Seaford Boardriders go back-to-back at the Hyundai ABB South Australian qualifier

Seaford Boardriders Club claimed victory at the South Australian qualifier of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) in 2-3 foot glassy conditions at Waitpinga Beach. Seaford’s back-to-back win has secured their spot in the Grand Final at Burleigh Heads, Queensland, on March 8-9, 2025.

Shayne Forbes, Seaford Boardriders coach and captain, said: “We’re frothing. We’ve been training hard and had a solid plan of attack. Winning that first round was crucial—it really set the tone, and we went into the final with confidence.

“No one on our team scored under a 5, and everyone stepped up and played their role. Mitchell Henderson was our best surfer. It was the first time we used a junior as a power surfer, which isn’t common, but Mitchell’s such a hard worker. He’s been doing pressure training at the HPC, and it really paid off. We’re stoked to head up the coast to the Grand Final with South Coast Boardriders. We’re going to start doing some running training before we go. World Tour surfers were conked!”

South Coast BRC claimed the second Grand Final spot after a hard-fought semifinal against RoadersBRC.

Contest Director Craig Potgieter said: “It was a fantastic day, with sunny skies and exciting finishes, especially in Round 2, where South Coast narrowly edged out Roaders to make it to the final. It came down to their power surfer’s last wave.”

The Boost Wave of the Day was awarded to Seaford’s Harry Green. Mitchell Henderson took home a Dometic outdoor swag for his standout performance throughout the event, while Max Longhurst earned the Oakley Prizm Performer Award.

Seaford Boardriders also won the Jim Beam Club Spirit Award, recognised for their outstanding team camaraderie and support.

“Surfing aside, we had so many kids and supporters down there, which shows how strong our club spirit is,” Forbes said.

2024 Hyundai ABB South Australian qualifier – Final results:
1st Seaford BRC – 40.77
2nd South Coast BRC – 34.57

2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12:
Event 1 – ABB WA – 14th Sept – Trigg Beach, WA
Event 2 – ABB VIC – 6th Oct – Phillip Island, VIC 
Event 3 – ABB QLD -12th Oct – Sunshine Coast, QLD
Event 4 – ABB South Aus – 19th Oct – Fleurieu Peninsula, SA
Event 5 – ABB Tas – 26th Oct – Clifton Beach, TAS
Event 6 – ABB NSW South – 2nd Nov – Wollongong, NSW
Event 7 – ABB NSW Central – 9th Nov – North Narrabeen, NSW
Event 8 – ABB NSW North – 26th Sept – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Grand Final – 8th – 9th Mar – Burleigh Heads, QLD (entry by qualification)

About Australian Boardrider Clubs:
There are more than 230 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. 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.

Surfing Australia last year expanded the Grand Final format to include 42 boardrider clubs (previously 24) from across Australia, with more than $115, 000 in total prize money up for grabs throughout the series.

There are three specialty awards presented at each regional round: The Jim Beam Club Spirit Award, Oakley Prizm Performer Award and Boost Mobile Wave of the Day.

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series is proudly supported by naming partner Hyundai and support partners Jim Beam, ACCIONA, Ruffie Rustic Foods, BC™ Protein Snacks, Kennards Hire, Oakley, Dometic, Boost Mobile, Blackroll and Surfers for Climate.  

The Hyundai ABB Gold Coast Grand Final is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

For more information, please visit australianboardridersbattle.com.

Maia Taite from Seaford Boardriders in action. Credit: @inflightsports

Seaford Boardriders win the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle South Australian qualifier. Credit: @ashjonesmedia