THE Australian Shortboard Titles culminated at North Haven Beach last week, an event which brought together some of the most talented surfers from across the country to compete in age categories from opens to over 60s.

Among the standout performers for NSW was Freya Prumm from Tweed Heads, who clinched the Open Women’s championship.

Dane Henry from Fingal Head emerged victorious in the Open Men’s category.

Not to be outdone by their younger counterparts, veteran NSW surfers continued to fly the flag for their state.

Rod Baldwin and Susan Levett clinched the Over 60 Men’s and Women’s titles respectively.

Levett, hailing from Manly, expressed her satisfaction with her performance.

“The waves were pumping and my heat went really well,” she said.

“I was lucky enough to crack a score over ten thanks to a really nice right and I was really stoked with that.”

Baldwin’s victory marked his fourteenth Australian surfing title.

“The competition was pretty close and pretty stressful but I got a good wave at the end and that got me over the line,” he said.

Both Levett and Baldwin are now eligible to compete at the seventh edition of the World Masters Titles to be held in El Salvador in October 2024.

Australian Surf Championships contest director Glen Elliott said the Shortboard Titles had been a “resounding success” at North Haven.

“They serve as a platform highlighting the skill, dedication and sportsmanship of surfers of all ages, reinforcing the spirit of competition and community within the surfing fraternity,” he said.

By Kim AMBROSE