Byron Bay once again saw outstanding Australian Pro-Adaptive Surfing Championships and Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles events transform the town.
The week of competition began on 22 March with the Parade of Nations, followed by the Buildcare Australian Para Surfing Titles on 23–24 March. The Pro-Adaptive Surfing Championships ran 22–29 March bringing together athletes from across the world, reinforcing Byron Bay’s position as a global hub for adaptive surfing.
‘The Buildcare Titles set the tone for the week, with standout performances from some of the sport’s most recognised athletes, including: Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart (AUS) – six-time world champion and event founder; and Sam Bloom (AUS) – four-time world champion and globally recognised adaptive surfer,’ said a spokesperson for the events.
‘While both athletes secured national titles earlier in the week, the transition into the BrightSky Pro highlighted the increased depth of international competition, with new champions emerging across multiple divisions.’
Surfing champions
The finals day produced standout performances across every division, with the following athletes claiming international titles: Kenjiro Ito (JPN) – Below Knee Standing; Laurie Phipps (FRA) – Below Knee Standing (Women); Naomichi Katsukura (JPN) – Above Knee Standing; Llywelyn ‘Sponge’ Williams (WAL) – Any Knee Kneeling & Upright; Victoria Feige (CAN) – Any Knee Kneeling & Upright (Women); Michael Johnson (AUS) – Sit / Waveski; Kirk Watson (AUS) – Blind / No Vision; Finn Banks (AUS) – Blind / Partial Vision Impaired; Aleli Medina (PUR) – Blind / No Vision & Blind / Partial Vision; Lee Ferrier (AUS) – Prone Assist; Annie Goldsmith (AUS) – Prone Assist (Women); Laurie Foti (GBR) – Unassisted Prone (Women); Kai Colless (AUS) – Unassisted Prone (Men); and Brendon Robson (AUS) – Open Prone.
Paralympic inclusion
‘As highlighted throughout the week, the level of performance, international participation and structured competition pathways continue to strengthen adaptive surfing’s case for Paralympic inclusion at Brisbane 2032,’ said a spokesperson.
‘The event also placed a spotlight on classification – a critical component in Paralympic progression – with international experts working alongside Australian practitioners to build capacity and ensure fair and equitable competition.
‘Beyond the results, the atmosphere across the beach reflected something larger – a sport defined by inclusion, resilience, and community, alongside elite athletic performance.
With another successful year completed, the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships continues to cement its place as a cornerstone event on the global adaptive surfing calendar.
‘As the sport builds toward future international milestones, including the Paralympic pathway, Byron Bay remains at the centre of its growth – showcasing not only world-class competition, but the future of adaptive surfing on the world stage.’
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