The 2024 Australian Longboard Titles have crowned four new champions over the weekend after a day of glassy offshore conditions at Cabarita Point. Two New South Wales and two Queensland surfers claimed victories in what has been an exciting competition so far.
16-year-old Mia Waite (Noosa Heads, QLD) dominated the day, posting the highest single wave score, an 8.83, and the highest heat total of the day, 14.16 (out of a possible 20), to secure back-to-back Australian Titles.
‘I’m super glad I could defend my title. I haven’t had waves that good in a long time, super pleased with my surfing today,’ Waite said.
Lennix Currie (Tewantin, QLD) also successfully defended his 2023 title. While Tully White (Allambie Heights, NSW) was a standout in the Open Women’s division, taking home the win.
‘I’m super grateful and I can’t wait to represent Australia on the world stage at the ISA’s. I also wanted to say a massive well done to the Junior girls. I’ve never been so blown away, they’ve been incredible, ‘ White said.
Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott said: ‘We were greeted with prime longboard conditions in the three-to-four-foot range. As the tide filled in, it offered multiple scoring opportunities from the outside banks through to the inside shore break. First in the water were the elder statesmen in the Over-55 and Over-60 age divisions. The Over-40 Men also took to the water, showcasing just how competitive that division is going to be. After lunch, the Junior and Open Men and Women semifinalists hit the water in clean conditions, with big open walls allowing the surfers to display their full array of impressive longboard manoeuvres.’
In the Open Men’s division, Declan Wyton (Manly, NSW) delivered a masterclass in clean cross stepping, nose-riding and power turns, earning him a third Australian Title.
‘It’s been pumping and the standard has been super high having Josh, Archy and Clinton all in the final. Cabarita is the best spot for a competition. It is like a big amphitheater looking down – it’s great. The Juniors have been incredible they are such an inspiration. The standard is so high we’re just looking over our shoulders waiting for them to knock us out in the Opens. Very thankful to Surfing Australia for getting behind longboarding and putting on this event. This is the best Aussies I’ve been to,’ Wyton said.
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