Clean conditions forecast for Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final

Clean conditions are forecast for the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by Zambrero this weekend.

The event, to be held at Newcastle City Beach on Saturday and Sunday, will showcase some of Australia’s best surfing talent.

Contest Director Glen Elliott said: “The best juniors in the country will be going up against their ex-CT idols, which is guaranteed to be compelling viewing whether you’re watching from the beach or at home on 7plus.

“Conditions for the weekend are looking really fun. A long period east, southeast swell is forecast on Saturday with peaky waves in the 2-3ft range and light offshore winds. While a southerly change on Sunday could see the swell pick up a foot or two, just in time for the Hyundai air show.”

Defending champions, North Shelly Boardriders are hoping to clinch back-to-back titles.

North Shelly legend and Over-35 surfer, Russ Molony said: “The whole NSB team is really excited to be heading back up to Newcastle to defend our ABB title. Up until last year, we had been trying to claim a title since the inception of the series and had always just fallen short, so I feel the pressure will be different compared to previous years. The heat draw is always incredibly stacked in this event and every club who has qualified has a really deep talent pool of surfers who can potentially win the event for their team and we feel our team is talented enough to claim the club another title.”

They’re up against some tough competition including from wildcard club North Narrabeen with ex-CT surfers Davie Cathels, Laura Enever and Nathan Hedge as well as QS and Challenger Series competitors Jordy Lawler, Dylan Moffat, Jamie Thomson, Cooper Chapman, Jesse Starling and Kai Warner all set to compete.

23 clubs have qualified for the National Final with the Hyundai Trials teams event on Saturday morning to determine the 24th, and final, spot.

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle presented by Zambrero is the country’s biggest grassroots boardriders event and, since its inception 10 years ago, has injected more than $1.1 million back into local boardrider clubs.

The National Final will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network’s digital streaming platfirm, 7plus.