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Australian Boardriders Battle (Surfing Australia)

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CULBURRA BOARDRIDERS CLUB WIN 2018 NUDIE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE FINAL IN NEWCASTLE

18/02/2018, Australia, Surfing, Surfing Australia, Article # 25830934

World Surf League

CULBURRA BOARDRIDERS CLUB WIN 2018 NUDIE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE FINAL IN NEWCASTLE
- WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPION TYLER WRIGHT JOINS HER CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO TAKE THE TITLE FOR CULBURRA
-  MEREWETHER, NORTH NARRABEEN AND NORTH SHELLY MAKE IT TO 2018 FINAL
- MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

Caption: Culburra Boardriders Club from left to right; Ty Watson, Tyler Wright, Jordin Watson, Mikey Wright and Jordan Dank.The 2018 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Champions at Newcastle Beach.   
Credit: © WSL /  Blainey Woodham


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Newcastle, NSW/AUS  (Sunday, February 18, 2018)  -  Culburra Beach Boardriders Clubhave taken out the 2018 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Final in pumping waves at Newcastle Beach. It was a family affair as Mikey and Tyler Wright teamed up with Jordin and Ty Watson along with Jordan Dank to take the ultimate bragging rights in Australian Club Surfing.
 
The club, who only formed in 2014, had been edging closer to a final berth every year at the event and looked primed in 2018 with the addition of current Women’s World Champion Tyler Wright and Brother Mikey. With only 50 seconds left, Mikey was the hero, finding a mid-range score and making it back to the beach just in time for the final to finish and to hear that the young club had just made history.
 
“This is incredible to win today – it’s so special,” Wright said. “I knew we were in good hands having Mikey out there at the end, he is such a weapon and could always get the score. Seeing him run up the beach at the end was good, he has so much passion for family and our club and that is what we needed today to get the win. Winning a World Title is obviously one of the greatest achievements, but this is more for the community and family - the hometown. I travel and compete with them in my heart but to be here today with all of them is incredible – these are the people that raised us and I couldn’t be prouder.”


Caption: The moment the winning scores were read out.   
Credit: © WSL /  Tom Bennett

 Having struggled during the teams division earlier in the day, Culburra were certain they didn’t have a chance of making the final and began to leave Newcastle. With Jordin Watson at the airport and Tyler on the Central Coast, they rushed back to the beach and prepared for the final where they came up against past champions North Narrabeen, event wildcards North Shelly and local favourites Merewether.
 
“I was down on the Central Coast not long ago and Jordy was at the airport so we were lucky to even make it back,” Wright continued.
 
Tyler’s younger brother Mikey was the star for the club taking out the skins earlier in the day then finding the winning wave in the final. Mikey couldn’t be prouder of the battle his club put up on the Final Day. Mikey Wright was also awarded the prestigious Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew medal for being the best performer of the event.
 
“As I was taking off on that wave I heard them say I had 53 seconds,” Mikey Wright said. “I knew I just needed to do two turns, then get up the beach and get into the gate. I ran through the gate and as I took a couple deep breaths I heard the countdown go three, two, one… So I was stoked to make it. Winning as team is an unreal feeling, it’s not just the surfers in the jerseys, but we had supporters, our boardriders club and the whole community back home in Culburra. Our team was almost out, but I had a good morning and made some heats, we love a fight and we never give up. Everyone played their part and I’m really proud of what we did today.”


Caption: Mikey Wright dominated the skins division in masive surf at Newcastle Beach.   
Credit: © WSL /  Ethan Smith

Culburra club President Ty Watson was the heart and soul on the Final Day, willing his team on, even when it looked like they were gone. His performance was solid and held Culburra in the race along with his brother Jordin and club-man Jordan Dank.
 
“I can’t believe we won and we didn’t even have Owen (Wright) here,” Watson said. “I spoke to him before the final and he said he was watching and supporting the team. We thought we’d be out of the event because we had a bad heat in the Tag Team yesterday. Half the team had left town, Tyler was in Avoca and my brother was at the airport when we found out that Mikey had won enough Skins heats for us to qualify for the final. Then we came here and won. It’s a great feeling.”
 
Macy Callaghan added another accolade to her increasingly impressive resume after being awarded the Layne Beachley medal for being the top female performer over the weekend, her second time being awarded this prestigious honour. Callaghan’s club North Shelly Boardriders had to settle for 4th place overall today, but the future surfing star was one of the main reasons they made a final appearance.
 
“It’s been such a great weekend!” Callaghan said. “Of course it would have been great to win the event, but our club made the final and we had a great time enjoying the event together. It’s a real honour to win this medal, I’ve looked up to Layne my whole life and it’s great to have her here watching me surf. I’m feeling great and really excited about the next couple of events we have coming up.”

Following in exactly the same trajectory to the 2016 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle, North Shelly Boardriders’ Shane Holmes managed to take out the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Award for a barrage of impressive snaps and carves over the course of the event. Holmes claimed a $500 purse as well as a bunch of Milwaukee products for his efforts.

2018 nude Australian Boardriders Battle Final Leaderboard

1    Culburra BRC - Winner
2    Merewether SRC - Runner-Up    
3    Nth Narrabeen BRC
4    North Shelley BRC
5    Snapper Rocks
6    Torquay BRC
7    Elouera BRC
8    Avoca BRC
9    Burleigh Heads BRC
10    Le Ba BRC
11    Scarborough BRC    
12    North Steyne BRC
13    Ulladulla Boardriders
14    Byron Bay BRC
15    Maroubra United BRC
16    North Shore BRC
17    Point Lookout BRC
18    Phillip Island BRC
19    Frenchmans
20    Coffs Harbour BRC
21    Margaret River BRC
22    Bondi BRC    
23    South Arm BRC

The nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL), which allows Australian WSL Championship Tour surfers (men and women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective state qualifying events as well as the national final.
 
The purpose of the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle program is to build the profile and capacity of community boardriders clubs Australia-wide.  In the past four years, Surfing Australia has invested over $600,000 into Surfing Australia affiliated boardriders clubs as part of the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle series.
 
Major sponsors of the 2017/18 series include the naming rights partner nudie and supporting sponsors Oakley, Nikon, Woolworths, Milwaukee, Destination NSW, Newcastle City Council, World Surfaris, World Surf League, mySURF.tv, XXXX Summer Bright Larger, Fox Sports, Channel 9, 2XP and Surfing Australia.
 
To find out more information, please visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com, www.worldsurfleague.com or on the Free WSL App.
 
nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series 2017/18
EVENT 1 - Gold Coast, QLD - August 26, 2017
EVENT 2 – NSW South - Kiama, NSW -  Sept 2, 2017
EVENT 3 - NSW Central - North Narrabeen, NSW - Sept 23, 2017
EVENT 4 - NSW Nth - Coffs Harbour, NSW - Oct 7, 2017
EVENT 5 - Trigg, WA - Oct 21, 2017
EVENT 6 - Fleurieu Peninsula, SA -  Nov 11, 2017
EVENT 7 - Phillip Island, VIC -  Dec 9, 2017
EVENT 8 - Clifton Beach, TAS - Dec 16, 2017
NATIONAL FINAL – Newcastle Beach, NSW – Feb 17-18, 2018
Peninsula Surfriders Club take back-to-back titles at the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle

Peninsula Surfriders Club take back-to-back titles at the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle

13/12/2015, Australia, Surfing, Surfing Australia, Article # 15584546

Peninsula Surfriders Club take back-to-back titles at the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle

Click here for Complimentary Photo Gallery Download!

Photo Gallery Includes:
Peninsula Surfriders Club (Above Photo), Caiden Fowler/Peninsula, Josh Johnson-Baxter/13th Beach, Harry Mann/Torquay, Georgia Fish/Peninsula, Carl Wright/Phillip Island, Adam Robertson/Portland, Marcus Eldridge/Portland

Photo Credit: Liam Robertson

For Immediate Release:


Cape Woolamai, VIC/AUS (Saturday 12 December 2015): Peninsula Surfriders Club have claimed back-to-back titles with a win today at the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle at Phillip Island.
 
The event was shifted to the more protected Smiths Beach due to a large swell and strong onshore winds, which provided some great rides for all clubs.
 
One of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the country, Peninsula was stand out performer across the day with a team filled with experienced surfers. The club placed highest over all with a total point score of 5800.
 
Leading the charge for the team was WSL Qualifying Series surfer Caiden Fowler who claimed a ‘Skin’ for the team along with some solid surfing in the Teams division.
 
“It was pretty tense in the Teams final” said Fowler. “We were lucky enough to get through some surfers quick towards the end and everyone did their job.”
 
“We are super stoked to go back to the National Final in Cronulla. Its such a good environment and a really good opportunity to represent Penisnula and Victoria at a National event.”
 
Peninsula also claimed the a Women’s division heat and were helped along by some great surfing from Georgia Fish in the Teams Division.
 
Placing in second was relatively new club Portland Boardriders Club on 5025 points.
 
The team was led by former Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Finalist, Adam Robertson who scored the second highest wave of the day, a 9.00 point ride in the Teams division.
 
“We are only a small club and we are still in our infancy, but it is a great result for us and the town” said Robertson.
 
“I don’t compete individually anymore, but I am proud of where I grew up and always happy to put on the jersey for Portland and represent.”
 
“Surfing is such an individual sport, that it is nice to be able to share the victories with others in the club.”
 
Both Peninsula and Portland will now head to the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle National Final to be held at Cronulla on the 23rd & 24th January 2016.
 
Placing in third overall was the hometown club Phillip Island who finished on 4850 points.
 
Phillip Island surfer Carl Wright claimed the highest wave score of the day (a 9.17) and earned the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Hack of the day, taking away a Milwaukee M12 Hammer Drill.
 
In fourth place was 13th Beach Boardriders Club (4562 Points) with Torquay Boardriders Club (4474 points) and South West Boardriders Club (3874 points) in fifth and sixth respectively.
 
Full results can be found online at www.surfingvic.com
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle Series III is the country’s biggest grassroots boardriders event series with $110,000 in prize money.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by naming rights partner Original Source and major support partners in Toyota, Nikon, Oakley, Sutherland Shire Council, the World Surf League, XXXX Summer Bright Lager, DrinkWise, Milwaukee, FCS, Surfing Life, Fox Sports, Destination NSW and Boost Mobile.
 
The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League, which allows Australian WSL World Championship Tour surfers (men and women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
 
In total $110,000 is up for grabs across the entire National Series including the National Final. There is $29,000 available across the eight State qualifying events, while $81,000 will be on offer at the National Final. The winning boardriders club will receive $20,000, while $36,000 will be split between the clubs finishing second to 20th.
 
Each club team will include one junior (Under 18) surfer, four Open age surfers, and one over 35 surfers. Each team must include one female surfer.
 
An exciting event format will see club teams battle it out in a Women’s division, five-person Teams’ division and a Skins competition.  The National Final will include a lucrative, winner-take-all Skins format across 12 heats with a $1000 jackpot in each heat. For the first time this year, the top four clubs following the Skins, Women’s and Teams events will contest a Grand Final involving a one-hour heat similar to the Teams relay format to decide the 2016 Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle champion.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle also includes a $61,000 Monster Raffle giveaway with one lucky ticket holder to drive away in a new Toyota RAV4 valued at $55,000. Other prize packs will be provided by Milwaukee, Original Source, Oakley, FCS, Nikon and Boost Mobile. The Monster Raffle is open to all Surfing Australia affiliated boardriders clubs with proceeds returning to the boardriders club community.
 
For more information on the series, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com or www.surfingvic.com
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle Schedule:
EVENT 1 - Scamander, TAS - September 19, 2015
EVENT 2 - Fleurieu Peninsula, SA - October 10, 2015
EVENT 3 - NSW Nth - Yamba, NSW - October 31, 2015
EVENT 4 - Gold Coast, QLD - November 7, 2015
EVENT 5 - NSW Central - North Narrabeen, NSW - November 14, 2015
EVENT 6 - Trigg, WA - November 21, 2015
EVENT 7 - Phillip Island, VIC - December 12, 2015
EVENT 8 - NSW Sth - Kiama, NSW - January 9, 2016
NATIONAL FINAL:  Cronulla, NSW - January 23 - 24, 2016
READ MORE
Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle to head to Phillip Island this weekend

Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle to head to Phillip Island this weekend

08/12/2015, Australia, Surfing, Surfing Australia, Article # 15460205
 

Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle to head to Phillip Island this weekend

Click here for Complimentary Photo Gallery Download!

Photo Gallery Includes:
Caiden Fowler/Peninsula (Above photo), Josh Johnson-Baxter/13th Beach, Cahill Bell-Warren/Torquay, Georgia Fish/Peninsula, Glyndyn Ringrose/Phillip Island

Photo Credit: Liam Robertson

For Immediate Release:


Cape Woolamai, VIC/AUS (Tuesday 8 December 2015): The world famous Cape Woolamai will host the top Victorian Boardriders Clubs this weekend for the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle.
 
The seventh event as part of the national series will see rivalries ignite amongst 6 Victorian Boardriders Clubs.
 
Surfing Victoria CEO, Adam Robertson, is looking forward to seeing the clubs do battle in at the powerful waves of Cape Woolamai.
 
“Boardrider clubs are the foundation of surfing in Australia and the system has produced multiple World Champions” said Robertson.
 
“Its always great to see the clubs get together in a team environment and represent their beach” Robertson continued.
 
Clubs competing on the weekend include Peninsula Surf Riders Club, Phillip Island Boardriders Club, Torquay Boardriders Club, 13th Beach Boardriders Club, Portland Boardriders Club and South West Boardriders Club.
 
The event will kick off at 8am at Cape Woolamai. Heat draws will be posted atsurfingvic.com on Thursday.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle Series III is the country’s biggest grassroots boardriders event series with $110,000 in prize money.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by naming rights partner Original Source and major support partners in Toyota, Nikon, Oakley, Sutherland Shire Council, the World Surf League, XXXX Summer Bright Lager, DrinkWise, Milwaukee, FCS, Surfing Life, Fox Sports, Destination NSW and Boost Mobile.
 
The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League, which allows Australian WSL World Championship Tour surfers (men and women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
 
In total $110,000 is up for grabs across the entire National Series including the National Final. There is $29,000 available across the eight State qualifying events, while $81,000 will be on offer at the National Final. The winning boardriders club will receive $20,000, while $36,000 will be split between the clubs finishing second to 20th.
 
Each club team will include one junior (Under 18) surfer, four Open age surfers, and one over 35 surfers. Each team must include one female surfer.
 
An exciting event format will see club teams battle it out in a Women’s division, five-person Teams’ division and a Skins competition.  The National Final will include a lucrative, winner-take-all Skins format across 12 heats with a $1000 jackpot in each heat. For the first time this year, the top four clubs following the Skins, Women’s and Teams events will contest a Grand Final involving a one-hour heat similar to the Teams relay format to decide the 2016 Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle champion.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle also includes a $61,000 Monster Raffle giveaway with one lucky ticket holder to drive away in a new Toyota RAV4 valued at $55,000. Other prize packs will be provided by Milwaukee, Original Source, Oakley, FCS, Nikon and Boost Mobile. The Monster Raffle is open to all Surfing Australia affiliated boardriders clubs with proceeds returning to the boardriders club community.
 
For more information on the series, visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com or www.surfingvic.com
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle Schedule:
EVENT 1 - Scamander, TAS - September 19, 2015
EVENT 2 - Fleurieu Peninsula, SA - October 10, 2015
EVENT 3 - NSW Nth - Yamba, NSW - October 31, 2015
EVENT 4 - Gold Coast, QLD - November 7, 2015
EVENT 5 - NSW Central - North Narrabeen, NSW - November 14, 2015
EVENT 6 - Trigg, WA - November 21, 2015
EVENT 7 - Phillip Island, VIC - December 12, 2015
EVENT 8 - NSW Sth - Kiama, NSW - January 9, 2016
NATIONAL FINAL:  Cronulla, NSW - January 23 - 24, 2016
READ MORE
Defending Champions Snapper Rocks Win Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle At Cronulla

Defending Champions Snapper Rocks Win Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle At Cronulla

25/01/2015, Australia, Surfing, Surfing Australia, Article # 7416509

World Surf League

CLICK HERE FOR TODAY'S PRESS IMAGE GALLERY

Caption: Snapper Rocks Surfriders take home the silverware once again. Credit. Surfing Aust/Duffis(Click here to download hi-res image)


Defending Champions Snapper Rocks Win Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle At Cronulla

CRONULLA BEACH (25TH January, 2015): Snapper Rocks Surfriders have won the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle for a second successive year at Cronulla.

The defending champions from Queensland were on top of the leaderboard heading into Day 2 and maintained their consistency as a series of threats fell by the wayside. Despite finishing second in the last event of the day in the teams’ relay division, Snapper had enough points to take the overall title home again.

Caption: Coffs Harbour Boardriders' Jayke Sharp was the standout surfer of the event, winning the prestigious Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew medal.  Credit. WSL/Will H-S (Click here to download hi-res image)

Coffs Harbour Boardriders will be celebrating long and hard after knocking over Snapper to win the teams’ relay division and take second place in the overall points in their 50th year celebrations. Coffs were outstanding on the final day led by Jayke Sharp. Culburra Boardriders finished third overall despite being eliminated from the teams’ relay divisionon Saturday.

The powerful Snapper Rocks lineup consisted of: Joel Parkinson, Mitch Crews, Mitch Parkinson, Reef Doig, Holly-Daze Coffey Sheldon Simkus, Quinn Bruce, Jay Phillips, Wayne Bartholomew (coach) and Lorraine Bryant (coach).

“Thanks very much for another amazing event down here,” said Snapper Rocks captain Jay Phillips. “We love coming down here, we love the locals and enjoy the atmosphere with all the clubs.

“To our team, we can’t really do it without all the great people and our top gun Joel Parkinson put on a great show for us to stay in the game.

“We don’t bring many supporters down but we come down with pride and honour and to all our supporters at home at Snapper Rocks we love them and we’re bringing it home. This is what I live for. I love club surfing.”

Caption: 2012 World Champion Joel Parkinson posting solid scores for his beloved Snapper Rocks Surfriders.  Credit. Surfing Aust/Duffis (Click here to download hi-res image)

Parkinson said the club was extremely proud to be taking home the title back to Queensland.

“It’s one thing to be Australia’s best club once, but to do it twice is something to cherish forever. See you next year for three times hopefully.”

The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is the country's biggest grassroots, boardriders event series with $120,000 in prize money. It involved Australia's best boardriders clubs in eight State qualifying rounds starting last October and culminating in this weekend’s, two-day National Final.

Each club team included one junior (Under 18) surfer, four Open age surfers, and one over 35 surfer. Each team must include one female surfer. An exciting event format had teams battle it out in a women's division, five-person teams' division and a men’s skins competition for the overall title.

North Narrabeen was expected to mount a serious challenge to Snapper, but the Sydney club was surprisingly eliminated from the first heat of the teams’ relay division in the morning and finished fourth. Avoca Boardriders also remained a major threat and could have still taken the overall title had they reached the final of the teams’ relay division but were eliminated in the semi-finals to finish fifth.

Caption: Coffs Harbour Boardriders celebrating their runner-up finish.  Credit. WSL/Will H-S (Click here to download hi-res image)

In several special awards also presented, Jayke Sharp (Coffs Harbour Boardriders) was awarded the Wayne Bartholomew Medal for the best performing male surfer at the National Final. Stacey Holt (Point Lookout Boardriders) won the Layne Beachley Medal for best performing female. Each surfer also received $1000.

Nick Squiers (Scarborough Boardriders) won the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Hack Award for the surfer who displayed the biggest and best power move and won $1500 in Milwaukee equipment and $1000.

Bondi Boardriders won the Fox Sports Patriot Award and $5000 for the club that demonstrated the most passionate spirit during the National Final after bringing a robust support crew to Cronulla complete with three-piece band.

Snapper Rocks and Coffs Harbour also won $1000 and $500 of FCS product for finishing first and second.
 
FINAL LEADERBOARD:
Snapper Rocks Boardriders 5525
Coffs Harbour Boardriders 4800
Culburra Boardriders 4262
North Narrabeen 4250
Avoca Boardriders 4174
Merewether Surfboard Club 4062
Point Lookout Boardriders 4050
Bondi Boardriders 3862
Byron Boardriders 3851
Le Ba Boardriders 3850
Scarborough Boardriders 3762
Margaret River Boardriders 3750
Kirra Surfriders 3674
South Coast Boardriders 3550
Cronulla Sharks Boardriders 3362
Philip Island Boardriders 3162
Peninsula Surfriders 3063
Burleigh Boardriders 3062
Coolum Boardriders 2750
South Arm Boardriders 2550

For full results head to www.australianboardridersbattle.com.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by naming rights partner Original Source and major support partners in Toyota, Nikon, Oakley, Boost Mobile, Sutherland Shire Council, Milwaukee, FCS, Surfing Life, and Fox Sports. The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League, which allows Australian WSL World Tour surfers (men and women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
 
In total $120,000 is up for grabs across the entire National Series including the National Final. There is $33,000 available across the eight State qualifying events, while $87,000 will be on offer at the National Final. The winning boardriders club will receive $20,000, while $42,000 will be split between the clubs finishing second to 20th.
 
About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL) organizes the annual tour of professional surf competitions and broadcasts each event live at WorldSurfLeague.com where you can experience the athleticism, drama and adventure of competitive surfing -- anywhere and anytime it’s on. The WSL sanctions and operates the following tours: the Junior Tour, Longboard Tour, the Qualifying Series (QS), the Big Wave Tour and the crown jewel of the sport, the WSL Championship Tour (CT) which determines the sport's undisputed world champions. The organization is headquartered in Santa Monica, California with Commercial Offices in New York. The offices are supported by regional centers in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America and South America.
READ MORE
Snapper Rocks’ Title Under Threat In Dramatic Day At Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle At Cronulla

Snapper Rocks’ Title Under Threat In Dramatic Day At Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle At Cronulla

24/01/2015, Australia, Surfing, Surfing Australia, Article # 7394572

World Surf League

CLICK HERE FOR TODAY'S PRESS IMAGE GALLERY

Caption: Nathan Hedge was one of the day's standout performers, pocketing plenty of points for his North Narrabeen boardriders club. Credit. WSL/Will H-S (Click here to download hi-res image)


Snapper Rocks’ Title Under Threat In Dramatic Day At Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle At Cronulla

CRONULLA/NSW (24th January, 2015) - Defending champions Snapper Rocks Surfriders are facing a major challenge to their title after a dramatic Day 1 of the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle National Final at Cronulla.

Snapper is in a fierce battle with a pack of heavyweight clubs including North Narrabeen and Merewether. The newest club at the event, Culburra Boardriders from southern NSW, is also in contention despite a day of drama for their star female surfer Tyler Wright.

Caption: Screen grab of video of Tyler Wright on the rocks in Cronulla.

In a punchy 3-4ft swell with a punishing shore break, the World No.2 put her body on the line for her club when she went left at Alley Reef, but came off and was washed over the rocks, through the chain fence and into the ocean pool. As she attempted to get her board she was forced to jump from the pool wall back into the surf, only to be washed back over the chain and into the pool again. Her brother and fellow World Surf League competitor Owen was first to reach and comfort his sister. Wright was treated by the event medical team and taken to hospital in a stable condition for precautionary checks.

The incident was part a dramatic heat where club teams of five compete in a relay-style event. Wright had earlier won her individual women’s heat to put Culburra in a strong position on the overall points ladder.

The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is the country's biggest grassroots, boardriders event series with $120,000 in prize money. It involved Australia's best boardriders clubs in eight State qualifying rounds starting last October and culminating in this weekend’s, two-day National Final.

Each club team includes one junior (Under 18) surfer, four Open age surfers, and one over 35 surfer. Each team must include one female surfer. An exciting event format has teams battle it out in a women's division, five-person teams' division and a skins competition.

Caption: Bronte Macaulay putting points on the board for Margaret River Boardriders. Credit. WSL/Will H-S (Click here to download hi-res image)

Earlier, former World Surf League World Tour competitor Nathan Hedge ensured Sydney club North Narrabeen would enter Day 2 in a strong position after winning three men’s skins heats. Hedge not only ensured his club looms as a major threat on Sunday, but also won $3000 for the club coffers.

2012 World Champion Joel Parkinson won two skins and $2000 to keep Snapper Rocks on track, while one skins win by Merewether’s Ryan Callinan and team-mate Philippa Anderson in her women’s heat has the Newcastle club in a strong position.

For full results head to www.australianboardridersbattle.com.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by naming rights partner Original Source and major support partners in Toyota, Nikon, Oakley, Boost Mobile, Sutherland Shire Council, Milwaukee, FCS, Surfing Life, and Fox Sports. The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League, which allows Australian WSL World Tour surfers (men and women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
 
In total $120,000 is up for grabs across the entire National Series including the National Final. There is $33,000 available across the eight State qualifying events, while $87,000 will be on offer at the National Final. The winning boardriders club will receive $20,000, while $42,000 will be split between the clubs finishing second to 20th.
 
About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL) organizes the annual tour of professional surf competitions and broadcasts each event live at WorldSurfLeague.com where you can experience the athleticism, drama and adventure of competitive surfing -- anywhere and anytime it’s on. The WSL sanctions and operates the following tours: the Junior Tour, Longboard Tour, the Qualifying Series (QS), the Big Wave Tour and the crown jewel of the sport, the WSL Championship Tour (CT) which determines the sport's undisputed world champions. The organization is headquartered in Santa Monica, California with Commercial Offices in New York. The offices are supported by regional centers in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America and South America.
READ MORE
RABBIT BARTHOLOMEW WARY OF THREAT TO SNAPPER ROCKS AT ORIGINAL SOURCE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE FINAL AT CRONULLA

RABBIT BARTHOLOMEW WARY OF THREAT TO SNAPPER ROCKS AT ORIGINAL SOURCE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE FINAL AT CRONULLA

23/01/2015, Australia, Surfing, Surfing Australia, Article # 7359127

World Surf League

 

Caption: Adam Melling flying high for Le-Ba Boardriders.


RABBIT BARTHOLOMEW WARY OF THREAT TO SNAPPER ROCKS AT ORIGINAL SOURCE AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE FINAL AT CRONULLA

COOLANGATTA/QLD (23rd January, 2015): Snapper Rocks Surfriders coach Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew says the incredible depth in several clubs ensures this weekend’s National Final of the Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle at Cronulla is wide open.

Snapper won last year’s inaugural title with a powerhouse team including world surfing champions Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson. But Bartholomew believes a stumble by Snapper late in the event last year when they failed to win the teams section proves the club is vulnerable against several strong clubs heading for Cronulla.

The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is the country's biggest grassroots, boardriders event series with $120,000 in prize money. It involved Australia's best boardriders clubs in eight State qualifying rounds starting last October and culminates in this weekend’s, two-day National Final starting on Saturday.

Parkinson returns for Snapper Rocks this weekend, while several clubs including Avoca Boardriders (Adrian Buchan, Matt Wilkinson), Le-Ba Boardriders (Adam Melling) and Point Lookout (Bede Durbidge) all have World Surf League (WSL) surfers in their line-up. Their depth also includes a host of Australian WSL Qualifying Series surfers plus some of Australia’s best junior surfers and several past WSL competitors. The newest club at the event, Cullburra Boardriders, which only formed last year, can call on WSL siblings Owen and Tyler Wright to fly the flag.

The action is scheduled to start at 8.30am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday. The event will be telecast live on Fox Sports 2 (from 8.30am on Saturday) and Fox Sports 5 (from10am on Sunday) plus streamed live on www.australianboardridersbattle.com.

“It’s a great honour to be the defending champion, but a lot of things have to go right over the two days,” Bartholomew said. “Even though we had a gun team last year we didn’t win the teams event, but did really well in the other disciplines.

“So this year we’re looking on improving our performances in the teams and that’s going to be crucial to winning.

“It’s just fabulous to be part of the event again. All our World Champions came through the club system and when they became World Champions they still come back and give their time. To be surfing alongside or surfing against a World Tour surfer is not only a real privilege but a great opportunity.”

Each club team will include one junior (Under 18) surfer, four Open age surfers, and one over 35 surfer. Each team must include one female surfer. An exciting event format will see teams battle it out in a Women's division, five-person Teams' division and a Skins competition.

The clubs to contest the final are:

NEW SOUTH WALES: North Narrabeen Boardriders, Merewether Surfboard Club, Le-Ba Boardriders, Byron Bay Boardriders, Culburra Boardriders, Bondi Boardriders, Cronulla Sharks Boardriders, Avoca Boardriders, Coffs Harbour Boardriders, Scarborough Boardriders 
QUEENSLAND: Snapper Rocks Surfriders, Burleigh Heads Boardriders, Coolum Boardriders, Kirra Surfriders, Point Lookout Boardriders
VICTORIA: Peninsula Surfriders, Phillip Island Boardriders
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Margaret River Boardriders
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: South Coast Boardriders
TASMANIA: South Arm Boardriders

Point Lookout Boardriders from North Stradbroke Island in Queensland also loom as a dark horse with Durbidge leading a team including QS surfers Tim Macdonald and Lincoln Taylor and gun junior Ethan Ewing.

“It’s the biggest competition in Australia for boardriders and Point Lookout wants to take it out. Our team’s raring to go and give it a good crack,” Durbidge said

“Boardriders is where it all started for me. I was actually five when I surfed my first heat so now to head down to Cronulla for the final it’s great to give something back to the club. I’m very passionate about this club and I want us to do well.”

In total $120,000 is up for grabs across the entire National Series including the National Final. There is $33,000 available across the eight State qualifying events, while $87,000 will be on offer at the National Final. The winning boardriders club will receive $20,000, while $42,000 will be split between the clubs finishing second to 20th.
 
Several special awards will also presented including the Wayne Bartholomew Medal and Layne Beachley Medal for the best performing male and female surfer at the event with the winners also receiving $1000 each; the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Hack Award to the surfer who displays the biggest and best power move, with the winner receiving $1500 in Milwaukee equipment and $1000; the Fox Sports Patriot Club Award worth $5000 to the club that demonstrates the most passionate spirit during the National Final; and the FCS Team Sponsorship worth $1000 and $500 of FCS product to the clubs finishing first and second.
 
The Original Source Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by naming rights partner Original Source and major support partners in Toyota, Nikon, Oakley, Boost Mobile, Sutherland Shire Council, Milwaukee, FCS, Surfing Life, and Fox Sports. The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League, which allows Australian WSL World Tour surfers (men and women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.
 
In total $120,000 is up for grabs across the entire National Series including the National Final. There is $33,000 available across the eight State qualifying events, while $87,000 will be on offer at the National Final. The winning boardriders club will receive $20,000, while $42,000 will be split between the clubs finishing second to 20th.
 
For more information visit www.australianboardridersbattle.com
About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL) organizes the annual tour of professional surf competitions and broadcasts each event live at WorldSurfLeague.com where you can experience the athleticism, drama and adventure of competitive surfing -- anywhere and anytime it’s on. The WSL sanctions and operates the following tours: the Junior Tour, Longboard Tour, the Qualifying Series (QS), the Big Wave Tour and the crown jewel of the sport, the WSL Championship Tour (CT) which determines the sport's undisputed world champions. The organization is headquartered in Santa Monica, California with Commercial Offices in New York. The offices are supported by regional centers in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America and South America.
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