Scott Schindler claims Gold as Team Australia takes overall Bronze at 2024 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship

Scott Schindler (Sawtell, NSW) has returned home as a World Champion after winning Gold in the Men’s Grand Masters (over 50) at the 2024 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship (WMSC). The Irukandjis team also secured the overall Bronze at the event in El Salvador. Serena Brooke (Noosa Heads, QLD) and Rod Baldwin (Copacabana, NSW) won Silver in the Women’s Masters (over 40) and Men’s Kahunas (over 60), respectively. Meanwhile, Sandra English (Budgewoi, NSW) earned her fourth WMSC medal, taking Copper in the Women’s Kahunas (over 60).

Finals Day provided ideal conditions, with some of the world’s best surfers over 40 competing for the top honours. At age 53, Schindler claimed his first World Championship title.

“To win a world title is surreal,” Schindler told Surfing Australia. “It’s a dream come true at any age and a true testament to the hard work that goes into this achievement. Winning for myself, the team, and Australia is a moment that will last forever.

“El Salvador was an amazing host, going above and beyond in its commitment to surfing. I want to thank Surfing Australia, my teammates, and the entire surfing community for their incredible support. It meant more than I can put into words.

“Finally my wife, who came on the journey too. She gave me space and time to support whatever it took. I could take time to surf, train, and focus, both mentally and physically allowing me to do whatever it took to win. And now we have experienced a world title together as a team, and that makes it even more special.”

Baldwin’s Silver completes his collection in the Kahunas division, having previously won Gold, Bronze, and Copper in past events.

“We have had a fantastic time over here in Surf City El Salvador,” Baldwin said, “We were all made feel very welcome and the facilities made available for the team was fantastic. It was a great team to be part of every one supporting each other and I have made some new great friends. Thank you again Surfing Australia for giving me the opportunity to represent Australia.”

Former CT surfer and World Title runner-up Serena Brooke scored an early 7.33 and a late 6.07 to claim Silver in the Women’s Masters Final.

“El Salvador has been amazing,” Brooke said. “I came up just short of the Gold with a Silver Medal but to represent Australia and surf in a team was awesome as this is my first ISA titles. I will definitely be back for more and looking to go that one spot better next time.

“The Irukandjis Aussie team support has been epic and to get third out of 28 countries as a team was an awesome effort. Looking forward to the next one.”

For full results please visit isasurf.org/event/2024-isa-world-masters-surfing-championship.

2024 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship – RESULTS (Australia medals)

Teams Rankings:
Gold Brazil – 4790
Silver Hawaii – 4600
Bronze Australia – 4445
Copper France – 3616

Women’s Masters (over 40)
Gold – Melanie Bartels (HAW) – 16.60
Silver – Serena Brooke (AUS) – 13.40
Bronze – Jacqueline Silva (BRA) – 12.04
Copper – Lisbeth Vindas (CRC) – 9.74

Men’s Grand Masters (over 50)
Gold – Scott Schindler (AUS) 15.50
Silver – Jojó de Olivença (BRA) -14.43
Bronze – Pablo Diaz (PUR) – 12.93
Copper – Dani Garcia (ESP) – 12.24

Women’s Kahunas (over 60)
Gold – Becky Benson (HAW) – 10.64
Silver – Roberta Borges (BRA) – 8.60
Bronze – Barbara Roettger (PUR) – 7.83
Copper – Sandra English (AUS) – 6.96

Men’s Kahunas (over 60)
Gold – Eric Graciet (FRA) – 16.23
Silver – Rodney Baldwin (AUS) 14.54
Bronze – Allen Sarlo (USA) – 11.86
Copper – Shuji Kasuya (HAW) – 8.44

Team Irukandjis Masters:

Men

• Shane Conwell (Whale Beach, NSW) – 40+
• Scott Schindler (Sawtell, NSW) – 50+
• Rod Baldwin (Copacabana, NSW) – 60+

Women

• Serena Brooke (Noosa Heads, QLD) – 40+
• Kim Wooldridge (Austinmer, NSW) – 50+
• Sandra English (Budgewoi, NSW) – 60+

About the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship
The ISA World Masters Surfing Championship returns after a decade-long hiatus, hosted at Surf City El Salvador’s iconic El Sunzal point-break. This prestigious event features surfers aged 40+ across three divisions: 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Notable past champions include seven-time WSL Champion Layne Beachley. The WMSC has been held six times between 2007 and 2013.

“The ISA’s decision to revive the World Masters Surfing Championship after more than a decade is thrilling,” Luke Madden, Surfing Australia’s Chief of Sport – Events, Participation & Community said. “Australia has an incredible depth of talent in the Masters category, largely due to our strong boardrider clubs. This event is a crucial pathway for our Australian Titles athletes, providing them a chance to compete on the world stage.”