Surf Coast pair win Australian Titles

THE Surf Coast has two new Australian champions, with Matt Takle and Willa Webb returning home with the silverware from the Australian Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Titles.

Takle surfed his way to the ultimate success in the Open Men’s SUP surfing division, while Willa Webb was victorious in the Under 18 Junior Girls.

 

More than 60 competitors took part at Phillip Island last week, with surfers and marathon racers putting it all on the line for national bragging rights.

After making a plethora of Open Men’s finals at the event in recent years, Takle broke through for a triumphant victory.

Takle kicked off his final with a 7.50-point score, before putting himself well and truly out into the lead in the dying moments with an excellent 8.50 ride.

He thanked his lucky charms for a cracker wave that came to him right in the last minute.

“I was struggling out there. I got the first one but then couldn’t find much for about 10 minutes — I was out of energy.

 

“Luckily that last one came through right on the buzzer, and I just did what I had to do. I’m stoked!

“It’s been an awesome week, and Surfing Australia and Surfing Victoria have put on such a great event. Couldn’t be happier.”

Takle also made the 9ft Open Men final and finished in third place.

In her first ever Australian Titles, a mere seven months after taking to the sport, Willa Webb took home the top gong at Phillip Island.

Webb was able to oust fellow Torquay local Tulleah Close over the course of two close heats, winning on aggregate 9.17 to 8.16.

 

Jan Juc local John Takle was also able to bring home some strong results, scoring a 3rd in Over 60 Men and 4th in 9ft Over 60 Men.

For full results, head to liveheats.com/surfingaus