Tradies drop tools for surfboards at URBNSURF

LOCAL duo Ethan Huxtable and Callan Cross reigned supreme in their respective surfing divisions at the 2024 WorkSafe Tradies Challenge.

Huxtable (Jan Juc) was victorious in the Open Men’s division, while Cross (Torquay) surfed his way to another victory in the Over 35 Masters Open shortboard.

Sunday’s event at URBNSURF Melbourne saw more than 30 of the country’s best tradespeople do battle for ultimate bragging rights.

Surfers enjoyed hours of surfing in the wave lagoon, as well as competitors benefits from WorkSafe, Boardlab and Hello Sauna.

The Open Men’s division went right down to the wire, with Huxtable and Sunrise Beach surfer Isaac Markwell firing off strong scores in the final.

Huxtable scored a 7.40 for some slashing manoeuvres, but Markwell fired back with a 6.83 and a 7.07 to put himself into the lead.

With one wave remaining, Huxtable threw caution to the wind and teed up to complete a series of big forehand carves and top turns.

His score of a 6.73 was enough to see off Isaac Markwell and some last-minute heroics from his brother Joe, who scored a 7.93 at the end of the heat.

“It’s always good [to win] can’t complain! It’s at the wave pool so no matter the result it’s always going to be a good day.

“You get to surf the pool with some good mates and that’s awesome.

“It’s always cool to meet new people in the same work area and I always like talking with the boys out the back while waiting for the waves!”

The Over 35 Masters Open division was as hotly contested as expected, with Callan Cross and Ross Dart (Mount Duneed) putting on a clinical display in the perfect waves.

Cross was on fire all day and continued his momentum throughout the final.

His repertoire of strong slashing turns and speedy powerful carves on his backhand saw Cross earn a 6.43 and a 6.93 ride.

Dart finished in second after falling short of his last wave as he pulled into a deep barrel on the late takeoff.

The Open Bodyboard division was won by Hampton East surfer Ryan Jucker who spent much of the event deep in the tube.

Open Men’s:

1st – Ethan Huxtable (Jan Juc), 14.13

2nd – Isaac Markwell (Sunrise Beach), 13.90

3rd – Joe Markwell (Sunrise Beach), 12.26

4th – Lachlan Smith (Caroline Springs), 7.63

Masters (Over 35s):

1st – Callan Cross (Torquay), 13.60

2nd – Ross Dart (Mount Duneed), 11.10

3rd – Arthur McKenzie (Cowes), 10.40

4th – Max Kight (Torquay), 10.27

Open Bodyboard:

1st – Ryan Jucker (Hampton East), 17.10

2nd – Rui Mateus (Ivanhoe), 15.66

3rd – Chris Watson (Rosebud), 12.47

4th – Henry Munro (Williams Landing), 11.50

For the full results breakdown, head to surfingvic.com/live