Indigenous surfing titles winners crowned at Bells

THE AUSTRALIAN Indigenous Surfing Titles wrapped up on Sunday June 2, with two budding surfers from the New South Wales coast riding the iconic Bells swell to achieve their maiden open wins.

Finn Hill (Avoca, NSW) and Jasmine McCorquodale (Bateau Bay, NSW), who have both been long-standing participants at the event, each walked away with the honour title after scoring a heat total of 15.86 and 11.34, respectively.

Hill progressed through the draw in the last three days of the event, beating former champion Russel Molony and 2018 Masters Champion Anthony Hume before defeating 2017 winner Otis Carey (Coffs Harbour, NSW) in the final.

“I’m stoked to get the win in the Open. I came down a couple of years ago and faced Otis (Carey) in the final where he got me. I look up to him as a surfer and a person so much, I’m just happy to get the win,” Hill said.

Torquay surfer Jordie Campbell placed in equal third after being knocked out by Carey in the semi finals alongside Byron Simon (Forster, NSW).

Women’s open winner Jasmine McCorquodale drew on her previous experiences at the titles to score the top spot and be part of one of the closest finals at the event.

“I’m honestly still in shock. It was such a close final between me and Latisha (Clark), just to get the win feels awesome,” McCorquodale said.

“Everyone is so close at this event, it feels less like a competition and more like a family gathering. The vibe is amazing.”

For the full list of results, see australianindigenoussurfingtitles.com.