The grand finale of the 2023 Australian Bodyboard Championships took place in North Haven, Port Macquarie, a location synonymous with the sport in the country.
In an environment characterized by spotless 3-4 foot offshore waves, the sea became the ideal platform for bodyboarders to display their skills as they competed for the distinguished honor of becoming the Australian champion.
According to Glen Elliott, the Director of Surfing Australia's Competition, the event was fortunate to have the finest weather conditions ever recorded for this specific category of the Australian Championships.
The bodyboarders were treated to extraordinary weather, allowing them to fully embrace the powerful peaks at North Haven," Elliott observed.
He further described the day's conditions, highlighting "robust 3-4 foot left and right peaks, accompanied by tube riding and massive flips."
The competitions for both open men and open women were mainly controlled by participants hailing from Western Australia.
The prize of $1,000 for the winner will certainly be a welcome contribution towards the extensive travel expenses involved in attending this esteemed competition.
Notable Performances
In the open women's category, Ebony Schell from Mindarie, WA, outperformed her rivals from the East Coast, clinching successive Australian Titles.
Reflecting on her experience, Schell noted:
"The atmosphere here is just wonderful, competing alongside all my friends from WA and encouraging each other. Winning this year after last year's victory only boosts my confidence. I'll certainly return to defend my title next year."
The superb conditions during the tournament were a topic of much discussion among the participants.
Kai de Legh, the winner of the open men's division and hailing from Perth, WA, remarked:
"Initially, the forecast seemed dismal, but by the second day, the waves were 3-4 feet with smooth offshore peaks, a thrilling sight."
At just 21, Kai became the youngest finalist, narrowly defeating his competitor Jimmy Leayr from Newcastle, NSW, by a slim difference of 0.3, securing the Australian Title.
In the masters' division for those over 35, Wade Boeree, originally from Western Australia but currently representing the Newcastle Bodyboard Club, won with an admirable heat total of 17.26, including a single score of 9.13.
For Wade, the competition is more about connection, stating, "I mostly enter these contests for the fellowship; these guys are like family to me, and I value the friendships I've cultivated over three decades of bodyboarding."
For everyone involved in the bodyboard category, the event extends beyond merely winning titles or accumulating points.
It represents a blend of friendship, the pure delight of surfing, and the recollection of the extraordinary waves that enabled them to compete for the esteemed title of Australian champion.
2023 Australian Bodyboard Titles | Champions
Open Men: Kai de Legh Padbury (Perth, WA)
Open Women: Ebony Schell (Mindarie, WA)
Under 18 Junior Men: Jai Taylor (Noosa, QLD)
Under 16 Cadet Open: Sunny Williams (Pacific Palms, NSW)
Under 14 Grommet Open: Archer Thoms (North Haven, NSW)
Over 35 Masters Men: Wade Boeree (Kotara, NSW)
Over 45 Men: Nathan Clark (Mentone, VIC)
Drop Knee: Jimmy Leayr (Newcastle, NSW)
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