Djarrk serves up amazing surf conditions for Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles

OVER three action packed days of competition and connection, the top First Nations surfers from across the country gathered for the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach/Djarrk on Wadawurrung Country.

The event which marked its 10th year at the world-famous break, wrapped up on Sunday in amazing waves, with former champion Finn Hill (Central Coast/Darkinjung, NSW) taking the Open Men’s Title while Jaz McCorquodale (Central Coast/Darkinjung, NSW) went back-to-back by winning the premier Open Women’s division.

The event which opened last Thursday included a welcome to country from Traditional Land Owner Corrina Eccles as well as a mixing of waters from all the different regions to kickstart the surfing action.

The Open Women’s division was evenly contested through the three days of competition; however Central Coast natural footer Jaz McCorquodale was the standout, showing off her powerful forehand surfing to score excellent rides during the entirety of the event.

Her two excellent scores in the Open Women’s final delivered her a second women’s title in succession as she put the final without doubt thanks to an 8.27 on the buzzer.

“There has been a hole in my heart the last few years because we haven’t been able to come down to Bells for the event,” McCorquodale said.

“I’m so glad we got some waves to showcase how amazing our culture is at surfing.”

In the Open Men’s final, Noah Munro (Nora Head, NSW) came out swinging with a 7.33 score, however Finn Hill fired back, locking in two near excellent scores thanks to some damaging manoeuvres.

“It’s such an honour to win again down here,” said Hill.

“This year was some of the best surfing I have seen at this event, every heat I was in was stacked!

“It’s really special to represent my heritage at this event and a special way to celebrate my win.”

Event organiser Jordie Campbell was thrilled with how the event played out and extended his thanks to all those involved.

“It was amazing to have all our saltwater people back on Wadawurrung country for the event,” Campbell said. “Not being able to gather for so long had affected us all, but reconnecting with each other with such amazing waves filled that gap.

“With so much young talent coming through, the future is in safe hands.”

Other event champions included Kauri Heuston-Connor (Burleigh, QLD – Junior Girls), Landen Smales (Noosa, QLD – Junior Boys & Longboard Men) and Rhys Collins (Mornington Peninsula, VIC – Masters Men) and Robbie Page (Kempsey, NSW – Elders).