A COLLECTION of top Australian board riders converged on North Haven from last Thursday to compete in the Hyundai High Performance Centre (HPC) Australian Surf Championships.

The competition, which has run all week, incorporates three separate events – the Australian Shortboard Titles, Australian Para-Surfing Titles, and Australian Bodyboard Titles – attracting over 300 athletes from across the country.

The event kicked off in spectacular fashion on Thursday, 1 August with the Ingenia Australian Bodyboard Titles.

Judges and spectators were treated to an impressive display as bodyboarders showcased their skills in a pulsating swell.

The North Haven Bar had eight foot waves capping and reforming on the beach break north of the break wall, providing competitors with three to four foot clean waves under an offshore wind.

Flying the flag for the North Coast were young guns Archer Thoms and Hardy Fletcher.

Thoms took out the under 16s event, while Fletcher was crowned under 14s champion.

The Shortboard Titles got underway on Saturday 3 August, with heats contested in clean two to three foot waves just north of the break wall.

North Coast surfers Sean Cummins and Kelly Mills showcased their talents in the Open Men’s division, while Damien Kelly and Dave Milner demonstrated their ability in the 35s and 45s age groups.

Kelly’s performance in his final secured him a podium finish, taking third place in the over 35s division.

Contest director Glen Elliott said the Australian Surf Championships had been a critical element in identifying top surfing talent since 1964.

“Surfing Australia provides a development pathway for up and coming surfers, with systems in place to help foster and support young talent on their journey from club level up to professional ranks,” Elliott said.

“Currently we have former Australian surfing champions competing at the Paris Olympics, including the 2023 Australian surfing champions, Ethan Ewing and Molly Picklum, who are currently making their Olympic debut,” Elliott told NOTA.

The contest director praised the picturesque setting of North Haven Beach, noting the warm hospitality of locals and the quality of the waves.

“Despite the challenging surf conditions brought about by one of the biggest east coast swells that Australia has had for the past few years we are actually quite protected here at North Haven.”

“This is probably one of the only rideable waves on the east coast of Australia at this particular point in time,” he said.

The Australian Surf Championships continue as this newspaper goes to print.

Be reading next week for a wrap up.

By Kim AMBROSE