Fifteen of Southern NSW’s best boardrider clubs, stretching from Bondi to the Victorian border, went head-to-head at Wanda Beach over the weekend for the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Southern NSW Qualifier. In clean yet testing 2–3ft conditions, Elouera Boardriders came out on top after a day of tight battles and standout performances across the draw.
The local crowd was treated to some world-class surfing, with Scarborough, Sandon Point, and Culburra all putting on strong displays. Olympic bronze medallist and former Championship Tour surfer Owen Wright was a crowd favourite, flying the flag proudly for his hometown club of Calburra. While Lani Cairn Cross (Calburra Boardriders) also turned heads, taking out Boost Mobile Wave of the Day.
In a thrilling final showdown, Elouera Boardriders sealed the victory thanks to a clutch 6.23 from April Davey, edging out Southend Maroubra. Tye Koolis kept the pressure on with a key 5.40, while Ulladulla and North Maroubra rounded out the top four.
Glenn Pringle from Elouera Boardriders Club was thrilled with his clubs victory after a strong rebuilding period:
“It was a fantastic, very well-run event. We were so lucky with the waves and conditions holding up all day. The ABB is what builds our team and club culture, and after a period of rebuilding, it’s great to see it all coming together,”
Adding to the day’s accolades, Blake Thornton from Southend Boardriders was named Celsius Overall Performer after a string of standout heats. Johnston reflected on the effort behind his team’s run:
“I’m convinced I received this for surfing the most in the ABB qualifier,” said Johnston with a laugh. “We had to do it the hard way through the repechage, and the body’s definitely feeling it today, but a strong second place will see our club at Burleigh next year. Hands down the best team event to be a part of and watch.”
North Maroubra Boardriders brought unmatched energy and camaraderie throughout the entire event, earning them the Jim Beam Team Spirit Award.
A massive congratulations to the Elouera, Southend Maroubra, Ulladulla, North Maroubra, Scarborough, Sandon Point, Jones Beach, and Southbridge Shellharbour boardrider clubs, who finished inside the top eight and earned their place at Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance, set to take place at Burleigh Heads on 7–8 March 2026.
A huge thank you goes out to all the partners, staff, officials, and competing clubs for making the day such a success, showcasing the strength and camaraderie of NSW boardrider clubs.
25/26 ABB Regional Qualifier Schedule
- WA – Trigg Point – September 13/14, 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.
For more information, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com
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