In an epic display of grit, talent, and hometown pride, Yallingup Boardriders Club have clinched a thrilling victory in the opening event of Series 12 of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB).
In sunny spring conditions, clean one-to-three-foot waves provided the perfect setting for this battle royale, with Yallingup’s third consecutive Hyundai ABB win cementing their position into next year’s Grand Final at Burleigh Heads, QLD, where they’ll face off against the nation’s best boardrider clubs in the ultimate showdown of surfing supremacy.
The Hyundai ABB’s signature ‘tag team’ format was in full swing, with clubs nominating their top lineup including; two open males, one open female, one over-35 master (male or female), and one under-18 junior (male or female). The combined scores from each surfer contributed to a team total, but in the end, Yallingup’s mix of experience and raw talent rose above the rest.
Yallingup’s squad of Maverick Wilson, Ruby Berry, Josh Cattlin, Zak Ogram, and Ash Farrow edged out Trigg Point in a nail-biting final that had spectators on the edge of their seats. With a team total of 30.63, Yallingup finished just 0.09 ahead of Trigg Point, in what will be remembered as a battle for the ages.
“To make the Grand Final again is epic. We had an amazing team on paper at this year’s final, but paper can’t run up hill,” laughed Yallingup President Zak Ogram. “Everyone feels we can go better than we did, so we can’t wait to get back there ”
Trigg Point Boardriders Club earned their ticket to the Grand Final with a stellar second-place finish on their home beach. Local heroes Seb Pellizon, Luke Campbell, Isi Campbell, Tim Fitzpatrick, and Jake Scott put on a show, utilising their local knowledge to post a combined total of 30.54. A clutch performance by their power surfer Campbell in the dying moments of the final sealed their qualification.
“These events are unreal and that was such a close final,” said Trigg Point’s Tim Fitzpatrick. “We’re stoked to have another crack at Burleigh, and it’s such an amazing atmosphere to be part of.”
Margaret River Boardriders Club are always a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to some powerful surfing from Andrew Sheridan, Ben Spence, Willow Hardy, Okie Fraser and Alex McGuffin, Margaret River finished in third place with a combined total of 21.80.
“We’re stoked that three WA clubs automatically qualify,” said Margaret River stalwart Andrew Sheridan. “We made the semis at the last Grand Final and we’d love to make the final next year.”
Geraldton Boardriders Club impressed throughout the day with a determined and fearless team including Mac Carter, Edel Rodden, Jake Hagan, Cruz McDonald, and Jake Molly, combining for a total of 21.50. Unfortunately, Geraldton’s power surfer was unable to catch a final wave before the siren sounded.
“We’ll definitely be applying for a wildcard for the Grand Final,” said the club representative Matt Morris. “We’ve travelled the furthest to be here and we were happy with our performance today.”
Trigg Junior Boardrider Club and Mandurah Boardriders finished firth and sixth respectively, but proved the depth of talent is spread throughout metropolitan and regional Western Australia.
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle is where Australian surfing’s heart beats the loudest. It brings together the nation’s top boardrider clubs, allowing them to showcase their depth of talent while creating a platform for future generations to thrive.
“Surfing is usually an individual sport, but the Hyundai ABB brings out a team spirit that’s incredibly special,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks. “I want to congratulate Yallingup, Trigg Point and Margaret River for qualifying for the Grand Final in 2025. We’re sure they’ll represent their club and WA with pride.”
Yallingup’s Ruby Berry took home the coveted Oakley Prizm Performer Award for her consistent performance throughout the day, and helping her club claim the win. While, Geraldton Boardriders claimed the Jim Beam Club Spirit Award for their unwavering enthusiasm and support throughout the day.
With the West sending its finest to battle it out at Burleigh Heads, one thing is certain—when it comes to boardriders supremacy, WA is not just in the fight, they’ll be in it to win it.
Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12 – Event #1 Trigg Beach Results:
1st: Yallingup Boardriders Club: 30.63 – $1,500
2nd: Trigg Point Boardriders Club: 30.54 – $1,000
3rd: Margaret River Boardriders Club: 21.80 – $500
4th: Geraldton Boardriders Club: 21.40
5th: Trigg Junior Boardriders Club
6th: Mandurah Boardriders Club
For more information, please visit australianboardridersbattle.com.
2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12:
Event 1 – ABB WA – 14th Sept – Trigg Beach, WA
Event 2 – ABB NSW North – 28th Sept – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Event 3 – ABB VIC – 6th Oct – Phillip Island, VIC
Event 4 – ABB QLD -12th Oct – Sunshine Coast, QLD
Event 5 – ABB South Aus – 19th Oct – Fleurieu Peninsula, SA
Event 6 – ABB Tas – 26th Oct – Clifton Beach, TAS
Event 7 – ABB NSW South – 2nd Nov – Wollongong, NSW
Event 8 – ABB NSW Central – 9th Nov – North Narrabeen, 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.
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