"I'm so proud of everyone" Huxtable reflects on huge ABB result

TORQUAY surfer Xavier Huxtable says “proud” is an understatement following Torquay Boardriders runner-up finish at the Australian Boardriders Battle National Final.

Huxtable took out the Oakley Prizm Performer award at the event and helped lead Torquay to its best competitive teams result.

“It was just huge for us and for our local community!” he said.

“For us to firstly not even be in the event, to then getting a wildcard, and then sneaking through our first heat, it was just sick!

“We built momentum through every single heat, and we kept getting better and went from strength to strength.

“We are so stoked. If someone told us at the start of the week that we’d be in it to win it, far out you’d take it. I’m so proud of everyone.”

Torquay power surfer Xavier Huxtable with a searing turn.

The local surfing club turned nearly being eliminated in the first round on Saturday at Burleigh Heads into a famous weekend for all involved.

Torquay finished fourth in its first heat, narrowly qualifying for the redemption round.

Led by the efforts of former world tour competitor Troy Brooks, the club finished atop of the field, advancing into the quarterfinals.

From then onwards, Torquay steamrolled through its heats, smashing its quarterfinal and semi-finals with high scores, setting it all up for a grandstand finish.

Huxtable (far left) with the Torquay Boardriders team.

The finale of the event was a nail-biter between Torquay, eventual winners North Shore and Mereweather.

Torquay kicked off in incredible fashion with standout surfer Tully Wylie locking in an 8.45 out of a possible 10 points.

Ellie Harrison followed with a sharp 7.28 to put Torquay out into the lead heading into the final ten minutes of the event.

However, it all came down to the final surfer, with North Shore surfer Alister Reginato locking in a 5.88 to inch them just ahead.

Huxtable was left needing a mid-range score to put Torquay back into the lead, however fell just short.

North Shore finished with 39.34, followed by Torquay on 38.19, Mereweather on 37.45, Snapper Rocks on 34.37, North End on 30.66 and Byron Bay on 23.04.

For full results, head to liveheats.com/surfingaus