Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club has claimed victory at the Northrn NSW leg of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Regional Series, making it their third straight regional qualifier win.
After two months of nationwide competition, the final regional qualifier saw 13 of Northern NSW’s top boardrider clubs go head-to-head, each showing incredible depth and determination. The field was stacked with former World Championship Tour surfers, rising talents, and hometown heroes, as Diggers Beach served up playful 1–2ft peelers beneath perfect sunny skies.
The day was packed with tight matchups, and the final was no exception. Coffs Harbour, LE-BA, Angourie and Kingscliff — the standout teams from start to finish — went head-to-head right until the final minute. LE-BA and Angourie were neck and neck for almost the entire heat. But with Coffs Harbour BRC sitting in third as the clock wound down, power-surfer Jayke Sharp delivered a clutch 7.67 pt ride in the dying moments, pushing his team to the top and securing the win. The victory marking Coffs Harbour’s third consecutive ABB regional qualifier victory. Madison Williams said, he never counted his team out:
“Wow, it was a nerve-racking final, but good to get it done. It just shows it’s never over till it’s over. I’m so stoked for Jayke to find that wave right at the end of the heat and give us the win. It’s always a team effort, but he’s been our anchor for years. And it’s always nice to get a win at home!”
The Jim Beam Team Spirit Award went to Coffs Harbour Boardriders, whose supporters showed up in force. Club President Carly White was proud to see the community come together today:
“It’s a privilege to host here in our hometown. Our community has really come together today, everyone’s been so passionate. The micro-groms are out in force, all dressed up and bringing incredible energy. We’ve got grandparents, siblings, cousins, the whole works down here, we can really feel the love and support of the community.”
Mikey McDonagh (LEBA Boardriders) delivered one of the day’s highlights, earning a 9.17 in the semi-final to take out the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day, showcasing flair and style on one of the best right-handers of the day.
“It feels good to string a few heats together and put up some solid scores. The first big number was my 8.83 in the opening round, but then in the semi-final I landed a 9.17, which was a bit surprising given the tricky conditions. I just kept building confidence throughout the day.
We’ve come close to victory a few times in previous years, so we’re pumped to head to Burleigh next year and try to take the win. It’s definitely a bucket-list moment, so fingers crossed!”
Finalists Angourie BRC were consistent all day, winning both their opening round and semi-final heats, with Corey Ziems delivering standout performances throughout and earning the Celsius Overall Performer Award.
The top six clubs from today’s ABB Regional Qualifier have now earned their place at the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance, set to take place at Burleigh Heads on 7–8 March 2026.
Northern NSW Qualifying Boardrider Clubs:
- Angourie BRC
- Coffs Harbour BRC
- Woolgoolga BRC
- LE-BA BRC
- Kingscliff BRC
- Boomerang BRC
Specialty Awards:
Celsius Overall Performer: Corey Ziems (Angourie BRC)
Boost Mobile Wave of the Day: Mikey McDonagh (LE-BA Boardriders)
Jim Beam Team Spirit Award: Coffs Harbour BRC
For full results, head to LiveHeats
25/26 ABB Regional Qualifier Schedule
- WA – Trigg Point – September 13, 2025
- VIC – Phillip Island – October 5, 2025
- QLD – Sunshine Coast – October 11, 2025
- SA – Fleurieu Peninsula – October 18, 2025
- TAS – Scamander – October 25,2025
- NSW South – Cronulla (new) – November 1, 2025
- NSW Central – North Narrabeen – November 8, 2025
- NSW North – Coffs Harbour – November 15, 2025
Full schedule, dates and further info: www.australianboardridersbattle.com
About the Australian Boardriders Battle
The Australian Boardriders Battle is Australia’s biggest grassroots surfing series, involving over 80 boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds before culminating in the epic Grand Final showdown. The event has been instrumental in strengthening club culture, fostering future champions, and celebrating Australia’s deep connection with surfing. The 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Regional Series is proudly supported by NRMA Insurance, ACCIONA, Jim Beam, Celsius Energy Drinks, Kennards Hire, Boost Mobile, BC™ Protein Snacks, BLACKROLL, Zuum Energy Gum and Surfers for Climate.
The 2026 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
About Australian Boardrider clubs
There are more than 250 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation’s competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next world champions.
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