Torquay out to take the crown

TORQUAY Boardriders are confident they can bring their top form to the Australian Boardriders Battle Victorian qualifier this weekend on Phillip Island.

Fresh off their monumental runner-up finish at the 2025 ABB National Final at Burleigh Heads, the club is primed to assert themselves against the state’s top surfing clubs.

Since its inception, the ABB series has built a reputation as one of the most exciting formats in world surfing.

The series’ unique tag-team relay format sees club teams of five — comprising open men, open women, junior, masters, and a power surfer — race the clock, with each surfer catching their scoring waves before sprinting up the beach to tag the next teammate.

Strategy, endurance, and surf skill combine to create some of the most intense and dramatic heats in competitive surfing.

Torquay last won the Victorian qualifier of the ABB in 2023, however did not make the event final in 2024.

Torquay Boardriders president Tully Wylie said the club was keen to do some damage on Phillip Island.

“We are feeling really confident regardless of us unfortunately having a different team to the national final, as Xavier [Huxtable], Ellie [Harrison] and I are away competing. Thankfully we have amazing depth in our club and I’m confident they can get the job done.

“The key to winning is consistency and managing time while scoring high.

“We have competed in a few of these, and with a few veterans in the team, we will lean on them for advice and knowledge to help us take it out.”

Other local clubs set to compete in the event include Jan Juc, 13th Beach and Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club.

The event will kick off at approximately 9am on Sunday after an 8.30am team managers meeting, with finals wrapping up by early afternoon.

Live scores can be found online via surfingvic.com/live

For the full schedule and further information, visit australianboardridersbattle.com