North End Boardriders Club has claimed victory at the Queensland leg of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Regional Series, conquering tricky conditions in a thrilling finish on the Sunshine Coast.
The one-day qualifier brought together 16 of Queensland’s best boardrider clubs, each showcasing exceptional depth and determination. The final saw the reigning national champions North Shore Boardriders, North End BRC, Snapper Rocks Surfriders, and the previous Queensland ABB Regional Series winners Noosa BRC throw down one last time, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout the heat.
Noosa came out firing early before Snapper surged ahead mid-heat. In the final minutes, North End’s power surfer Chris Zaffis led a strong push, locking in critical scores that sealed the win for his team. Zaffis’ dominant performance earned him the Celsius Overall Performer Award, recognising his pivotal role in North End’s victory.
The Jim Beam Team Spirit Award went to North Shore Boardriders, celebrated for their camaraderie and consistent sportsmanship across the event.
Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning competed at the event, proudly representing Kirra Surfriders Club and expressing gratitude to the club that supported him throughout his early surfing years.
“Kirra Boardriders has given me so much over the years, especially when I was younger,” said Fanning. “I just wanted to come down and give back to the club — there’s certainly a bit of pressure, but I had a great time representing Kirra.
Snapper Rocks Surfriders Power Surfer, Sheldon Simkus, was very happy with his clubs performance this weekend.
“After finishing fourth at Burleigh in the last grand final, we’re feeling really motivated to come back and shoot for the win, especially after qualifying here today with a good win.”
North End Team Manager Damien Healey praised his team’s determination, adding:
“A huge thanks to Surfing Australia and Surfing Queensland for putting on this event and to all the sponsors for making it happen. I’d also like to congratulate the eight qualifying teams — that final was incredibly close. It’s been a long time since North End won one, and after finishing second last year, we’re absolutely stoked to get the win. Up the North End!”
Among the standout performances was Jai Nield (Snapper Rocks Surfriders), who claimed the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day Award for his exceptional scoring ride, showcasing precision, style, and control in the challenging Sunshine Coast conditions.
The top eight clubs from the event 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.
Queensland Qualifying Boardrider Clubs:
- North End BRC
- Noosa BRC
- Snapper Rocks SRC
- North Shore BRC
- Burleigh Heads BRC
- Kawana BRC
- MNM BRC
- Coolum BRC
Specialty Awards:
Celsius Overall Performer: Chris Zaffis (North End Boardriders)
Boost Mobile Wave of the Day: Jai Nield (Snapper Rocks Surfriders)
Jim Beam Team Spirit Award: North Shore BRC
2025/26 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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