Wildcard Clubs Announced for Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final

 Two wildcard boardrider clubs are set to shake up the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12 Grand Final on March 8-9, 2025, at Burleigh Heads, QLD.

North Shelly and Merewether will join 40 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs, who have qualified through their regional rounds, at the prestigious event where some of the world’s top athletes, including former and up-and-coming World Surf League (WSL) stars will be competing for their clubs in the quest for national glory.

North Shelly Boardriders Club secured the crown in 2022 when the final was held at Newcastle Beach, NSW. Club spokesperson, Ethan Smith said they’ll be fighting hard to win back the title from Series 11 winner and hometown heroes, Burleigh.

“With Joel Vaughan qualifying for the CT, we’ve still got Russ Moloney, Shane Holmes, Hughie Vaughan, Macy Callaghan, and our junior, Jaxon Cowan. It’s a pretty stacked team. We were left disappointed with our result at the regionals, which goes to show how competitive that central region of NSW is. To be fortunate enough to get a spot in the Grand Final and a rematch against some of these guys is a dream come true. Hopefully, everyone can get out the back a little easier, and the conditions are a bit more manageable this time.”

Tim Ryan, Team Manager for Merewether Surfboard Club, said they were stoked to earn a wildcard with the team comprising Jackson Baker, Morgan Cibilic, Ocean Lancaster, Philippa Anderson, and Jesse Adam.

“We were so stoked to get the call to let us know we had secured the wildcard for the ABB Grand Final and congrats to North Shelly for earning the other wildcard.

“We love the ABB and have never missed a final series in its 12-year history. We won the ABB in 2019 and have also had a second, four thirds, a fourth, a fifth, two sixths, and until last year, we had never finished outside the top 10. We went within a whisker of qualifying at Narrabeen with 15 surfers unavailable, and are very grateful for a second chance.

“Last year, we had our first shocker, and we hope to redeem ourselves this year at Burleigh with a full-strength team. We can’t wait to get up to Burleigh in March to do battle with Australia’s best grassroots surfboard clubs.”

Surfing Australia’s Manager of Boardrider Clubs and Judging Glen Elliott said: “Wildcard places are highly sought after because they provide clubs with a second chance to prove themselves on the national stage. North Shelly and Merewether were chosen because of their proven track records and strong line ups, which promise to shake up the competition at Burleigh. These clubs have incredible depth and talent, and we’re expecting them to challenge the favourites and raise the level of surfing on display.”

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle is the country’s biggest grassroots surfing series and involves more than 80 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs in eight state qualifying rounds, culminating in the Grand Final.

For more information, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com.

2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12:
Event 1 – ABB WA – 14th Sep – 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 – 16th Nov – 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.

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.

Image Credit: Andy Morris