Local pair ready to tackle first Aussie Titles

FOR the first time in seven years, Victoria will be represented in the Under 18 Girls division at the Australian Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Titles.

Torquay duo Willa Webb and Tulleah Close will paddle out in the national event for the very first time later this month.

The pair, who only took to the sport for the first time in March, have been training hard under the tutelage of local resident and former Australian SUP champion Emma Webb.

Both surfers competed at the Victorian SUP Titles at Point Impossible, with Willa Webb coming out on top with a 12.33 total, and Tulleah Close following on a 6.17.

Webb said she looked forward to throwing on the big V in the event.

“I’m very nervous, but very excited about it at the same time.

“I’m excited for the experience of staying there and surfing, but it will be nerve racking going up against the best people from around the country.

“It’s pretty cool to be representing the state after only a few months of practising.”

Close, who gets in the water as much as she can, said SUP riding was her favourite of the aquatic sports.

“I like it most. I love the thickness of the board and it’s easier to get waves and stand up on.”

The 2025 Australian SUP Titles will base itself out of Cape Woolami but utilise the best beaches and racing options around Phillip Island.

The event gets under way on Tuesday, October 21.

For more information, head to australiansuptitles.com