 4. Elise Franzose
Under 10 Girls 1. Stella Huxtable 2. Sian Hughes 3. Abby Chapman 4. Meka Wright
SmoothStar Micro Groms Cup presented by Shapers Fins
The first ever SmoothStar Micro Groms Cup Presented by Shapers Fins was held at Ocean Grove on November 21st & 22nd. The two-day event brought together over 90 of the best Under 14 Surfers from around the country with over $1000 worth of prizes across the weekend which included $250 cash prize for both Under 14 Boys and Girls Champions.
Xavier Huxtable was in form throughout the whole weekend winning all of his heats. The in form surfer from Jan Juc took out the Under 14 Boys final with a series of huge turns to claim a heat total of 12.40 points. Placing in second was Codie Jeffery (Phillip Island, VIC) who could not find a wave with enough potential to better Huxtable’s scores. Jeffery finished on a total of 10.80 points. After a slow start to the weekend, Poppy Corbett (Phillip Island) hit her peak during the Under 14 Girls Final, tallying a heat total of 12.50 points. Placing in second was local Ellie Harrison (Barwon Heads) who finished with a heat total of 9.30 points. The SmoothStar Micro Groms Cup is presented by Shapers Fins and supported by Surfing Life Magazine, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Play it Safe by the Water – Never Surf Alone, HIF and Surfing Victoria.
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2015 Results Victorian Masters Titles
Over 35 Men 1. Nigel Muscroft 2. Tim Birnie 3. Michael Pinney 4. Shane Shepard Over 40 Men 1. Mark Walker 2. Michael Pinney 3. Andrew Hyde 4. Liam McCafferty
Victorian Masters Titles
Over 45 Men 1. Dave Matthews 2. Martin Rennhackkamp 3. Selim Dalveanp 4. Andrew Dell Over 50 Men 1. Greg Brown 2. Martin Rennhackkamp 3. Rowan Sapwell 4. Andrew Dell
Over 55 Men 1. Stephen Kay 2. Grayme Galbraith 3. Tony Reid 4. Gavin Duffy Over 60 Men 1. Alan Bounds
Six champions have been crowned at the HIF Victorian Masters Titles held at the open ocean beach break of Gunnamatta in great conditions in March. The annual event sees the some of the top masters aged surfers (over 35) in the state converge together for a day of reminiscing and surfing. The blue ribbon Over 35 Mens division saw some excellent surfing with former Australian Title holder Nigel Muscroft (Jan Juc) taking out the win with some incredible front side surfing in the peeling right handers. Mark Walker (Seaford) took out the Over 40s division in a close battle with Michael Pinney. Only .20 of a point separated the two. The over 45 Mens division saw Victorian Surfing stalwart, Dave Matthews (Jan Juc) place first in the final with a heat total of 10.46 points over Martin Rennhackkamp (Lara) on 8.87. The HIF Masters Titles is supported by Play it Safe by the Water, VicHealth, Coastalwatch PLUS and Cancer Council Sunscreen
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2015 Longboard State Champions
Under 18 Girls Morgan Griggs-Kennelly
Over 45 Men Brett Lalor
Over 65 Men Bob Smith
Open Men Rob Emlise
Over 35 Men Michael Pinney
Over 50 Men Greg Brown
Open Logger Ben Considine
Open Women Molly Powell
Over 35 Women tHeather Peck
Over 55 Men John Lane
Under 18 Logger Billy Whitton
Under 18 Boys Billy Whitton
Over 40 Men Michael Pinney
Over 60 Men Bob Smith
Over 40 Logger Greg Brown
HIF Victorian Longbard Titles
Molly Powell (Anglesea) has taken out her fourth consecutive Open Women’s Longboard title at the HIF Victorian Longboard Titles in Ocean Grove.
Locking in a heat total of 13.50, Powell placed ahead of Lucy Walsh (Pt Lonsdale) who scored a total of 8.27 points. The Open Men’s division saw first round winner, Rob Emslie (Ocean Grove) get knocked out of the competition in the second round leaving the door open for Liam Griggs-Kennelly (Aireys Inlet) to take the final. However, Emslie took the overall title by just 40 points.
With a small but clean swell on offer at the popular beach break, 15 state titles were decided with divisions ranging from Under 18 to Over 65.
The final was a close affair with Luke Lalor (Apollo Bay) eventually taking the round win with a heat total of 11.93. Placing in second was Will Cousins (Torquay) with Liam Griggs-Kennelly and Oscar Lalor (Apollo Bay) in third and fourth, leaving Griggs-Kennelly just short of the state title.
Powell, who has won the previous 3 years, continued her dominance of the Open Women’s Longboard division with a strong showing in the final.
The HIF Victorian Longboard Titles is presented by Play it Safe by the Water – Never Surf Alone and Supported by Cancer Council Suncreen, Coastalwatch.com and Surfing Victoria
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
Kneeboard Surfing Victoria State Titles
James “Pommy” Anderson has taken out the Victorian State Kneeboard Title for 2015. Pommy secured the title after his third win of the season in the 4th and final round, held at Woolamai on “The Island”. Rounds 1 and 2 were held at Rye Back Beach in February and April, and Rounds 3 and 4 were held on Phillip Island in early and late November. Once again the Titles were well attended with almost 40 kneelo’s competing during the year in the 4 rounds. With surfers coming from the west coast, peninsula, the island, and Melbourne, the State Title is a very competitive event. The club also ran the highly successful PHILLIP ISLAND KNEEBOARD PRO for the 31st year.
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The Best Kneeboarders from Australia and around the world, descended on The Island for the 64 man event. The event was a lead in the Kiama World Titles, and it was fitting that the top 3 from the Island, Albert Munoz, Chayne Simpson, and Simon Farrer were also the top 3 in the World Titles. The standard of the Island Pro continues to be as good as any event world wide. The 2016 season will kick off in February with the first round of the State Titles down on the Peninsula. To be followed by the Phillip Island Kneeboard Pro in March.
2015 Results A Grade
B Grade
1. James Anderson 2. Mark Jeffrey 3. Greg Budgen 4. Kev Ross
1. Russell Hudson 2. Gary Finger 3. Glen McLaverty 4. Peter Berkeley
HIF SUP Festival
Damian Quinlan (Highett) placed first in the Over 50 Division closely followed by Jan Wissfeld. Tiga Gilbert (Hampton) took out the Over 40 Women’s division. In the Prone division Zeb Walsh (Jan Juc) placed first in front of Jeremy Walker (Jan Juc)
The HIF SUP Festival Presented by Kieser Training and TeamUp Victoria saw picture perfect conditions in Geelong with over 30 paddlers from across the state converging on the bay side town to compete across multiple disciplines. The standout performer across the weekend was former Victorian SUP Marathon champion, Heath Meldrum (Frankston), who dominated both the Marathon and Technical race to take top honors across the weekend.
Taking out the community paddle was LeClerc Dany (Melbourne) with Paul Robson (Geelong) and Brodie Harper (Frankston) placing close behind. Placing behind Heath Meldrum in the Open Men’s Tech Race was Harry Lee (Jan Juc). Other winners in the Technical races were Michael Abdilla (Over 40 Men, Patterson Lakes), Damian Quinlan (Over 50 Men, Highett) and Tim Dettmann (Community Race, Port Melbourne)
Placing in second was Steve Ferguson (Keysbrouogh) with Simon Albery placing in third.
The Surfing divisions saw Matt Takle (Jan Juc) take out the Open Mens Division, with Chris Clarke (Mornington Peninsula, Over 40 Men), John Takle (Jan Juc, Over 50 Men) and Kenta Fergusson (Jan Juc, Juniors) claiming their respective divisions.
The Over 40 Mens division saw David Sprague (Geelong) take the win over Darren Corbett (Portarlington).
The HIF SUP Festival is Presented by Kieser Training, TeamUp Victoria and supported by CORE Boardsports, Patagonia and SUP Vic.
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HIF Clip of the Season The HIF Clip of the Season was run and won with an expanded format in the competitions third year. Expanding to include New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, the online competition allows surfers and filmers the chance to enter a one wave clip for the chance to win up the $1000 cash prize. In 2015, two clips from each state moved through to a national final with the winner claiming a $2000 prize. The Victorian round of the competition saw the combo of Sandy Ryan and Caigan Meade claim the top prize with Heidi Atkins and Emma Webb placing in second and moving through to the National Final. The National final was taken out by the Western Australian team of Lewy Finnigan and James Strickland.
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Victorian Team Titles Torquay Boardriders Club have cemented themselves as a powerhouse boardriders clubs with their 6th consecutive win at the Victorian Teams Titles presented by HIF.
“To win our sixth straight Victorian Teams Titles is really special. We had a really good turn out from our members which was great to see” said Club President Cahill Bell-Warren.
One of the most prestigious events in Victorian Surfing, the event has been running for over 30 years pitting club against club.
In the B Grade division, it was newly formed South-West Boardriders Club who came way on top over Point Lonsdale Boardriders.
The event combines three divisions, Men’s Skins, Women’s and Teams requiring all clubs to have depth in their roster to take the win. Torquay Boardriders Club was dominant throughout the whole event at their home break winning all three of the divisions in A Grade. Surfing with 2 former World Tour competitors, Troy Brooks and Nic Muscroft, Qualifying Series surfers, Cahill Bell-Warren and Jack Perry, as well as U16 Australian Team member India Robinson, the team was hard to beat on paper and in the water.
2015 Results A Grade
B Grade
1. Torquay Boardriders Club 2. 13th Beach Boardriders 3. Portland Boardriders Club 4. Peninsula Surfriders Club
1. South West Boardriders Club 2. Pt Lonsdale Boardriders Club
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
Rip Curl Grom Search Six champions have been crowned in great waves at Jan Juc today for the second stop of the Rip Curl Gromsearch presented by POSCA.
Placing in second was Tane Bowden (Jan Juc, VIC), who had a heat total of 14.60 points. Billy Harrison (Barwon Heads, VIC) was a close third on 13.83 points whilst Noah Kearney (Shelly Beach, QLD) finished in fourth. India Robinson (Jan Juc, VIC) continued her impressive run of results with a win in the 16 & Under Girls division. Only riding two waves in the final, Robinson nailed an 8.43 on her final ride to put her in front for the win.
Mikey McDonagh (Lennox Head, NSW) surfed well above his years in the 16 & under boys division taking out the win with an impressive score line of 16.93 points.
“The waves have been really good all event, it was a bit slow in our final so I was lucky to get my final wave to win it” said Robinson.
The 14 year-old surfer was on a roll throughout the day winning his Quarter Finals and Semi Finals heats on the way to the Final.
“Taking out the win today gives me a lot more confidence going to the World Titles next week”.
“The waves were super fun throughout the whole comp. The draw was really tough and this being the first year in the 16 & Under division it is definitely one of the best wins I have had” said an elated McDonagh.
In second place was Zahli Kelly (Wooloowin, QLD) on 10.14 points. Sophia Fulton (Cabarita, NSW) and Billie Melinz (Coalcliff, NSW) finished in third and fourth.
“I love coming down to Victoria, it can get pretty cold but it turned out to be nice and warm.”
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George Pittar (Under 14 Boys), Codie Jeffery (Under 12 Boys), Piper Harrsion (Under 14 Girls), and Ellie Harrison (Under 12 Girls) all took out their respective divisions.
Photo Credit: Luke Shelley / www.shellgrit.com.au
2015 Results
Drop Knee
Over 23’s
Over 45’s
1. Justin Welsh
1. Steve Watson
Open Men
2. Nath Clayton
1. Rhys Fenn 2. Guy Drerup
1. Tawa Hura 2. Adam Morrison
Under 16
Over 35’s
1. Tawa Hura
1. Steve Hartshorne 2. Corey Hannan
Bodyboard Titles
The Victorian State Bodyboard Titles were held in sunny, offshore conditions June 14 at Rye Ocean Beach. It was an early start to a crystal clear and chilly morning, the kind of cold that bites through the layers of clothes like a burn to the core of your bones. Redemption was found in the water where, once surfing, the competitors agreed they were warmer in the water than out.
Women 1. Sally Wells
As the sun rose the temperature heated up alongside the surfing action and the vibe changed to that of a summers day, a jewel in the thorn of a rugged series of fronts in the weeks prior. As the tide pulled away from the shore the waves turned from shore break dumpers to high performance bowls and ramps, both lefts and rights with the odd high-scoring tube ride to be found. Competitors came from the east, the west, the Mornington Peninsula, the Melbourne suburbs and inland to challenge each other on what was a great day for Victorian bodyboarding. The definitive highlight was fifteen-year-old grom Tawa Hura claiming both the under 16s and open men’s title. The kid was on fire and even though the lead changed a few times in the open final, the youngster’s projected aerial moves put him in the victory seat against the older and more experienced riders. The West Coast’s Justin Welsh, a multiple State dropknee champion, took out the dropknee division in what was a closely contended final. There were many big moves and smooth combinations and tube rides throughout the day. It was good to see a solid crowd of spectators and all the competitors band together to ensure a well run contest.
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
Surfers In Suits
Aloita Trip 2016 Surfers in Suits Annual Surf Trip to the Mentawai Islands departing July 12th, 2016! The polarising surfer will share tales of professional surfing from the 90s as well as take you surfing around the incredible Mentawai Islands. Based out of Aloita Resort, the accommodation is a short speedboat ride to one of the jewels of the region, Telescopes. Other waves in the region include Icelands, Scarecrows, 7-Palms and more. With only 20 spots available for next years trip positions are filling up fast! Register your interest now by emailing adam@surfingvic.com or rick@podiumsport.com.au For more information on the 2016 trip click here.
Rip Curl Pro Launch Party
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Rip Curl Pro Corporate Day
Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle Peninsula Surfriders Club have claimed back-to-back titles with a win at the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle at Phillip Island. The event was shifted to the more protected Smiths Beach due to a large swell and strong onshore winds, which provided some great rides for all clubs. One of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the country, Peninsula was stand out performer across the day with a team filled with experienced surfers. The club placed highest over all with a total point score of 5800. Leading the charge for the team was WSL Qualifying Series surfer Caiden Fowler who claimed a ‘Skin’ for the team along with some solid surfing in the Teams division. “It was pretty tense in the Teams final” said Fowler. “We were lucky enough to get through some surfers quick towards the end and everyone did their job.” “We are super stoked to go back to the National Final in Cronulla. Its
such a good environment and a really good opportunity to represent Penisnula and Victoria at a National event.” Peninsula also claimed the a Women’s division heat and were helped along by some great surfing from Georgia Fish in the Teams Division. Placing in second was relatively new club Portland Boardriders Club on 5025 points. The team was led by former Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Finalist, Adam Robertson who scored the second highest wave of the day, a 9.00 point ride in the Teams division. “We are only a small club and we are still in our infancy, but it is a great result for us and the town” said Robertson. Both Peninsula and Portland will now head to the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle National Final to be held at Cronulla on the 23rd & 24th January 2016. Placing in third overall was the hometown club Phillip Island who finished on 4850 points. In fourth place was 13th Beach Boardriders Club (4562 Points) with Torquay Boardriders Club (4474 points) and South West Boardriders Club (3874 points) in fifth and sixth respectively. SURFINGVIC.COM
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2015 GROUNDSWELL/
2015 Results Under 18 Boys 1. Xavier Huxtable 2. Josh Cammarere 3. Mickey Robinson 4. Tane Bowden
Under 18 Girls 1. India Robinson 2. Bella Wilson 3. Sophie Fletcher 4. Angelique Kefalas
Subway Surf Series India Robinson (Jan Juc) has dominated the SUBWAY© Surf Series at Jan Juc claiming both the 16 & Under and 18 & Under Girls divisions. Xavier Huxtable (Jan Juc,) took out the 18 & Under Boys whilst Jett Dickinson (St Andrews Beach) claimed the 16 & Under Boys title. With onshore winds prevailing all day, surf conditions were testing for the elite group of junior surfers, however some incredible performances shone through in the 3ft waves. “I’m really happy to get the two wins in each divisions and get the chance to go to the Surfing Australia HPC!” said an excited India Robinson. “The conditions were really bad out there, but that’s just part of competition.”
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Under 16 Boys 1. Jett Dickinson 2. Ben Walsh 3. Xavier Huxtable 4. Tully Wylie
Under 16 Girls 1. India Robinson 2. Sophie Fletcher 3. Bella Wilson 4. Sage Goldsbury
Robinson struggled in the opening half of her 18 & under Girls final, however got across the line with a 7.00-point ride in the final 5 minutes, finishing with a heat total of 10.50 points. Placing in second place was Bella Wilson (Jan Juc) on 8.80 points. Sophie Fletcher (Phillip Island) finished in third with Angelique Kefalas (Point Lonsdale) in fourth. Xavier Huxtable (Jan Juc) surfed well above his age (13 years) in the 18 & Under boys to take the win. “To win the 18’s is cool. I was just going in it for a bit of fun, and to come out with a win it gives me a lot of confidence going into Aussies (Australian Junior Surfing Titles) in December.” Placing in first, Huxtable had a heat total of 13.43 points in the final to Josh Cammarere’s (Jan Juc) 12.83 points. Placing in third was Micky Robinson (Jan Juc), with Tane Bowden (Jan Juc) in fourth.
Surfing for Girls presented by GHANDA The Surfing for Girls Program presented by GHANDA ran for its 16th consecutive year in 2015, reaching 7 locations across the Victorian Coastline. Over 250 participants were involved in the days that teach surfing and valuable water safety knowledge to females. Each participant walked away from the days with a GHANDA T-Shirt and prize pack with heaps of spot prizes at each location. The 2015 Surfing for Girls is presented by GHANDA and supported by HIF Australia, Cancer Council Sunscreen and VicHealth. SURFINGVIC.COM
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Become a Surfing Victoria member today! Benefits include: • Personal accident insurance while you surf (Australia wide).
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Surfing Victoria 2016 Events Schedule JAN 16-17
TOLL VictorianOpen Series presented by HIF Round 1
Open Shortboard
Mornington Penninsula
30-31
Wahu Surfer Groms
Micro Groms
Ocean Grove
6-7
Victorian Junior Surfing Titles presented by HIF Round 1
Junior Shortboard
Mornington Penninsula
13-14
TOLL VictorianOpen Series presented by HIF Round 2
Open Shortboard
phillip island
13-14
Woorangalook Victorian Koori Surf Titles
Specialty
Urqhart Bluff
20-21
Victorian Junior Surfing Titles presented by HIF Round 2
Junior Shortboard
phillip island
FEB
27
HIF Victorian Masters Titles
Masters Shortboard
Jan Juc
28
Volcom TCT
Junior Shortboard
Jan Juc
5-6
SUBWAY Summer Surf Series
Junior
phillip island
12-13
Victorian Body Board Titles
Body Board
Mornington Penninsula
21-22
Rip Curl Pro Trials
Shortboard
Bells Beach
24-APR 5
Rip Curl Pro
Shortboard
Bells Beach
16-17
Victorian Junior Surfing Titles presented by HIF Round 3
Junior Shortboard
JAN JUC
23-24
HIF Victorian SUP Titles
Stand Up Paddle
PT IMPOSSIBLE/SURF COAST
30-MAY 1
HIF Victorian Longboard Titles Round 1
Longboard
OCEAN GROVE
MAR
APR
MAY 6
Schools Teams Titles
Public School Teams
PHILLIP ISLAND
7-8
Scholastic Surfing Titles
Junior Shortboard
PHILLIP ISLAND
9
Independent Schools Teams Titles
Ind. School Teams
PHILLIP ISLAND
14-15
HIF Victorian Longboard Titles Round 2
Longboard
PT IMPOSSIBLE
20-22
Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles
Specialty
BELLS BEACH
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