Top First Nations surfers gather for 10th Australian Titles

THE top First Nations surfers from across the country have arrived on Wadawurrung Country in anticipation of this weekend’s Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl.

More than 70 people were down at Bells Beach/Djarrak this morning (May 26) for the official opening ceremony of the tenth anniversary of the event.

The opening ceremony included a welcome to country by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corinna Eccles and a mixing of waters from the different lands representing the surfers.

Action in the water also kicks off today with Open Men and Women, Junior Boys and Girls, Masters and Longboard divisions.

Many past champions have returned for this year’s event including, Finn Hill (Central Coast, NSW), Jaz McCorquodale (Bateau Bay, NSW), Russel Molony (Central Coast, NSW), Otis Carey (Coffs Harbour, NSW), Summer Simon (Gold Coast, QLD) along with former Pipe Masters champion Robbie Page (Kempsey, NSW).

After claiming the past two Open Men’s titles, Central Coast surfer Finn Hill is hoping to claim a three peat and has his eyes set on lighting up the waves throughout the weekend.

“I’m super excited to get back down to Bells and hopefully score some really fun waves,” said Hill.

“It’s always great to surf some heats with all the crew down there and hopefully defend the title!”

Local surfers set to be throwing on the jersey for the national event include eleven-time Victorian Indigenous surfing champion Jordie Campbell (Torquay), Elly and Jessi Muir (Jan Juc) and Anthony Hume (Torquay).

Live scores, video and photos for the event can be found at www.australianindigenoussurfingtitles.com