Breamlea surfer wins first national title at 50

FRESH off celebrating his 50th birthday, Breamlea surfer Christian Pritchett has claimed his first national surfing title.

The powerful goofy-footer surfed to victory in the masters men division at the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles over the weekend.

Pritchett used his trademark backhand attack to take top honours at Djarrak/Bells Beach on Sunday afternoon.

More than 100 First Nations surfers competed in the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles. Photo: Elley Harrison/Surfing Victoria.

In just his third appearance at the national event, he looked right at home in the clean conditions, drawing long, committed lines across the face of the waves.

During the final, Pritchett said a wave that was “sent down from heaven” gave him the opportunity to unleash a series of turns and score an excellent 9-point ride.

He said he was thrilled to break through for his first major title.

Leihani Zoric went back-to-back in the Open Women’s and Junior Girls. Photo: Elley Harrison/Surfing Victoria.

“I am just absolutely buzzing,” Pritchett said.

“I haven’t really won anything before, so this came as a big surprise.

“I had a free hit at that wave – the 9 ride – and it just kept jacking up and giving me a chance.

“The event was just mental and it felt so good to clinch a win.”

The women’s longboard final consisted of three local surfers to the Surf Coast. Photo: Elley Harrison/Surfing Victoria.

In the open men’s division, Port Kembla’s Taj Simon secured his maiden championship after several near misses in previous years.

“Oh man, it feels so good to finally get the win,” he said. “I’ve been doing these events for quite a few years now, so to come out on top is a pretty special feeling.”

Broken Head surfer Leihani Kaloha Zoric claimed back-to-back titles in both the open women’s and junior girls divisions.

Christina Pritchett tasted the ultimate success in the Master’s Men division. Photo: Elley Harrison/Surfing Victoria.

“It felt really good to win this comp,” Zoric said. “I just wanted to have heaps of fun and enjoy the moment, and that usually brings out my best performance.

“Getting to spend the last few days with everyone has been a dream come true. They inspire me both in and out of the water, and the people are the best part of this event.”

Several local surfers also reached their respective finals, including Angela King (Torquay, masters women), Jessi Muir (Jan Juc, women’s longboard), Joe Murray (Jan Juc, men’s longboard), Charlie Chisholm (Torquay, junior boys) and Delilah Chisholm (Torquay, junior girls).