Stewart scores perfect ride on way to Hawaiian adaptive surfing title

BYRON Bay surfer Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart scored a perfect 10 on his way to another international victory at the Hawaiian Adaptive Surfing Championships.

Stewart went into the final in Honolulu full of confidence after scoring a perfect 10 point ride in his semi final.

The 60 year old competes on one leg in the kneel division and has been a driving force in helping bring adaptive surfing to the world stage.

“This event again showed why it attracts worldwide attention, with athletes from 18 nations competing and giving us all a reason to keep coming back,” Stewart said.

“We were greeted with near perfect two to four foot surf again on finals day, and I think it was the best conditions I’ve seen in my 10 years of competing here.

“I’m stoked to now take the lead in the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour leaderboard.

“A huge thanks to Joshy Bogle and the Alohilani Resort for accommodating me in the most amazing room overlooking the surf break. It really helped me read the changing swells all week.”

Stewart is a six time world adaptive surfing champion and recently secured his eighth Australian title at his home event in Byron Bay.

That result earned him a place on the Australian team, where he will be joined on the overseas tour later this year by Joel Taylor from Lennox Head.

Stewart also won the inaugural Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event in Hawaii in 2022.

That same year, he was named Male Para Surfer of the Year at the Australian Surfing Awards before being inducted into the Surfing NSW Hall of Fame last year.

He continues to advocate for the sport’s inclusion in the Paralympic Games at Brisbane in 2032 as adaptive surfing continues to grow internationally.